After ten years dedicated to supporting ambitious and responsible entrepreneurial projects, the incubator of Montpellier Business School is entering a new chapter in its story. It is changing its name and becoming MBS 1.618, a meaningful new identity that marks the beginning of a new era in entrepreneurial support at MBS.

Why 1.618? The Golden Ratio as a Symbol of Harmonious Growth

1.618 is the golden ratio — a proportion found in nature, mathematics, architecture, art, and design. It represents balance and harmony, a symbol of strong, sustainable, and measured growth.

This philosophy perfectly embodies the spirit of MBS 1.618:
to support scalable, responsible, and sustainable startups that combine economic performance with positive impact — for people and for the planet.

A New Visual Identity to Reflect Our Mission

This name change comes with a completely redesigned visual identity, reflecting the mission and vision that drive MBS 1.618.
At its core lies a spiral inspired by the golden ratio, symbolizing the steady progress and controlled evolution of the projects we support.

The two main colors, green and purple, also express this ambition:

• Green embodies responsibility, sustainability, and environmental commitment.

• Purple conveys innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial boldness.

Ten Years of Innovation and Entrepreneurial Commitment

On September 30, MBS celebrated ten years of entrepreneurial support during an event that brought together incubated startups, alumni, partners, and members of the MBS community.
It was a special moment to reflect on the journey so far, to highlight the projects nurtured by the incubator, and to share a collective vision for the next ten years.

This celebration was also an opportunity to measure the progress made since the incubator’s creation and to reaffirm MBS’s commitment to guiding the entrepreneurs of tomorrow toward growth that is both responsible and ambitious.

Ten years of innovation, challenges, and success stories: our entrepreneurs share their journeys and the impact the incubator has had on their development.
Watch their testimonials in our video feature.

A Community Committed to Building the Future

Over the years, the incubator has benefited from the invaluable involvement of entrepreneurs, mentors, partners, and collaborators who together form a true ecosystem of innovation and impact.

Thanks to their collective engagement, MBS 1.618 begins this new chapter with confidence and ambition, remaining true to its mission:
to nurture sustainable, balanced, and inspiring businesses that contribute to a more responsible world.

To learn more about the MBS incubator, visit our website.

MBS School of Business reaffirms its academic excellence and international standing by renewing its EQUIS accreditation for the next three years, joining the very select group of business schools holding the Triple Crown. This recognition highlights the quality of its programs, the excellence of its faculty, and the impact of its strategic initiatives.

A Leading International Recognition

EQUIS accreditation, awarded by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD), recognizes institutions that meet the highest academic standards, combining outstanding teaching, cutting-edge research, and strong engagement with the professional and international communities. Already accredited by AACSB and AMBA, MBS School of Business is part of the 1% of business schools worldwide to hold the Triple Crown. This accreditation applies to all the school’s programs, from the Bachelor and Grande École programs to Masters of Science, the Executive MBA, and the DBA.

Academic Excellence and Societal Commitment

This renewed accreditation confirms the overall quality of MBS School of Business programs and the relevance of its initiatives. The school stands out for its strong commitment to social responsibility, integrated across all activities from research to teaching. Work-study programs, in which MBS has been a pioneer for over thirty years, remain a key differentiator. While this type of program is now offered by many business schools in France, MBS maintains a unique position thanks to its expertise and the quality of support provided to its students.

A Milestone in Continuous Improvement

EQUIS accreditation is the result of a rigorous evaluation process examining all aspects of the school, including strategy, pedagogy, research, internationalization, relations with companies, and alumni networks. This international recognition confirms MBS School of Business’ ability to develop responsible, globally minded leaders while continuing its mission of academic excellence and societal innovation.

MBS School of Business once again confirms its commitment to inclusion and diversity. The school, recognized for its innovative approach to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I), has successfully renewed its Diversity and Gender Equality Labels, following the AFNOR audit and national peer review commissions. This distinction highlights MBS as a leading institution in higher education, dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all.

A Unique Recognition

For over 15 years, MBS School of Business has been the only triple-accredited business school to hold both labels, reflecting its long-standing commitment to inclusion. The school’s ED&I policy applies to both its 4,000 students and its staff, and is implemented through concrete actions aimed at combating discrimination, promoting gender equality, and supporting diverse talents and career paths.

Turning Diversity into a Strength

At MBS, differences are considered a strategic resource. The school works daily to educate responsible leaders who are aware of the impact of their decisions on society and the economy. Inclusion, respect, and openness are at the heart of MBS’s teaching, research, and institutional values.

Committed Stakeholders

The success of this policy relies on collective engagement. MBS extends its thanks to its dedicated teams, the Equality of Opportunity Council, the MBS Foundation – Committed to Making a Difference, and the MIND Chair, for their daily contribution to the implementation and monitoring of ED&I initiatives.

To discover MBS’s ED&I policy and learn more about the school’s commitments, click here.

After two learning mobilities in Italy and Germany, six students from MBS School of Business took part in the final teaching activity of the Account4GreenEco project, co-funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme.

From August 31 to September 4, Lisa Mariette, Arsalan Basharat, Jihane El Khalfaouy, Oguzhan Cansiz, Eloise Reig and Clara Diaz Megido traveled to the Universidad de Burgos, accompanied by Dr. Juliette Senn, Associate Professor and project leader at MBS. Together with 18 other students from partner universities, they engaged in an intensive week of workshops.

A project to accelerate Europe’s green transition

The project’s ambition is clear: to develop a learning platform in environmental accounting designed to support the green transition of the European economy.
The platform provides teaching materials and resources on sustainability and was successfully tested during this final mobility.

An intensive and comprehensive program

Over several days, the students took part in a program combining:

• academic sessions to deepen their knowledge of environmental accounting

• collaborative teamwork with international participants

• cultural exchanges to broaden their perspectives

• social activities to discover the rich history and heritage of Burgos

What’s next?

The project continues with further dissemination activities:

• an event hosted at MBS in October, bringing together European faculty members

• the final conference on November 13 in Madrid, where the project’s results and the platform’s applications for professionals will be presented and discussed

Follow MBS on LinkedIn to stay updated on the European journey of our students!

MBS reinforces its reputation for excellence and international impact by ranking among the world’s top 50 Masters in Management according to the Financial Times. This achievement highlights the school’s high-quality teaching, global outlook, commitment to diversity, and the collective dedication of the entire MBS community.

International Recognition for MBS

MBS is ranked 50th globally in the 2025 Financial Times Masters in Management ranking, a benchmark that evaluates the best management schools worldwide. The ranking is based on objective criteria, including student experience, graduate employability, academic quality, societal impact, and international exposure.

Maintaining a Top 50 Position in a Competitive Landscape

Despite growing global competition, MBS continues to hold its place in the top 50, a testament to the school’s consistent quality and commitment to excellence across all dimensions of management education.

MBS’s Key Strengths in 2025

This year, the school stands out in several critical areas:

• Sustainability, transition, and CSR education: 18th worldwide, reflecting MBS’s mission to create a positive and lasting impact.

• Diversity: 16th for faculty diversity and 22nd for student diversity, showcasing the school’s strong commitment to inclusion and equality.

• Faculty internationalization: 11th worldwide, enhancing the quality and global perspective of MBS’s teaching.

• Student international experience: 18th worldwide, thanks to extensive mobility programs, partner universities, internships abroad, and double-degree opportunities.

• Graduate employability: 30th worldwide, supported by effective career services and strong connections with industry.

• Return on investment: 40th worldwide, strengthened by the school’s work-study programs, helping students manage the cost of education.

• Academic excellence: 98% of faculty hold a PhD (55th worldwide), ensuring high standards of scientific and pedagogical rigor.

The Result of Collective Commitment

Beyond the numbers, this ranking reflects the dedication of the entire MBS community—faculty, researchers, administrative teams, students, and alumni. Together, they contribute to shaping responsible future managers and enhancing the school’s reputation both in France and internationally.

A New Academic Year Marked by Excellence

This outstanding achievement in such a rigorous ranking is a source of pride and a motivation to continue the school’s collective momentum.
The 2025–2026 academic year begins under the banner of excellence, ambition, and cohesion.

📌 To explore the full Financial Times 2025 Masters in Management ranking and all results, click here.

Last Friday, the Faculty Workshop marked the return of our professors to MBS School of Business. This annual event is a key moment to share essential updates, clarify the guidelines for the year ahead, and engage in discussions about the aspirations of our academic community.

A Time for Reflection and Exchange

The Faculty Workshop provides a unique space to review past projects and look ahead to future initiatives. It is an opportunity to celebrate both individual and collective achievements, encourage new initiatives, and strengthen our shared commitment to teaching and research. The event also supports the continuous improvement of practices and ensures that the school meets the expectations of international rankings and accreditations.

A Strengthened and Engaged Team

The 2025 academic year begins with new roles and enhanced collaboration:

• Thi Hong Van HOANG joins MBS as Associate Dean for Research, and Cédrine Joly as Associate Dean for Pedagogy.

• The outstanding Heads of Departments: Denis Lescop, Jinia Mukerjee, Dr. Jacqueline Boysselle, Daniel S. L. Guillaume Andrieu, and Hélène Duranton.

• An exceptional administrative team: Isabelle Coudroy, Nathalie Coulombier, Aurea Otge, Valérie Pascal, Morgane Pailhes, Steluta Burdea, and Maud Bouvard.

• A positive, united, and supportive community of professors driving academic excellence.

An Event that Reflects the Strength of MBS

Beyond organizational matters, the Faculty Workshop perfectly illustrates what makes MBS strong: a vibrant network, an engaged community, and meaningful encounters that leave a lasting impact. This back-to-school moment sets the tone for cohesion, ambition, and excellence, giving all our faculty the energy and motivation to embark on a new academic year full of projects and achievements.

At 28 years old, Evelyne Zimmer has transformed a passion discovered by chance into a thriving brand. Listening to her speak about her entrepreneurial journey, one quickly understands that her business is much more than a professional venture. Evelyne Pattern, a company dedicated to designing and selling sewing patterns, reflects everything that drives its founder: a love for craftsmanship, a desire to share knowledge, and a sincere search for meaning.

A Nonlinear, Yet Fully Embraced Path

Originally from Montpellier, Evelyne has not followed a conventional path. After earning a high school diploma in business administration (STMG), she began studying history before switching to a vocational degree in hairdressing. Two years later, she changed course once again, resumed business studies, joined the Bachelor’s program at MBS, and later the Grande École Program through a work-study scheme in the real estate sector.

But it was during a simple weekend at her parents’ home, watching her mother sew, that she discovered a new passion: sewing. She quickly immersed herself in the craft, self-trained in pattern-making, and started testing sewing patterns for other brands. Her precision, creativity, and the high quality of her work drew attention — and her entrepreneurial journey began.

From Passion to Business: The Launch of Evelyne Patterns

In 2024, while still enrolled in MBS’s Grande École Program, Evelyne launched Evelyne Pattern. She began sharing her own creations and selling her first patterns. Her Instagram community grew quickly, drawn to the elegance and quality of her models.

Her mantra: patterns with impeccable finishes, designed to last.
“When you sew a garment, you invest a lot of time in it. I want my customers to be proud of what they’ve made — and able to wear it for years” she explains.
Each pattern is seasonally adapted and comes with a clear, beautifully designed sewing booklet. Before release, every design is tested by a group of around twenty volunteers recruited through her social media platforms. For Evelyne, the lengthy creative process — from initial inspiration and sketches to digital modeling and prototypes — is essential and non-negotiable.

An Ethical, Collaborative Approach

Evelyne regularly collaborates with fabric stores, favoring co-designed projects.
“I’d rather a shop suggest a specific fabric for me to work with, rather than giving me free rein to choose anything I like. It’s a real partnership — more enriching and, above all, more sustainable. It prevents overconsumption, and every fabric is chosen with care.”

Her ambitions are clear: expand the pattern range, offer carefully selected fabrics and high-quality printed booklets, and organize more sewing workshops. She is also preparing for her first appearances at trade shows — a new milestone in her brand’s development.

MBS: A Key Launchpad

Initially, Evelyne thought she would wait until after graduation to launch her business. In the end, the opposite happened — her brand came to life while she was still in school.
“Having a concrete project during my studies changed everything. I had real questions in mind, and the courses became truly relevant. Every subject became a resource.”
She even adapted her academic path to focus fully on Evelyne Pattern, opting for a fully remote master’s program through MOMA.

A New Momentum with the MBS Incubator

In January 2025, Evelyne joined the MBS incubator — a pivotal moment.
“I was going through a bit of a doubtful period when I met Franck, my coach. He helped me take stock of everything I had achieved, structure my ideas, and set clear goals.”

The impact was immediate. Evelyne put his advice into practice, saw results quickly, and regained momentum. She now participates actively in the incubator’s workshops, which are helping her professionalize her operations.

A Passionate and Clear-Sighted Entrepreneur

What drives her daily? Freedom — to create, to make mistakes, to start over. To shape a business in her own image.
“Each pattern is a new project. No two days are alike. I get to decide everything — and do it at my own pace.”

Despite the inevitable challenges and uncertainties, she continues to move forward. Evelyne Pattern is more than just a sewing brand — it is the reflection of a rich, bold, and inspiring journey.

At just 23 years old, Adel Lehérissé is developing an ambitious and socially engaged project: Éros Paris, a mobile application dedicated to sexual health, STI prevention, and sex education. This innovative project, rooted in personal experience, is driven by a strong conviction: entrepreneurship can be a force for impact, not just profit.
In May 2025, he entered the incubation phase at the MBS incubator.

A Vision for Responsible Entrepreneurship

A 2024 graduate of the MBS Bachelor program, Adel discovered the world of responsible entrepreneurship during his time at the school.
“During my years at MBS, I realized that entrepreneurship could go hand in hand with impact — that you can act for the common good, not just for profit,” he explains.

This ethical approach to business resonates with his personal background. The son of an entrepreneur, he grew up with the idea that work can be a source of autonomy and balance. A naturally creative individual, Adel sees entrepreneurship as a space for self-expression and boundless creation.
“I did several internships, but I quickly understood that traditional employment wasn’t for me. I need the freedom to make my own choices. For me, being an entrepreneur also means being able to try, fail, and try again. If this project fails, I’ll start another one — then another. I’ll keep going as long as I can.”

A Project Born from a Personal Shock

Éros Paris emerged after a deeply personal and life-changing event: someone close to Adel contracted an STI, which led to serious medical complications. The experience became a turning point. He began questioning the state of prevention, testing, and sex education.

“Talking with people around me, I realized just how taboo these topics still are. There’s a real need for information that’s accessible, stigma-free, and tailored to our generation,” he says.

His research revealed a concerning trend: STIs are rising rapidly in France, particularly among young people, while condom use is declining. He also found that traditional prevention tools no longer resonate with the “Tinder generation” or with teenagers learning about sexuality through social media.

Éros Paris: An App to Take Care of Yourself and Others

Adel envisioned Éros Paris as a complete digital ecosystem dedicated to sexual health. The app brings together educational content, prevention tools, a women’s health section, and soon, an online store. Designed to be inclusive and supportive, it’s aimed at anyone exploring or redefining their sexuality—without taboos or judgment.

The Right Support to Go Further

Adel joined the MBS incubator in January 2024, at a very early stage of his project. There, he received tailored support in structuring the project, managing his time, gaining perspective on upcoming decisions, and benefiting from the experience of others.

By May 2025, he officially entered the incubation phase with new goals: finalizing the company’s registration, building a brand strategy, preparing a crowdfunding campaign, and developing a TikTok presence to share educational content and raise awareness among his future community.

An Ambitious Vision

To accelerate the development of Éros Paris, Adel has already initiated a partnership with a network of laboratories based in the Grand Est region. He aims to soon launch the app’s first version, developed in strict compliance with health data regulations and in collaboration with healthcare professionals.

“This project truly drives me. It aligns with my convictions, my values, and my sense of purpose. I want to make it real because I genuinely believe it can make a difference,” concludes the young entrepreneur.

MBS School of Business has made a strong entry into the 2025 Financial Times Executive Education Custom global rankings, securing the 33rd position worldwide and ranking among the top 10 French institutions. This recognition highlights the school’s growing presence on the international stage in executive and leadership education.

A Remarkable First Appearance

Each year, the Financial Times “Executive Education Custom” ranking evaluates the quality of tailor-made executive education programs offered by business schools around the world. The results are based on direct feedback from client companies and organizations that have taken part in these programs.

For its first appearance in the ranking, MBS stood out thanks to several key strengths:

• The innovative teaching methods integrated into its programs

• The academic quality and relevance of the content

• The diversity and expertise of its faculty

• The comprehensive and personalized post-program follow-up

This recognition is part of a broader strategic development of MBS’s Executive Education offering, with a strong focus on impact, co-design with corporate partners, and the long-term sustainability of training paths.

A Learning Model Aligned with Business Needs

MBS’s entry into this prestigious ranking confirms the strength of its approach: delivering customized learning experiences built in close collaboration with businesses, addressing the real challenges of managerial transformation, career transitions, and upskilling.

Empowering Professional Transformation

For several years, MBS has supported professionals and organizations in their development, career shifts, and transformation strategies. Its Executive Education offering is designed to meet the needs of large corporations, SMEs, public institutions, and organizations committed to sustainability and social responsibility.

Combining the expertise of a top-tier business school, a highly qualified faculty, and an applied pedagogy grounded in real-world cases, MBS has established itself as a recognized leader in executive education, both in France and internationally.

Click here to explore the full rankings.

As part of their Learning Expedition, participants of the Executive MBA at MBS School of Business traveled to Casablanca, Morocco, to explore the dynamics of social and environmental transformation taking place in an emerging country. This immersive experience allowed them to understand how Moroccan private-sector players are turning global challenges into tangible opportunities for sustainable development.

Understanding CSR Challenges in an Emerging Context: People at the Heart of Responsible Initiatives

During this expedition, MBS EMBA participants discovered how private actors in an emerging economy like Morocco are embracing global social and environmental transition challenges and transforming them into real levers for innovation and growth.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become a must for companies operating in Morocco. It’s increasingly seen as a driver of performance, prompting innovation in products and services, while gradually shifting societal behaviors—often leveraging local traditions as a powerful structural asset.

CSR initiatives in Morocco are led by responsible entrepreneurs, supported by ambitious institutional networks. They aim first and foremost to enhance human development by empowering citizens: ensuring safe and accessible mobility with minimal environmental impact, supporting local producers through healthy and quality food systems, or boosting youth potential and employability through inclusive education and sports-focused programs.

A Program Built Around Inspiring Encounters and Hands-On Initiatives

A roundtable on sustainable mobility, where experts Omar Amarouch, Samir Bennani, and Saad Benhayoun discussed how new mobility models can foster more inclusive, lower-impact transportation—following an insightful opening session led by Siham El Khaddar on the current and future challenges of the Moroccan economy.

A visit to the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Morocco, led by Jean-Charles Damblin, who presented the Chamber’s business incubator and strategies for successful market entry into Morocco.

An on-site immersion at Marjane’s logistics platform, Morocco’s retail leader, where Olivier Pillon showcased the company’s CSR commitments and how they are being operationalized at scale.

A visit to Intelcia, where team leaders Dounia Chraibi and Boutaina Benchakroun shared how CSR is embedded into the company’s processes, work methods, and across all business functions.

A meeting with project leaders and students from Tibu Africa, a social enterprise and second-chance school. Ghizlane Akourim and Amina Benkhaira led a powerful session on the positive impact of youth education in driving social change…and many more enriching and inspiring encounters throughout the week.

A Rich and Collaborative Learning Experience

This Learning Expedition was a unique opportunity for Executive MBA participants to explore the foundations and mechanisms of CSR in an international context. The program was made possible thanks to the dedication and guidance of Régis Delafenestre, Maryline Meyer, and Catherine Deiana.

Special thanks also to Sami Saloui for his testimonial and Youssef Krati for joining the afterwork session.