With over a decade of experience in communications, venture capital, and entrepreneurship, Alexandra André now heads La French Tech Grand Paris (FTGP). Tasked with uniting and empowering the Paris region’s tech players, she’s spent the past year championing initiatives that bridge startups, corporates, and investors in unprecedented ways.
We sat down with her to talk about FTGP’s mission, the newly launched AI Track, and their ambitions to position Paris as a global innovation hub.
AI in the Spotlight: FTGP’s New Track for Startups and Corporates
With the national AI Action Summit (February 10–11) around the corner and the recent publication of a comprehensive white paper on AI’s role in large enterprises, La French Tech Grand Paris is putting AI at the forefront of its agenda.
The association’s new AI Track initiative aims to strengthen the entire AI ecosystem in Île-de-France by fostering collaboration and innovation among startups, scale-ups, corporates, public institutions, research centers, and investors.
Developed in partnership with Hub FranceIA, the program combines the technical expertise of the Hub with FTGP’s business development focus.
Alexandra André explains: “AI is reshaping industries worldwide, and Paris has all the ingredients to lead this revolution. Through the AI Track, we’re helping startups connect with corporates, scale faster, and overcome common barriers, whether it’s accessing data, navigating regulations, or securing investment.”
The AI Track’s aim is to address some of the most pressing challenges in the AI ecosystem while fostering collaboration between startups, corporates, venture capitalists, public services, and research institutions in Île-de-France and helping them to form mutually beneficial partnerships.
It focuses on addressing talent shortages, improving access to data, supporting job creation, safeguarding France’s AI sovereignty, fostering collaborations between organizations of all sizes, and building trust with investors to encourage sustainable, long-term support for AI startups.
With its first working groups already launched, 40 startups are actively engaging in discussions on critical issues such as employment, data accessibility, and scaling AI responsibly. “This isn’t just about discussing challenges—it’s about creating actionable solutions that benefit everyone,” says André. “We’re leveraging Paris’s incredible talent pool and business ecosystem to make meaningful progress in AI innovation. Our goal is also to demystify AI and help businesses of all sizes embrace it responsibly.”
Je choisis la French Tech: Doubling Startup Revenues by 2027
FTGP isn’t just focused on AI. One of FTGP’s other standout initiatives is “Je choisis la French Tech,” a national program piloted by La Mission French Tech. Launched in 2023, it aims to encourage private and public sector organizations to work with French startups, doubling their procurement budgets by 2027.
The program supports digital, technological, and ecological transformation by connecting startups with buyers from both sectors and helping startups boost their revenues for greater impact and resilience. To date, 500 companies have joined the program, including eight major French corporates—ADP, AXA, BPCE, CMA CGM, EDF, Française des Jeux, Orange, and SNCF—who have committed €685 million toward startup solutions by mid-2026.
More than 80 partners, including public institutions, professional federations, and French Tech communities, are also involved in scaling the initiative across the country.
The program tackles all aspects of the procurement process, from commercial matchmaking to tailored introductions and highlighting innovative solutions.
While the program has seen success, tracking its long-term impact remains a challenge. André says:
“We need better systems to measure outcomes, but programs like this are crucial for breaking down silos and fostering partnerships.”
Building Bridges: Startups, Corporates, and the Power of Collaboration
FTGP’s mission to unite the Paris region’s tech ecosystem extends beyond AI and procurement. The organization also hosts networking events, mastermind sessions, and after-work gatherings to create opportunities for startups to connect with potential clients, investors, and peers.
One such example is FTGP’s business development programs, designed to foster partnerships and provide startups with the resources they need to grow.
“For startups, I think of La French Tech Grand Paris as a kind of network accelerator,” André explains. “We’re here to open doors, offer advice, and create opportunities to help startups thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.”
Inclusivity and Diversity: A Personal Mission
Beyond innovation and collaboration, André is passionate about making the tech ecosystem more inclusive. She’s particularly focused on empowering underrepresented groups, including older workers and individuals with disabilities.
“Inclusion isn’t just a buzzword. Too many talented individuals—especially those over 50—are sidelined in this industry. It’s heartbreaking to see experience and expertise undervalued. We need to change that.”
FTGP is working to ensure diversity and inclusion are central to its programs, making the Paris tech scene a model for equity in innovation.
Scaling Ambitions: What’s Next for FTGP?
With just four full-time employees and an ambitious roadmap, FTGP has its sights set on expanding its reach and impact. André hopes to onboard more members, secure additional funding, and foster greater collaboration across the broader French Tech ecosystem.“It’s time for everyone—startups, corporates, investors—to stop working in silos. We need to pool resources, share knowledge, and build something bigger together. That’s the only way to truly unlock the potential of French innovation.”
La French Tech Grand Paris
La French Tech Grand Paris is one of 17 official French Tech Capitals. Its mission is to unite and support the Paris region’s tech ecosystem, including startups, investors, corporates, and public institutions. With over 350 members, FTGP offers networking opportunities, business development programs, and resources to help its community thrive.
From AI innovation to fostering inclusivity, FTGP is leading the charge to make Paris a global tech powerhouse.
Learn more about FTGP’s initiatives and the upcoming AI Action here: https://www.frenchtech-grandparis.com/
