Yannick Alléno

From Michelin Stars to Mission-Driven Impact Yannick Alléno is best known for revolutionizing French cuisine. But in recent years, he’s stepped into an entirely different arena—road safety advocacy. After his son’s life was taken in a senseless car crash, Yannick transformed his grief into action, founding an association to tackle road violence through legislative reform, youth support, and technological innovation.Launching the “Impact” Initiative at VivaTech At VivaTech 2025, Alléno launched the Impact initiative—the first platform rallying civil tech actors to combat road deaths globally. The effort brought together over 120 startups from 42 countries, proposing solutions spanning AI, sensor tech, vehicle safety systems, and behavior-change tools. Three standout projects were showcased:A steering wheel sensor detecting alcohol levels through perspirationA motorcycle safety application enhancing rider visibilityA chemical grip agent reducing aquaplaning on roads “Tech can save lives, and it can be a good business too,” Yannick says.The Power of Storytelling & Culture Beyond policy and startups, Impact uses art and storytelling to change public perception. Its signature performance, Fragiles, fuses dance, music, and testimonies - including from perpetrators of road violence - to humanize the statistics and engage younger audiences. This intersection of emotional resonance and policy innovation is at the heart of the project’s approach.Advocacy Through Law, Support, and Awareness Impact’s mission rests on three pillars:Legal reform: Contributing to the reclassification of reckless road violence as homicide in FranceFamily support: Providing psychological and financial help to families, especially children impacted by the loss of siblings or parentsCultural transformation: Running awareness campaigns that challenge outdated narratives around driving, alcohol, and responsibilityScaling a Global Cause From France to New Delhi, Alléno’s ambition is global. He’s seeking partnerships with governments, insurers, mobility companies, and tech leaders to embed road safety solutions at scale. Renault is already an anchor partner, providing both financial and strategic support. This isn’t bad luck, it’s preventable. And we can act now.Learn More Association Antoine Alléno – Official site of the initiative Impact Project – Civil tech movement for road safety VivaTech – France’s biggest tech & innovation event Sesamers – Discover the events and people shaping the future of innovation Be sure to follow Sesamers on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X for more cool stories from the people we catch during the best Tech events!