MBS is strengthening its commitment to social innovation and sustainable development through the launch of a strategic partnership with Groupe TRIAL. Signed on the Montpellier campus, this collaboration aims to support student-led projects and research initiatives with high social impact, particularly those driven by the MBS Yunus Centre and the BEST Chair.

A Strategic Partnership to Empower Student Engagement

Formalized in the presence of Bruno Ducasse, Dean of MBS, Walid Nakara, Professor of Strategy and Director of the BEST Chair and the Yunus Centre, Clément Caylar, President of Groupe TRIAL and MBS alumnus (class of 2010), and Marie-Charlotte de Ricard, President of Trial’Impact, this partnership is built around three key commitments:

• Funding for the Yunus Centre Social Business Prize, which will reward a student or young entrepreneur leading a high-impact social project, starting in 2025.

• Dedicated support for the BEST Chair (Business and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Transformation), which explores the levers of sustainable business transformation.

• Skills-based sponsorship provided by Trial’Impact, offering mentoring to the winners of the Social Business Prize.

Inspiring New Ideas and Turning Vision into Action

This partnership is part of the ongoing mission of the Yunus Centre for Social Business and Financial Inclusion, established at MBS in 2019, and builds on the momentum of the SDG Challenge, launched in 2021. Each year, the challenge engages students around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, encouraging them to design solutions that address real-world issues.

By combining financial backing and strategic guidance, Groupe TRIAL is actively contributing to the emergence of innovative, concrete, and sustainable solutions imagined by MBS students.

A Broader Vision Starting in 2026

Beginning in March 2026, Trial’Impact will also support the participants of the BEST IMPACT program, co-led by the BEST Chair, the MBS Entrepreneurship Center, and France Travail. This new dimension of the partnership will offer targeted mentoring from the ideation stage to project launch, further strengthening MBS’s ecosystem for socially driven innovation.

MBS School of Business is taking a significant step forward in its commitment to inclusion by becoming the pilot institution for the integration of Glaaster—the first artificial intelligence tool designed to tailor educational content to the unique learning needs of every student.

An innovative solution for accessible learning

Developed in partnership with the Lyon Neuroscience Research Centre (CRNL), Glaaster uses AI to adapt teaching materials to each student’s cognitive profile. The technology automatically generates an optimised version of course documents uploaded by lecturers, making them easier to read and understand—particularly for students with specific learning needs.

Innovation serving inclusion

This collaboration is designed to offer a fair and equitable learning experience to all students, particularly those with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), attention deficit disorders (ADHD), DYS conditions, or visual impairments. It also supports multilingual and international students, as well as those with particular learning preferences.

Seamlessly integrated into MBS’s existing learning platform, Glaaster requires no additional effort from lecturers. Students gain direct, personalised access to course materials tailored to their learning styles—automatically and in real time.

By choosing to embed Glaaster into its digital learning environment, MBS empowers all users—students, faculty, and staff alike—with the ability to adapt content in any format to fit their preferred reading and learning experience.

“Our partnership with the Glaaster team is a perfect reflection of our commitment to inclusion and innovation. We are incredibly proud to have launched this collaboration, because what truly matters to us is ensuring that innovation enhances the learning experience for all of our students!”
— Valérie Guesnier, Director of Innovation and Transformation Support at MBS

Recognition that affirms a strategic choice

Glaaster was recently awarded the Activateur de Progrès 2025 prize in the “Training Activator” category by Agefiph. This recognition celebrates efforts to promote inclusion and support for dyslexic learners—and affirms MBS’s strategic decision to become a pilot institution for the platform.

MBS School of Business and Altémed are taking their collaboration to the next level by formalizing an ambitious partnership aimed at strengthening synergies between the two institutions.

A Partnership Built on Four Key Pillars

The signing of this agreement, held on the MBS campus in the presence of André Deljarry, President of MBS, Bruno Ducasse, CEO of MBS, Michel Calvo, President of ACM Habitat, and Cédric Grail, CEO of Altémed, marks a commitment to concrete initiatives designed to foster skills development and innovation:

• Training & Skills Development: MBS will support Altémed teams through tailored training programs. As a key highlight of this collaboration, two Altémed employees will join MBS’s Executive MBA each year under preferential financial conditions.

• Talent Acquisition & Employer Branding: Altémed will entrust MBS with its internship and apprenticeship needs while benefiting from enhanced employer branding initiatives targeting students and alumni.

• Academic Collaboration: Starting this year, Altémed will actively participate in MBS student projects, with a long-term goal of strengthening these engagements.

• Research & Innovation: The partnership includes a forward-looking commitment to strategic themes such as artificial intelligence and urban planning. A financial contribution of €30,000 over three years will support the development of an academic Think Tank.

A Forward-Thinking Partnership with Local Impact

For the past three years, MBS and Altémed have worked together on major projects, including the “Responsible Management & Customer Culture” certification program, completed by over 60 executives. This enhanced partnership comes at a pivotal time, aligning with the development of MBS’s future campus in Cambacérès, a district where Altémed oversees urban planning on behalf of the City and Metropolitan Government of Montpellier.

By combining academic excellence and innovation with key challenges in sustainable urban development, inclusive housing, and renewable energy, MBS and Altémed reaffirm their shared commitment to shaping tomorrow’s talent while actively contributing to regional development.

MBS confirms its academic excellence and upward momentum by securing its place in the Top 10 of Le Parisien‘s 2025 Bachelor ranking. This year, its BIBA program stands out by climbing to 9th place in the ranking.

A Rising Recognition of the BIBA Bachelor’s Quality

Le Parisien’s 2025 Bachelor ranking is based on 11 evaluation criteria assessing the performance of Bachelor programs across France. MBS continues to strengthen its position, increasing its overall score from 48 to 50 points. This progress reflects the continuous improvement of our program and our commitment to student success.

A Top-Tier Program Aligned with Market Needs

Among this year’s key strengths, MBS achieved the highest rating in six essential categories: teaching quality, international opportunities, career placement, further studies, entrepreneurship, and educational innovation.

This recognition highlights MBS’s dedication to delivering an outstanding, innovative education that aligns with the evolving demands of the job market.

To view the full ranking, visit Le Parisien‘s website here.

On Tuesday, March 4, the MBS campus hosted the highly anticipated scholarship award ceremony, an event dedicated to celebrating students whose ambition and achievements are supported by the school’s valued corporate sponsors.

A Night Dedicated to Equal Opportunity

Each year, MBS and its Foundation reaffirm their commitment to inclusion and academic excellence by awarding scholarships to outstanding students. Made possible through the generosity of our partners, these distinctions recognize dedication, perseverance, and talent.

Honoring the Scholarship Recipients

Here are the scholarships awarded during the ceremony:

• Merit Scholarship – SG Courtois, presented by Philippe Ferrando, Regional Director of SG Courtois for Hérault and South Aveyron, to Inès Catalogna, Justine Garcia, Nancy Hoteit, and Hiba Allah Jazouly.
• Admission Excellence Scholarship, presented by Audrey Hodicq, Director of Admissions at MBS, to Marie-Loup Michel, in recognition of her academic excellence and promising career path.
• Employees’ Scholarship, presented by Anne-Sophie Robert, Director of Alternance Sales at MBS, to Hibat Allah Jazouly.
• Roland Di Meglio Scholarship, presented by Bastien Di Meglio, President of the Rotary Club Pic Saint Loup, to Marie Mitre.
• Alumni Scholarship, presented by Benjamin Chevalier (MBS Alumni 2009 and founder of Améliore Conseil), Didier Pastor (MBS Alumni 1984 and Manager at Intuiti Patrimonia), and Patrick Llobregat (MBS Alumni 1982), to Jibril Arafa, Mohamed Berrask, Mohamed Dagama, Marie Mitre, and Alikhan Satybalov, celebrating their excellence and perseverance.
• MBS Admission Handicap Scholarship, awarded by Cendrine Maillard (HR Development Director at Coopérative U) and Jean-Philippe Dubar (CSR & Sociétariat Director at Banque Populaire du Sud) to Tom Moreno and Maxime Jusserand for their resilience and achievements.
• International Excellence Scholarship, presented by Marie Blandenet (Individual Pathway Advisor at Caisse d’Épargne Languedoc-Roussillon) and Jean-Philippe André (Non-Executive President at Haribo), to Luciana Macarena Ramirez and Martina Belen Lopez, recognizing their outstanding international academic journeys.
• Excellence Scholarship, presented by Stéphane Gigou (HR Director at FDI Group) and Yohan Fromenteze (HR Manager at SG Courtois Regional Sales Division in Montpellier), to Malak El Khoudry and Kouadio Daniel Kouman.
• Excellence Scholarship, presented by Nathalie Bassil (P&O Director France at Royal Canin) and Pierre-Yves Rozand (Recruitment Manager at Lidl Regional Office in Lunel), to Méliné Harutyunyan and Camilla Ortiz Amaya, who serve as inspiring role models.
• Academic Encouragement Scholarship, presented by Sophie Allais (HR Director at Sanofi) and Jean-Philippe André (Non-Executive President at Haribo), to Jibril Arafa, Mohamed Berrask, Marine Bottin, and Hiba Chaibi, recognizing their hard work and dedication.
• Academic Encouragement Scholarship, presented by Pierre-Yves Rozand (Recruitment Manager at Lidl Regional Office in Lunel) and Marie Blandenet (Individual Pathway Advisor at Caisse d’Épargne Languedoc-Roussillon), to Nadia Aoun, Nada Chourabi, Esther Kirango Mwamba, and Issam Ouardi, for their determination and commitment.

A Strong Commitment to Inclusion and Diversity

This ceremony once again highlights MBS and its Foundation’s dedication to fostering talent and promoting equal opportunity. Thanks to the unwavering support of our sponsors, these scholarships empower students to pursue their ambitions and unlock unique opportunities.

A heartfelt thank you to all our partners for their generosity and commitment, making this initiative a vital driver of student success.

Catch the best moments from this inspiring evening on our social media!

Incubated at MBS Entrepreneurship Center, Valentin Le Quinio took a bold gamble. After graduating from the MBS Grande École Programme in 2023, he turned down a permanent contract to embark on an ambitious adventure: the creation of his own video game studio, Régalis Studio, specialising in grand strategy. A year and a half later, he unveils Crown of Hispania, his first game in the genre. This Monday 24 February marks a new stage for the entrepreneur, with the launch of his crowdfunding campaign.

Turning passion into an entrepreneurial drive

“From a very early age, my parents introduced me to grand strategy games, aware of their educational value. These games helped me to develop essential skills such as strategic thinking, decision-making and management. Discovering titles like Pharaoh and Europa Universalis not only gave me a taste for strategy, but also enriched my general knowledge,” says Valentin. Throughout his academic journey— from Bac S to an ECS preparatory course, then on to the MBS Grande Ecole programme— he successfully balanced studies and passion, each fuelling the other.

In 2022, an idea took shape: designing his own games and bringing a fresh dynamic to the world of grand strategy.

Crown of Hispania : un projet ambitieux et une alternative attendue

“Today, the grand strategy game market is largely dominated by Swedish studio Paradox Interactive, whose business model is based on regular updates and expensive additional content. Many gamers are eager to see new alternatives emerge, offering a more accessible and innovative approach. It was when I saw this expectation that I said to myself: why not take the plunge?” explains Valentin.

In November 2023, he founded Régalis Studio and began development of Crown of Hispania, a game that immerses players in 11th-century Iberia during the Reconquista. With a sandbox-style gameplay, players can build their kingdom, manage resources and write their own history. To bring his project to life, Valentin joined MBS Entrepreneurship Center and assembled his team: a programmer, a technical director and an art director, complemented by freelance illustrators.

From idea to execution: challenges and ambition

Starting an entrepreneurial journey is filled with challenges, and Valentin quickly experienced this reality. Access to finance is a major obstacle: bank loans are hard to come by and grants are limited. Facing these constraints, he invested his personal savings to kick-start the game’s development.

In 2024, he joined several incubators to structure his project: MBS Entrepreneurship Center, Bic Innov’up in Nîmes, and the 4th cohort of Montpellier Game Lab, a renowned programme in Occitanie for video game creators. This support enabled him to secure a grant from BPI and continue his development.

“Today, our game design is about 80% complete. One of our top priorities is now finding a publisher. The crowdfunding campaign is a crucial step, it will finance the final prototype, scheduled for late 2025,” Valentin explains.

But Régalis Studio’s ambitions do not stop at commercial success alone. Valentin aims to integrate sustainability into his business by designing energy-efficient games, using tools like Jyros to assess their environmental impact. He also envisions building a team where well-being and creativity are at the heart of the company’s culture.

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Support Crown of Hispania here.

This Wednesday, Le Point unveiled its 2025 ranking of Grandes Écoles programs (PGE), evaluating 37 master’s degrees awarded by French business schools recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research. Built around six key indicators, this ranking serves as a guide to help students choose their academic path. This year, MBS ranks 14th overall and maintains its 13th position among post-prep schools, reaffirming its excellence at the national level.

MBS Reaffirms Its National Excellence

The 2025 Le Point ranking is based on six major criteria: teaching quality, international reach, career opportunities, selectivity, research, and academic recognition. MBS stands out for its well-rounded performance across all these dimensions, reinforcing its status as a leading Business School in France.

Recognition for MBS’s Commitment to Social Diversity and Sustainability

Beyond its overall ranking, MBS is also highlighted in two key TOP 10 categories. The school ranks 5th in Social Diversity, recognizing its commitment to accessibility through diverse admission pathways and strong support for social inclusion via scholarships and work-study programs.

MBS also secures 9th place in the Environment category, reflecting its dedication to sustainability. This ranking rewards institutions holding the DD&RS sustainable development label, publishing academic research on sustainability, and integrating CSR and environmental topics into both research and curriculum.

Through these achievements, MBS continues to reinforce its leadership in social diversity and ecological transition.

Discover the full ranking on Le Point’s website.

On Thursday, February 13, the partners of the ANIMA project finalized all the bank loans for the future MBS campus, marking the completion of its financial structure. This decisive step represents a major milestone towards its planned opening at the end of 2026 in the heart of the new Cambacérès district in Montpellier.

A Major Step Towards the 2026 Opening

An important day took place at the Lexnot law office in Montpellier, attended by Maîtres Fanny Lecocguen and André Bonnary. The partners of the 4 real estate investment companies (SCI*) have finalized, after several months of work, the bank loans for the future ANIMA campus, which is set to open at the end of 2026.

Throughout the day, nearly 60 million euros in loans were granted by 7 different banks** to the project’s partners.

The day also provided an opportunity to sign the real estate lease agreement, allowing the CCI Hérault to contribute an additional 13 million euros in shareholder loans, provided by ARKEA and Société Générale.

“This is an important day for ANIMA! We’ve just secured 73 million euros for the future campus. We would like to thank all the banks that have supported us on this large-scale project, especially the leading partners, Caisse d’Epargne and Crédit Agricole, as well as the two leaseback agreements that helped finalize the operation: ARKEA and Société Générale” explained André DELJARRY, President of the CCI Hérault, 1st Vice-President of CCI Occitanie, President of MBS and the Purple Campus Occitanie CFA, and Jean-François REZEAU, President of CCI Occitanie.

A Large-Scale Project Benefiting Students and Businesses

Located in the heart of the Cambacérès district in Montpellier, the new ANIMA campus will offer a unique ecosystem dedicated to higher education, professional training, and business support in the Occitanie region.

With a total floor area of 28,000 m², ANIMA will accommodate nearly 7,500 students, apprentices, and interns within MBS and Purple Campus, alongside the CCI Hérault and CCI Occitanie.

Certified “Bâtiment Durable Occitanie Silver Level” the project is part of a sustainable development approach, integrated from the design phase. Awarded in July 2023, this demanding label recognizes the significant effort made to create an innovative, responsible, and sustainable campus.

“What we are doing with this major project is completely unprecedented: higher education and professional training institutions, alongside a business support ecosystem! Unprecedented, but so coherent, as the connections between these sectors shape the future of our region” concluded André DELJARRY, President of the CCI Hérault, 1st Vice-President of CCI Occitanie, President of MBS and the Purple Campus Occitanie CFA, and Jean-François REZEAU, President of CCI Occitanie.

*The partners of the 4 SCI: CCI Hérault, CCI Occitanie, MBS School of Business, SAS Patrimoniale Occitanie, and the Banque des Territoires. **The 7 banks involved in ANIMA’s banking pool: Caisse d’Epargne, Crédit Agricole, La Banque Postale, ARKEA, CIC, Crédit Coopératif, and Banque Populaire.

As part of the Faculty & Research Exchange Scheme, we had the pleasure of welcoming Sara Hathout, PhD, from our partner institution ESCA École de Management (Morocco) for an enriching academic visit at MBS.

An Inspiring Academic Exchange

Over several days, Sara Hathout shared her expertise and innovative perspectives with our academic community. This exchange provided a valuable opportunity to foster knowledge sharing, strengthen inter-institutional ties, and explore new educational and research approaches.

An Immersive Experience at MBS

During her stay, our guest had the chance to experience MBS’s collaborative and dynamic academic environment, while offering fresh insights into our research and teaching practices. These interactions are essential for promoting international openness and idea exchange within our ecosystem.

Watch our exclusive interview with Sara Hathout, where she shares her experience and impressions of her time at MBS!

MBS – School of Business and ESMA are breaking new ground with the launch of a unique hybrid program: the Master of Science (MSc) in Producer and Entertainment Management. This ambitious initiative aims to shape a new generation of professionals by blending management expertise with technical skills in audiovisual production, entertainment, and the broader creative industries.

A Program Designed to Meet Industry Needs

This partnership is built on a key industry insight: the cultural and creative industries (CCI) are increasingly seeking producer profiles who can combine technical know-how with strong managerial skills. Today’s professionals in this field must master both project management and leadership while also having a solid foundation in audiovisual production.

The MSc in Producer and Entertainment Management, delivered entirely in English, is designed to prepare students for industry demands by developing versatile, globally minded professionals.

“After two years of training, graduates will be equipped to manage budgets, lead teams, and master artistic workflows across industries such as film, animation, visual effects (VFX), and video games,” explains Dr. Oussama Ammar, Director of Programs at MBS.

A Strategic Alliance That Brings Together the Best of Both Institutions

This new program leverages the strengths, expertise, and networks of both institutions to provide students with a top-tier learning experience. By pooling resources, MBS and ESMA offer immersive, hands-on projects in collaboration with leading players in the audiovisual sector.

A Master’s Program for Passionate and Ambitious Students in Entertainment

Co-designed with ESMA, this state-recognized degree offers a unique opportunity for students with a Bachelor’s degree (BAC+3) in management or audiovisual studies to kickstart their careers in the entertainment industry.

“Admissions are based on interviews. Beyond technical skills, we are looking for students who show a genuine passion for this sector,” concludes Dr. Oussama Ammar.

For more details on this hybrid program, visit our dedicated page on the website.