Spotlight on… Laurent Sassus, Director of Communications at Crédit Agricole du Languedoc
1. Why did Crédit Agricole du Languedoc choose to support the PINKCC Challenge 2025?
As a key player in the economic development of its region, Crédit Agricole du Languedoc is committed to becoming the leading bank in the healthcare sector—one of the top concerns of the French population.
To this end, it has created a dedicated healthcare division to support medical professionals and is taking this further by launching a new role focused on “Health & Territory” as part of the Group’s broader strategy. The goal is to promote access to care for all, improve healthcare quality, support senior citizens, and accompany all transitions toward the healthcare of tomorrow. Crédit Agricole is therefore attentive to all innovative projects that help advance cancer research and push medical progress forward.
By combining support, financing, and investment, Crédit Agricole du Languedoc positions itself as a key partner for the health actors of the future.
2. How does Crédit Agricole du Languedoc support research and innovation in healthcare in our region?
Crédit Agricole actively supports healthcare research and innovation through three key levers:
Le Village by CA Languedoc – A startup accelerator in healthcare
A true engine of innovation, the Village supports startups in the health sector (medtech, biotech, AI, etc.) by providing an environment that fosters experimentation, collaboration, and growth.
Sofilaro – Sustainable investor supporting health companies
Sofilaro, the private equity subsidiary of Crédit Agricole du Languedoc, works alongside entrepreneurs to support their long-term growth.
The Innovation Bank – Tailored financing solutions
The Innovation Bank offers a full range of financing options designed for innovative companies: seed loans, fundraising support, financial engineering, and more.
It has brought its experience to the field of health innovation and, since its creation in 2022, has financed no fewer than 40 innovative healthcare projects.
These projects have received support at all stages of maturity, but all share a common thread: guidance and, in many cases, partnerships with the regional scientific ecosystem (CHU, IRMB, Inserm, SATT) or financial support through Medvallée’s Boostinvest program, which helps Montpellier-based projects find investors.
For example, here are two early-stage projects funded:
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Occical Therapeutics, a biotech startup hosted at the CHU, where Dr. Sarah Colombani is developing a preventive treatment for diaphragmatic dysfunction.
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Diappymed, which, based on a PhD project conducted at the CHU of Montpellier, is developing a digital medical device for diabetic patients.
In a more mature segment, Crédit Agricole also supports medtech companies such as:
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Quantum Surgical, robotics for surgery, founded by Bertin Nahum;
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Cilcare, a biotech founded by three former Sanofi executives, focused on treating auditory disorders;
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Sim&Cure, which develops software for stroke treatment.
Through this financial support—starting from day one—Crédit Agricole du Languedoc contributes to keeping medtech companies in the region, creating jobs, and, for some, enabling the emergence of future healthcare champions.
3. What message would you like to share with the AI talents participating in this challenge?
We want to warmly thank and commend all the talented individuals who participated in this challenge.
Your commitment to AI represents the future of medicine: more accurate, more efficient, and faster.
The application of AI in medical imaging is a major breakthrough in improving ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment. Your contribution is invaluable in accelerating this transformation. By taking part in this initiative, you are helping to revolutionize how this disease is managed and opening up new possibilities for both patients and caregivers.
Thank you for your creativity, expertise, and dedication to healthcare innovation. Thank you for being part of those who are building the healthcare of tomorrow.
