Renaud Champion: A Major Loss for Technology and Innovation

The technology community mourns the loss of Renaud Champion, an eminent figure in artificial intelligence and robotics, who died on Thursday September 14, 2023 at the age of 49. His departure leaves a huge void not only in his family, alongside his wife Audrey and his children Jules, Zoë and Ève, but also among his many collaborators and admirers from around the world. Renaud Champion will remain a model of success, combining technical expertise and ethical leadership.

An Exceptional Course

A graduate of CentraleSupelec and the University of Michigan, Renaud Champion has built a remarkable career from the start. His time at BNP Paribas, where he created a cutting-edge simulation system for the banking sector, marked the start of a trajectory oriented towards artificial intelligence and robotics. In 2010, he co-founded Robolution Capital with Bruno Bonnell, the first European fund specializing in robotics, supporting innovative companies such as Exotec.

Primnext: The Avant-garde of AI and Robotics

As CEO of Primnext, Renaud Champion has been a key architect in the development of cutting-edge technologies in artificial intelligence and robotics. The company has distinguished itself for its innovations in autonomous systems and intelligent solutions for various industrial sectors. Under his leadership, Primnext played a crucial role in creating advanced technologies that redefined industry standards.

A Visionary of AI and Robotics

Since 2006, Renaud Champion has distinguished himself by his interest in deep learning and robotics, actively contributing to their early growth. Its “France Robot Initiative” report for the French government in 2010 was a key step in defining national strategies in these growing areas. His leadership within the IEEE and the European Commission was crucial for the drafting of the Ethics Charter for Intelligent and Autonomous Systems, as well as for the strategic direction of euRobotics and the European Data-Robotics Association- AI.

A Legacy of Values ​​and Ethics

Renaud Champion was recognized for his ethical commitment and professional integrity. He played an essential role in education and training in artificial intelligence at EM Lyon, where he founded the first Research Institute on Artificial Intelligence and management. He has written several influential works on AI and value creation in business, and his publications have received international critical acclaim.

A Deserved Tribute

A mass in tribute to Renaud Champion was celebrated on Friday September 29, 2023 at the Saint-Denys du Saint-Sacrement Church, followed by a time of contemplation at the Père-Lachaise crematorium. His invaluable contributions to technology and innovation will continue to inspire future generations, making him an irreplaceable figure in the field of artificial intelligence and robotics.