The third edition of Tech&Fest, which has rapidly become the essential hub for innovation in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, certainly lived up to the hype. For VOGO, the 2026 event will be remembered for its high-level discussions on Sport Tech and the announcement of a historic technological shift for French swimming.
Sport Tech: When AI Redefines Performance and Safety
During the highly anticipated “Sport Tech: Innovation and Performance” conference, Pascal Saguin (VOGO) shared the stage with key figures from the ecosystem: Alain Bernard, double Olympic swimming champion and expert consultant, and Jean-François Clappaz, representing the Le Grésivaudan community of communes
At the heart of the debate: the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the field. VOGO reaffirmed its vision of purposeful technology, built on two key pillars:
- Performance and Safety (HIA): Using AI to monitor athlete health in real-time and optimise their results.
- Decision Support: Providing referees and coaching staff with video tools of surgical precision to guarantee sporting integrity.
A major four-year partnership with the French Swimming Federation
The event also served as a springboard for a major announcement: the official launch of the technological partnership between VOGO and the French Swimming Federation (FFN)
This rollout, scheduled over a four-year period, aims to transform French swimming pools into true innovation laboratories. The programme includes:
- Advanced Video Solutions: To enhance officiating standards and performance during national competitions.
- Performance Analysis: Dedicated tools for athletes to break down every movement through high-definition imagery.
- AI R&D Projects: Co-developing the future technologies that will support swimmers as they reach the pinnacle of international competition.
“The expert’s eye is indispensable, but AI provides a layer of data and certainty that is a total game-changer for high-level sport” emphasised Alain Bernard, a premier ambassador for VOGO.
Technological Sovereignty and Regional Roots
Beyond the technical aspects, VOGO’s presence at Tech&Fest served to reaffirm the importance of technological sovereignty. In a globalised market, designing innovative solutions within dynamic ecosystems such as Le Grésivaudan is a strategic asset for French sport.
