Hi! PARIS Welcomes Vincent Rapp as Executive Director
Hi! PARIS, the interdisciplinary research center dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI) and data science, founded by HEC Paris and the Institut Polytechnique de Paris (IP Paris), enters a new phase of development with the arrival of Vincent Rapp as its Executive Director.
Previously a Special Advisor on Artificial Intelligence to the French Ministry of AI and Digital Affairs, Vincent Rapp takes over from Raphaëlle Gautier and will lead the center’s strategic direction at a pivotal moment in its growth.
His appointment follows Hi! PARIS’s recent designation as an AI Cluster, solidifying its position as a leading institution in AI and data science research.
A vision for AI excellence and innovation
With a strong background in AI strategy, research, and public policy, Vincent Rapp aims to further strengthen Hi! PARIS’s excellence in artificial intelligence and data science while expanding new initiatives to foster innovation and collaboration between academia, industry, and public institutions.
His mission is clear: to position Hi! PARIS as a leading European and global hub for AI research, education, and innovation.
“Hi! PARIS’s recognition as an AI Cluster under the France 2030 program confirms the outstanding quality and international visibility of our academic ecosystem in AI and data science. Vincent Rapp’s appointment marks a key milestone in the center’s development, reinforcing our ambition to train 20,000 students in AI by 2030.”
A career dedicated to AI and innovation
Vincent Rapp holds an MSc from Sorbonne University and a PhD in Artificial Intelligence from ISIR (Institute for Intelligent Systems and Robotics). His career spans both public and private sectors, focusing on AI research, strategy, and innovation. He began his career at the French National Research Agency (ANR), where he played a key role in launching the Interdisciplinary Institutes for Artificial Intelligence (3IA). At Bpifrance, he served as Head of AI Innovation & Strategy, shaping national AI initiatives. In October 2024, he was appointed Special Advisor on AI to the French Ministry of AI and Digital Affairs, working on AI policy and innovation strategies.
A multidisciplinary leadership for the future
Vincent Rapp joins an established scientific leadership team, with Gaël Richard (Télécom Paris) and Éric Moulines (École Polytechnique & Académie des Sciences) continuing to lead Hi! PARIS’s scientific strategy. The center also relies on its research, education, and innovation committees, ensuring a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to its future development.
“Artificial intelligence is at a turning point. Between technological breakthroughs and regulatory challenges, it is essential to build strong bridges between research, education, and industry. Thanks to its unique academic ecosystem, the support of visionary corporate sponsors, and public funding, Hi! PARIS has an exceptional opportunity to develop AI that is high-performing, responsible, and impactful for society. To achieve this, we must strengthen collaborations and develop new public-private partnerships to amplify our collective impact.”
Hi! PARIS is supported by a unique academic ecosystem, bringing together HEC Paris and the Institut Polytechnique de Paris (École Polytechnique, ENSTA Paris, ENPC, ENSAE, Télécom Paris, Télécom SudParis), alongside leading research institutions such as Inria, CNRS, and Université de Technologie de Troyes. The center also benefits from the backing of visionary corporate sponsors, including L’Oréal, Capgemini, TotalEnergies, VINCI, and Schneider Electric.
Under the leadership of Vincent Rapp, Hi! PARIS is set to accelerate its impact in AI research, talent development, and industry collaboration, shaping the future of artificial intelligence in France and beyond.