CESI Students Among the Top 10 at the 2025 European Innovation Academy in Porto
Student presentations
Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your background?
Damien Levayer: My name is Damien Levayer, I’m 20 years old and entering my 4th year at CESI in the General Engineering program. I am also an apprentice at Stellantis. Alongside my studies, I founded NaviShare Events & Experiences one year ago, an agency specializing in luxury yacht rentals and exclusive event organization. Innovation and entrepreneurship have been central to my professional ambitions for several years.
Tiago Rotta-Bori: Hello, my name is Tiago Rotta-Bori, and I’m in my first year of the Computer Engineering program at CESI Lyon. My motivation to become an entrepreneur stems from my diverse interests, which I wish to bring together to create practical solutions and develop products that can be marketed and improved.
Immersed at the European Innovation Academy (EIA)
You participated in the European Innovation Academy (EIA) this summer. Could you tell us about this event?
Damien: Yes, I had the chance to take part in the EIA in Porto, an intensive three-week program focused on start-up creation and innovation. The program offers a unique ecosystem where students, mentors, and international experts collaborate on entrepreneurial projects. I’ve wanted to launch my own start-up for several years, and the EIA was a unique opportunity to meet students from around the world, exchange ideas, and build a start-up from scratch.
Tiago: At the EIA, we developed a project, navigating all stages of start-up creation with guidance from professionals in each field. It was a chance to fully immerse myself in entrepreneurship, meet motivated peers, and benefit from expert advice to guide our decisions.
What project did you develop?
Damien: We developed an AI-based application designed to assist entrepreneurs throughout the start-up process, from customer discovery to project structuring, making entrepreneurship more accessible. The app helps identify customer problems, validate solutions, and implement operations. Our team was international and multidisciplinary, including Tiago (CESI Lyon), Omar (data science student at UTC Paris), Yelena (Cal Lutheran University, Los Angeles), Jon (marketing student from South Carolina), and myself. This international and multidisciplinary diversity proved to be a real strength.
Tiago: Our project aimed to support entrepreneurs by centralizing all steps, documents, and reflections needed to launch a start-up. What truly brought the project to life was our team collaboration. The first two days of the EIA were dedicated to networking, allowing us to exchange ideas and form a complementary team. That’s how I met Omar, who had the original idea, and we built the team from there, eventually including an American sales specialist, a student focused on entrepreneurship, and Damien.
An international collaboration project
What contributed to your success?
Damien: The complementary skills within our team were decisive. Everyone contributed expertise in technical, data, business, or communication areas. I brought entrepreneurial experience, strategic insight, and presentation skills. We were also honored to be mentored by Alar Kolk, President of the EIA.
Our team was recognized among the Top 10 Teams at EIA Porto. We also received the Alchemist Accelerator Award, granting a one-month immersion in the San Francisco entrepreneurial ecosystem, and we were finalists for the Trademark Artisan Award.
Tiago: Being among the top 10 start-ups presenting to the full EIA audience was a true honor. This achievement was the result of total commitment; we often worked late into the night, demonstrating our dedication to the project.
How did the international collaboration go?
Damien: Very positively. Daily interactions with students from the US, Brazil, and Australia enhanced my English skills and broadened my perspective on international entrepreneurial practices. It was a true accelerator, both linguistically and personally.
Tiago: English was the main language of the event, since students came from all over the world. While I was comfortable, others used translation tools when needed. Nobody was excluded because of language barriers.
CESI’s role in the project
Was there any advice or presentation that particularly stood out to you?
Damien: One mentor shared a simple but fundamental principle: “To succeed, always start by understanding the customer’s problem.” This customer-centric mindset helped us refocus and progress much faster.
Tiago: I was particularly struck by a presentation on the importance of sleep, nutrition, exercise, and movement, and how they impact the quality of work and creativity. It reminded me that balance is essential for effectiveness and innovation.
How did CESI contribute to your experience at the EIA?
Damien: CESI provided me with the tools and methodologies necessary for effective teamwork. The project management and teamwork skills I acquired during my studies were invaluable when working with people from different countries.
Tiago: CESI made my participation in the EIA possible. I’m grateful for this valuable opportunity, which opened doors for my future. The school’s project-based learning approach was also essential, as it allowed me to work efficiently in diverse teams, integrate multiple perspectives, and collaborate effectively during the discovery and development phases.
Career plans and new perspectives
How does this experience influence your career plans?
Damien: It reinforced my determination to pursue entrepreneurship. In my 5th year at CESI, I plan to specialize in the entrepreneurship track. What motivates me most is the creative process: starting with an idea and building something tangible. The outcome matters less than the act of creation itself.
Tiago: The EIA was a concrete first step in my entrepreneurial journey. It allowed me to build connections with like-minded people and work on a project that could eventually become a real company. CESI enabled me to collaborate internationally with people who are passionate about innovation and project creation.
Any final words for students interested in the EIA?
Damien: If you have the opportunity, seize it! The EIA offers a unique experience full of opportunities and inspiring encounters. For me, it has been an unforgettable academic and personal adventure.
Tiago: The EIA is an exceptional opportunity. It allows students to meet passionate peers from around the world and work alongside experts across various fields for three weeks. It’s an experience that can elevate any project to a new level of achievement. I strongly encourage any students interested in entrepreneurship to take part in this event.