
Why this Challenge?
Région Sud – Land of AI: a bold challenge empowering very small businesses to turn AI into practical solutions for performance and growth. Through ethical, frugal and sovereign AI, we connect TPEs with experts, training and funding to unlock data, automate tasks and scale innovation across sectors like crafts, tourism and services. Join us to test, learn and deploy responsible AI that boosts competitiveness, jobs and local impact, making the South a leading, inclusive hub for everyday, useful AI.

Our Startup Challenge

Sud Productiv’AI - AI for all serving very small and small businesses
The Startup Challenge context:
AI can help small retailers and artisans optimize inventory, personalize customer relationships, and improve daily operations. Yet many hesitate to adopt it due to limited digital skills, high perceived costs, fragmented data, and fear of complexity or loss of control. As a result, they struggle to see AI as an accessible, practical tool for their business.
What we are looking for:
All services and solutions leveraging AI to help residential economy stakeholders, such as small and medium companies (retailers and craftsmen), grow and optimize their business - customer relations, marketing, supplier relations, and more - without relying on any specific technological approach.
Selection Criteria
Proven Business Impact
Demonstrated ROI for small retailers; clear KPIs from pilots or clients
Ease of Adoption
Setup in days, no/low‑code, training and support for non‑experts
Data Protection & Ethics
GDPR and AI act‑compliant, privacy‑by‑design, explainable models, bias control
Affordable & Sustainable
Transparent pricing, low total cost, measurable payback within 12 months
Interoperability & Scale
Connects to POS/CRM/e‑commerce; scalable from solo shops to small chains
Rewards
Timeline
FAQ
Who can apply?
Can I apply for more than one Startup Challenge/Award?
What is the difference between a Startup Challenge and an Award?
Is applying for an Award or Startup Challenge free?







