Three HEC Paris students at the Entente Cordiale Day Challenge 2026

On April 7 and 8, three students from the Grande École experienced an unconventional academic adventure by participating in the Entente Cordiale Day Challenge. To be selected, Maud Archer, Danaé Deleest, and Alice Faure explored the theme “Conflicts, Technologies, and Global Security” and submitted a 5,000-word proposal on the concept of “CopTech.” While they came in 5th place in this international competition, they were above all able to enjoy a series of unforgettable encounters and discoveries, from the École Militaire to the Château de Breteuil, including a visit to the Hôtel des Invalides.

For its second edition, the Entente Cordiale Challenge attracted more than 700 participants from over 35 French and British institutions. This competition, in which HEC took part for the first time, aims to bring together students from various disciplines to come up with innovative solutions to global challenges. The process begins with submitting a report, and then, for the finalist groups, meeting in person to defend their proposal in an oral presentation before a panel of experts.

A competition at the forefront of contemporary issues

Despite differing approaches to issues of security, defense, and sovereignty, a shared interest in geopolitics facilitated the three students’ gradual development of a common approach. In a course taught by Alexandre Châtillon last fall, they devised an initiative they named “CopTech.” Inspired by the environmental COPs, Danaé defines it as “an international conference dedicated to the regulation of emerging technologies and their impact on global security. Bringing together governments, businesses, and civil society, it would seek to adapt international law to new digital conflicts, regulate civilian uses of technology, and promote innovations that serve the cause of peace.”

Experienced in writing essays, this project led them to move beyond a purely analytical approach to propose concrete solutions and “contribute, to the best of their ability, to discussions on current issues,” explains Alice.

Thanks to the Challenge, all three also became part of a network of professionals in the fields of defense, cybersecurity, and international relations as soon as their selection was announced in early 2025. By attending events such as the Paris Forum on Defense and Strategy, for example, they were able to learn about and understand the perspectives and interests of stakeholders in the military and industrial sectors.

Discussions in an exclusive setting

The 20 finalist groups were brought together in Paris for two memorable days. Students from Cambridge, Oxford, the LSE, and King’s College on the British side, and from the Sorbonne, EDHEC, ESCP, and Sciences Po on the French side, were finally able to meet.

The speakers who addressed them impressed them both by their positions and their remarks. Maud specifically mentions the speeches by Alice Rufo, Minister of State for the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, and General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, Governor of the Royal Chelsea Hospital, the British equivalent of the Hôtel des Invalides.

Given the volatile and complex international situation, “they conveyed messages that left a strong impression on each of the students.” In short, they were asked to pool their intelligence and knowledge to build a peaceful future. 

Earlier, the approximately 100 participants had the opportunity to visit Napoleon’s tomb, which had been closed to the public for the occasion. The day began with a talk at the École Militaire and concluded with a concert at the Cathedral of Saint-Louis-des-Invalides.

The Oral Defense at the Sorbonne University

The finalists presented their project in the Richelieu Auditorium at the Sorbonne. The students gave a concise and compelling presentation of CopTech to a demanding jury composed of both academic experts and high-ranking officials.

That same evening, the results were announced at a gala bringing together all the finalists in the unique setting of the Château de Breteuil, in the Yvelines. The three HEC Paris students took fifth place, a remarkable achievement for the School’s first time entering the competition.

HEC Paris: a catalyst for international engagement

With this journey, Alice, Danaé, and Maud embody HEC Paris’s ability to develop committed professionals who can understand and thrive in constantly evolving international environments.

By promoting innovative educational initiatives that address major global challenges, HEC confirms its mission as a springboard to high-impact experiences. The Entente Cordiale Challenge gave them the opportunity to represent the School against prestigious institutions and to demonstrate that their education enables them to tackle issues beyond the business world

Enriched by this experience, the students are encouraging their peers to take on the challenge. Danaé, in fact, plans to compete again next year in the 2027 edition, whose final will be held in London this time.