These are busy times for Magali Alix-Toupé, the ex-community lead of La French Tech in Le Mans. Two months ago, she took on the role of the CEO of XMOBILITY, a brand-new innovation hub dedicated to driving developments in the New Mobility and Energy sectors, that is set to open its doors this November.
Located right across from the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race track, the hub is housed in an old factory currently undergoing renovations. The sprawling 4,200 m² space will contain state-of-the-art facilities including an 800 m² shared and equipped factory for building and testing prototypes, 30 secure private workshops, and a workshop area featuring a materials library, experience lab, and electronic and mechanical workshops. Additionally, the hub offers office spaces, an events and conference area, a coworking zone, and a dedicated social space where everyone interested in the future of mobility (researchers, entrepreneurs, corporations, politicians etc.), can meet and mix.
I spoke to Alix-Toupé to find out more about the hub and how she plans to turn it into a major driving force behind the future of mobility.
Q: Why was Le Mans considered the best place to launch a mobility accelerator?
MAT: Le Mans, home to the iconic 24-hour race circuit established over a century ago, is renowned for its innovation and motorsport heritage. It's the only place where automobile manufacturers can test their new prototypes for endurance over a 24-hour period, pushing their vehicles and equipment to the limit. With the Automobile Club de l’Ouest as one of our investors and the organizer of the World Endurance Championship (WEC), Le Mans was a natural and relevant choice for establishing XMOBILITY.
Q: What are the primary objectives behind building the XMOBILITY hub?
