HEC Paris x ChangeNOW 2025

HEC Paris is proud to be an Official Partner of the 8th edition of ChangeNOW, the world’s largest event for solutions for the planet, taking place from April 24–26, 2025, at the Grand Palais in Paris.

Over three days, this landmark summit will bring together the most promising innovations, visionary leaders, and committed changemakers dedicated to shaping a sustainable future.

3 Days. Unlimited Impact.

1,000+ concrete solutions tackling today’s biggest global challenges 500+ visionary speakers shaping the world of tomorrow 1,200 impact investors driving innovation and scaling change 40,000 participants from 140+ countries—your future collaborators

HEC Paris at ChangeNOW: Join Us on Friday, April 25

As Academic Partner of the summit, HEC Paris is curating a dedicated program on Friday, April 25, bringing together professors, students, alumni, and thought leaders who are actively contributing to the ecological and social transition.

10:45 AM – 11:45 “Lessons from the Past: Shaping the Future of International Climate Action”

On-Stage Session moderated by HEC Paris Prof. François Gemenne, Academic Director of the Master in Sustainability and Social Innovation 

Panelists: 

Paul Watkinson, Senior Advisor to the COP28 Presidency | Negotiator of the Paris Agreement

Lola Vallejo, Director of Diplomacy & Partnerships, European Climate Foundation

Pascal Canfin, Member of European Parliament | Professor at HEC Paris

Amy Dahan, Historian of Climate Negotiations | CNRS Emeritus Director
 

Business Schools for Climate Leadership (BS4CL) Session

11:45 AM – 12:45 PM  

Learn. Lead. Transform.

Join the eight founding schools of BS4CL—HEC Paris, IE, IESE, IMD, INSEAD, LBS, Cambridge Judge, and Oxford Saïd—for a collaborative session highlighting the role of business education in driving sustainability.

Learn more on BS4CL Initiative

Program highlights:

Panel of Deans: 

• Eloïc Peyrache (HEC Paris)
• Lee Newman (IE Business School)
• David Bach (IMD)
• Francisco Veloso (INSEAD) 

BS4CL Alumni Panel: Candid reflections on their business school journey and the path to climate leadership with: 

• Anne-Fleur Goll, Senior Consultant in Climate Finance at Deloitte, Climate Activist and HEC Alum
• Pavel Sanin, Responsible for Operational Excellence Strategic programs at Teva (pharmaceutical sector), co-leads an IMD alumni community and IMD alum
• Maria de Oca, Head of Global Sustainability at AB Enzymes (industrial biotech company of the ABF Group, Associated British Foods), Board member IESE Alumni Sustainability Chapter and IESE alum 
   

Keynote Speech: Nadine-Hélène, CSO of Weleda. 

She will share Weleda’s inspiring journey of remaining true to its purpose over time, and how the company identifies and selects talent that aligns with and continues to uphold its core values. 

HEC Paris Startups as Changemakers  

4:30 PM – 5:00 PM Pitch Session x ChangeNOW 2025

Explore how tech startups from the HEC Paris ecosystem are innovating for environmental and climate impact—from agritech to disruptive materials and renewable energy.

Meet ambitious entrepreneurs who are fundraising to scale their innovations and amplify their impact.

Toore

A software solution that streamlines and scales refurbishment operations while maximizing profitability. With a product-specific tracking platform and intuitive interface, Toore ensures real-time monitoring and resource allocation.
ounders: Thibault Geoffray & Mathieu Seris
Website

PEEL Lab

A B2B GreenTech transforming fruit and vegetable waste into plant-based leather for sustainable fashion and manufacturing. Committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Website | LinkedIn

Revolty

Develops affordable residential solar battery systems by repurposing LFP batteries from electric vehicles. Their 5kWh – 48V modules promote sustainable energy storage and solar self-consumption.
Founders: Valentin Heuzé & Mathilde Janicot
Website | LinkedIn

Extends the life of photovoltaic panels through reuse and reintegration, promoting environmental responsibility and social inclusion via employment initiatives.
Founders: Matthieu Verdon & Luc Federzoni
Website | LinkedIn

Aquaphys

IoT and AI-based water and energy management systems offering predictive maintenance, chemical-free treatments, and recycling. Combines sustainability and cost-efficiency in water use.
Founder: Grégoire PROFIT
Website | LinkedIn

HEC Paris is proud to support and amplify the voices of those leading the charge for a more sustainable world. We look forward to seeing you at ChangeNOW 2025!