Alumni Day 2025: Talents changing the world, our alumni innovate
On the 16th of June 2025, the third edition of the Alumni Day UK celebrated the inspiring journeys of alumni who are actively contributing to the major transitions of our time – technological, ecological, and societal.
Organised by Campus France UK and the department of higher education, research and innovation of the French Embassy in the UK, the event began at the Institut Français based in London with two roundtables bringing together researchers, entrepreneurs, and recipients of French scholarship programmes, such as the Sophie Germain programme and the Entente Cordiale bursary scheme. These discussions highlighted the diversity of paths and commitments taken by graduates of French institutions that today enrich French and British research and innovation ecosystems.
Among the innovative projects presented were Bluco.ai, a start-up founded by Kourosh Francisco Shirazi, a UCL and HEC alumnus, revolutionising recruitment practices; and Neurobus, a deep tech start-up founded by Gregor Lenz, an alumnus from Sorbonne Université which operates at the intersection of neuroscience and public transportation. These initiatives exemplify the pivotal role alumni play in launching high-impact start-ups and driving Franco-British innovation.
The afternoon also included targeted bilateral meetings between alumni, encouraging new academic and professional partnerships.
The day concluded with an evening reception at the French Residence, with keynote speeches of Sébastien Bidaud, Minister Counsellor at the French Embassy, and Maddalaine Ansell, Director of Education at the British Council. Three powerful testimonies captured the transformative impact of our alumni:
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Sarah de Lagarde, ESCP alumna, shared her journey of resilience and innovation following her accident, as well as her work on AI-powered bionic technologies;
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Aziz Kaouech, EDHEC alumnus and sustainable food entrepreneur, presented his company’s work on insect-based protein production, contributing to a more environmentally responsible food model;
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Grace Vanstone-Hallam, UK Treasury official and INSP alumna, reminded us that everyone can be an agent of innovation, regardless of their field.
A friendly cocktail reception concluded this inspiring and dialogue-rich day.
A network that showcases French excellence
By celebrating the achievements of graduates from French institutions, the Alumni Day reaffirmed how the France Alumni UK network acts as a bridge between talents, institutions, and societies on both sides of the Channel. By highlighting the excellence, the spirit of innovation, and the creativity, and commitment of our alumni, we continue to strengthen the human connections that sustain Franco-British cooperation.
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