The 10th edition of Imagine Summit, held in Rennes, highlighted the maturity of the Breton ecosystem, a pioneer in corporate social responsibility (CSR).
The tenth edition of Imagine Summit, which took place on December 4, 2025 at the Couvent des Jacobins in Rennes, brought together 1,500 participants and firmly established its status as a major innovation event. Co-organized by Le Poool x La French Tech Rennes St-Malo, Inria, and Destination Rennes, the event showcased a strong ambition: to make Brittany a pioneering region combining impact, performance, and purpose. Beyond the success in attendance, this anniversary edition was marked by the presentation of a new study that assesses the advancement of local companies in terms of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
A mature ecosystem focused on action
Despite a complex national economic context, the event was characterized by optimism and lucidity. Different actors, from startups to researchers to public decision-makers, shared a forward-thinking vision centered on action. “This year, we wanted an optimistic edition, and we got it. Despite the difficulties, entrepreneurs are present and remain as numerous as ever to launch, reinvent, transform,” highlighted Daniel Gergès, General Director of Le Poool x La French Tech Rennes St-Malo.
This dynamism reflects the maturity achieved by the region over the years. “When we look at the innovation density of the region, the strength of our historical sectors, the growth of the industry, the academic excellence […], we realize that French Tech Rennes St-Malo is now a leading ecosystem nationally and in Europe,” continued Daniel Gergès. The presence of high-level speakers such as mathematician Cédric Villani and entrepreneur Tariq Krim further reinforced the summit’s strategic positioning.
Three startups awarded for their impactful innovations
A concrete illustration of this “desirable innovation,” the Trophy of New Ideas, organized by Crédit Mutuel de Bretagne, recognized three regional startups for their promising solutions.
Sobri’O was distinguished in the “Ecological Solutions” category for its connected device capable of eliminating drinking water wastage while waiting for hot water, saving up to 10,000 liters per household per year.
In the “Durable Materials” category, Greenfib was awarded for its 100% bio-based and recyclable material, a sustainable alternative to petrochemical plastics.
Finally, HIT Mag won the “Eco-technology” prize for its new generation of permanent magnets without rare earths, a major innovation for large-scale industrial production.
CSR, a Breton lead supported by data
The highlight of the event was the publication of the initial results of a study on the CSR maturity of startups in Ille-et-Vilaine. Led by Le Poool using the artificial intelligence tool of startup 2050analytics, this comparative analysis is a first for a French Tech ecosystem.
The figures speak for themselves: 52% of local startups display at least one CSR initiative on their website, compared to only 38% nationwide. The trend is confirmed for SMEs, with an engagement rate of 53% in Brittany compared to 43% nationally, placing the region at the forefront of France. The commitment is even more pronounced for impact startups, with 74% engaged in the territory, compared to 57% on average in France. “Our analysis reveals clearly that Brittany is among the most advanced regions in terms of CSR maturity,” stated Tanguy du Mesnil, co-founder and CEO of 2050 Analytics.
Digital sobriety, the next challenge for the ecosystem
Far from any triumphalism, the study also identified clear areas for progress. The main challenge for the years to come concerns digital sobriety. Despite having recognized experts in the region, the subject remains a blind spot for many technology companies. The study reveals that only 21% of companies in the AI and cybersecurity sectors position themselves on carbon neutrality. Likewise, the local digital sector lags behind in biodiversity and circular economy themes. These data, from a self-assessment of the ecosystem, should guide future support actions. The full results of the study, scheduled for publication in February 2026, are expected to further refine this roadmap.
The Imagine Summit event website (https://www.imagine-summit.tech/fr) offers information on this 10th edition.
