Le Lab Banque de France

The goal of the Banque de France Lab is to bring new practices and technologies into the Bank’s activities, identify cross-overs between different business lines, and experiment where necessary within short and flexible cycles. Launched in June 2017, the Lab aims to help the business lines anticipate changes in their activities.

A unique innovation and experimentation facility for Banque de France business lines

The Lab’s teams assist the Bank’s business lines in identifying problems and finding solutions, as well as helping to test their innovations – which can range from new working methods, uses and practices to ground-breaking technologies. Where needed, the Lab also calls on outside innovators to help conduct its experiments.

An exchange hub for anticipating and imagining the activities of tomorrow

The Banque de France Lab works in close collaboration with innovative firms (start-ups, fintechs, bigtech companies, etc.) to identify, explore and test new ideas and solutions. It gives firms the opportunity to try out their projects in real-world conditions and within a major institution, and demonstrate the expected contributions and benefits.

Numerous opportunities

The Banque de France Lab deals with a vast range of subjects, reflecting the broad scope of a central bank’s tasks and activities. Its focuses include patterns and methods (design thinking, visual management, etc.), advanced data analysis (AI, data science, cognitive computing, etc.), and innovative technological opportunities (blockchain, IoT, virtual reality, etc.).

Opening up our ecosystem

The Banque de France Lab seeks to develop links with outside innovators, and has notably set up a network of “innovactors” alongside other central banks. It forges ties with other labs, both in the public and private sectors, as well as connecting with innovative spaces, universities, and other actors liable to work with it in the future on shared or cross-disciplinary topics.

The Lab wants to open itself up even further and increase its collaborative activities, notably through calls for project tenders.

We’re keen to hear from you if you have any ideas!

Working with le Lab

If your innovative company wants to share its expertise and propose a new solution to the Banque de France, you can take part in one of our calls for project tenders or email us at lab@banque-france.fr

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