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 perspiration
• A motorcycle safety application enhancing rider visibility
• A 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 France
• Family support: Providing psychological and financial help to families, especially children impacted by the loss of siblings or parents
• Cultural transformation: Running awareness campaigns that challenge outdated narratives around driving, alcohol, and responsibility

Scaling 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

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