Mathematics, a historic hallmark of École Polytechnique, lies at the heart of many contemporary strategic and technological challenges. To strengthen its international influence in this field and foster interdisciplinary collaboration, École Polytechnique today announces the creation of an Institute of Mathematics and Fundamental Sciences, which will host an ambitious program of research and scientific collaboration. Its future building, to be located in the heart of the Palaiseau campus by 2030, will be funded through an exceptional €50 million donation from Bernard Arnault (X69).
Speaking to the X25 cohort of École Polytechnique students, Antoine Bordes, Chief Scientific Officer at Helsing, emphasised the importance of developing technologies that serve European defence, whilst not overlooking the issue of the responsibility of engineers and military personnel. With their first-class training in science, and now in artificial intelligence, students at École Polytechnique will be able to innovate within the government or private companies to build a society capable of protecting its values by placing people at the heart of decision-making.
Arnaud Prost (X2012) is set to embark on his first space mission aboard Haven-1, the first commercial space station developed by the American startup Vast, for a test flight. Arnaud Prost will thus become the eleventh French citizen and the third École Polytechnique graduate to have flown in space.
École Polytechnique and Accenture have announced the signing of a strategic partnership aimed at developing ambitious collaborations in research, education, and innovation focused on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Signed for a four-year term, this transformative partnership reflects a shared commitment to addressing today’s major technological, economic, and societal challenges.
Catherine Vautrin, French Minister for the Armed Forces and Veterans, visited École Polytechnique on April 17 for the Defense Quantum Forum, organized at École Polytechnique by the Defense Innovation Agency. She reviewed the X24 and X25 classes and reminded them of the historic significance of the ties between their School, the Nation, and the Armed forces.
Adrien Bilal (X2010), an assistant professor of economics at Stanford University, has been awarded the 2026 Best Young Economist Award. Adrien Bilal’s research focuses on the economic consequences of global warming. Two of the three other economists honored with this award are also alumni of École Polytechnique.
École Polytechnique hosted the third edition of the international scientific conference “Réflexions,” organized by the Institut Polytechnique de Paris, of which École Polytechnique is a founding member. The Energy4Climate interdisciplinary research center and renowned researchers associated with École Polytechnique—Philippe Drobinski, Céline Guivarch, and Mathieu Xémard—led the roundtable discussions at this third edition.
Nicolas Roche, the Secretary-General for Defence and National Security (SGDSN), spoke to engineering students from the X23 and X24 classes about the latest 'National Strategic Review', which was coordinated by the SGDSN. He emphasised the importance of paragraph 112 of the review, which summarises the central scenario of the French authorities – preparing for war – and encouraged Polytechnique students to play their full part in it.
Arthur Mensch (X2011), co-founder and CEO of Mistral, the French AI gem, came to meet École Polytechnique students for a talk on entrepreneurship and the implications of AI, two topics which he addressed by echoing his School's motto: “For the Nation, for Sciences, and for Glory.”
École Polytechnique and Orange Group have signed a strategic partnership to strengthen research, innovation, and training in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. With this major partnership, École Polytechnique is accelerating its commitment to two key areas of digital sovereignty.
École Polytechnique hosted the Cybersecurity & Defense Day, which brought together major players in cybersecurity and defense from academia, institutions, and industry. The event was organized by the Institut Polytechnique de Paris, of which École Polytechnique is a founding member, in partnership with the Interdisciplinary Center for Defense and Security Studies (CIEDS) and the IHEDN Chair in Cybersecurity and Digital Sovereignty, which is affiliated with the Institut des Hautes Études de Défense Nationale through its endowment fund.
For Science Day 2025, École Polytechnique paid tribute to women. Four female scientists from l’X recounted their career journeys and shared their passion with secondary school students. Take a look back at this inspiring event!
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