Biarritz surfs the tech wave

Has France found its Silicon Valley? For four years, the exposure of the tech field has accelerated in the Basque Country and in particular in Biarritz. This summer, several events are organized to attract experts, entrepreneurs, but also tourists and local beginners.

“We have been working to develop local innovations for 30 years now“, says Christelle Rodet, municipal councilor of Biarritz in charge of the “Smart City”. The concept ? “A city that must meet the needs of the population while preserving its resources and its environment“. According to the adviser, technology is part of everyday life and must be a means of making life easier for Biarrots and Basques.

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Already in 1985, the Estia, Higher School of Advanced Industrial Technologies was created in Bidart, at the same time as the Izarbel technology park near Biarritz. Since then, seventeen buildings have emerged, hosting various activities: an incubator, a hundred companies and two incubators, three laboratories… “Today we want to promote companies that create jobs, attract talent and are anchored in the future“, adds the adviser.

Demonstrations to decentralize tech

All summer, the French Tech movement in the Basque Country, a center of 130 members created 2 years ago, promotes local start-ups at Galeries Lafayette in Biarritz. “The city is quite out of the way, so we have to redouble our innovations to attract new talent», Estimates the local French Tech. “We must support our network, which already includes 40 tech communities in France and 60 internationally.“. With “French Touch», the aim is to make passers-by aware of the activity of the tech sector in the department. “ There is a lack of notoriety and visibility for local start-ups, so that young people realize the dynamic here. You can work in a pleasant setting in Biarritz, while achieving a concrete result in your quest for meaning. The proof, since the Covid, many entrepreneurs have returned to the region, thanks to telework“.

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“I can’t stand Paris anymore, I’m disgusted with this cityexclaims Jonathan Herscovici, creator of Surfin’Bitcoin. The event, which will take place on August 25, 26 and 27 at the Biarritz casino, is the largest Bitcoin convention in Europe. It brings together the big names in the sector of the economy, the jurisdiction and the popularization of cryptocurrency. Among others, will be present the Minister of Economy of El Salvador, pioneering country in digital currency payment.

The organizer, also CEO of StackinSat, an application to buy Bitcoin, came to settle in the Basque Country four years ago. “There were few means used for the benefit of tech here. For less than five years, a dynamic has been created, in particular with the rapid and impressive development of the technopole“. The ambition this year is to democratize Bitcoin to everyone, including beginners and skeptics. The first day will be free, with games and activities to win 10,000 euros in Bitcoin. Up to 1,500 people are expected over the three days.

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Another event planned for the end of August, NFT Biarritz, which is held at the Connector, a room dedicated to business and innovation. With this day devoted to NFTs and web3, a whole week under the sign of new technologies is making its way into the South West. The appointment wants to impose itself in the calendar. Created by two brothers from Biarritz, Franck and Damien Dupont, the conference breaks with the centralization of French tech in Paris. “ We were fed up with these events which are in the capital, very select and elitist“says Franck Dupont. “In Biarritz, we created a more relaxed wave, in the sun, on vacation“.

Between round tables, conferences and documentary screenings, with distinguished guests such as the NBA and FIFA, the uninitiated will also be at the center of the day. “Several animations are set up, including a practical workshop to help visitors create their first NFT wallet or develop their first non-fungible token“, explains the organizer. “People have very strong opinions about these digital objects. They believe that it is only pollution or speculation. We want to invite them to discuss it with us and make them have a good time.“. In October, other events are planned, including raising awareness of tech for 400 high school students.