Advantages
An international, inter-school competition reserved exclusively for students at our partner-schools.
Unlike other international innovation competitions, the City’ZEN Challenge is exclusively reserved for students at our partner-schools.
This is a major advantage because it translates into a much higher probability of your project being selected for the official competition and reaching the podium at the final jury.
Two competitions in one
Do you have your own project-idea? We have a competition for you. This is our Competition Track 1.
You don’t have a project-idea? We have a competition for you too.
This is our Competition Track 2.
(Please see the FAQ section for more information.)
Multiple winners and substantial prize money
At stake, a purse of 25,000 € and 7 winning teams:
Track 1: 16,000 € and 4 winning teams
- 1st Prize: 7,500 €
- 2nd Prize: 5,000 €
- 3rd Prize: 2,500 €
- 4th Prize: 1,000 €
Track 2: 9,000 € and 3 winning teams
- 1st Prize: 5,000 €
- 2nd Prize: 2,500 €
- 3rd Prize: 1,500 €
Professional project-coaching for each finalist-team by employees of Berger-Levrault
One unique advantage of the City’ZEN Challenge which clearly sets it apart from other competitions is the project coaching services provided to each finalist-team.
From start to finish, from conception to proof of concept, your students will benefit from customized project-coaching by qualified staff designed to help each team crystallize their project and prepare for the final jury. The result of this incubation training is a ‘start-up’ experience that will help your students to not only launch their ideas but also to kick-start their careers.
International internship offers
Every year Berger-Levrault makes available to members of our finalist-teams numerous international internship opportunities (France, Spain, Canada and Morocco) with a view to developing their skills and promoting their professional outlook.
With a view to promoting their professional development, Berger-Levrault interns are given the chance to work on concrete projects with trained professionals and thus, develop important skills and gain valuable experience.
For more information concerning current internship offers, please visit this webpage.
Post-Competition: start-up incubation and commercial partnership possibilities
Following the end of each annual competition, our laureates (and sometimes non-laureates) are invited to give a ‘start-up pitch’ to senior managers of the Berger-Levrault Group with a view to winning an incubation and/or commercial partnership. Such partnerships could include various forms of support ranging from technical and logistical to commercial and financial. In any case, the goal is to help selected teams transform their projects into bona fide start-ups, and, potentially, become commercial partners with the company.
Who can apply
To be eligible to compete in the City’ZEN Challenge, you must be at least 18 years old, a student at one of our partner-schools and be officially enrolled for the 2021-2022 university year.
How to apply
You have your own project-idea.
In Track 1, student-teams propose and develop their own project-ideas.
The call for project-ideas for Track 1 is from 18 October to 29 November 2021.
You don’t have a project-idea.
In Track 2, student-teams develop the project-ideas proposed by staff and clients of Berger-Levrault.
The call for applications for Track 2 is from 18 October to 29 November 2021.
Testimonials
What students say
Thanks to this competition, I learned a lot of new skills. I learned how to manage a project from A to Z, how to design a complete application, and I also learned some new commercial skills.
Benevid - Winner of Edition 5
Simplon
We work with professionals who really put themselves in clients’ shoes and who give us very interesting feedback, especially on the business and communication aspects. It also allowed us to build up our contacts.
Take a Seat - Winner of Edition 5
Epitech
Taking part in this challenge was a very useful experience and an incredible opportunity, which we hope to extend further with Berger-Levrault.
Connect - Winner of Edition 4
EPITECH Barcelona
A great human adventure that allowed us to surpass our limits and gain self-confidence. The team spirit was essential in this competition.
Smart Bill - Winner of Edition 3
ESILV, Leonard de Vinci
We had a great experience from beginning to end. This challenge has made us grow and develop our skills, we are delighted to have participated in it.
App'Health - Winner of Edition 3
ECE Paris
