As the exclusive sponsor of 42 Marseille, CMA CGM plays a central role in supporting the campus and its mission to open access to tech education and employability. In this interview, Angelo-Gabriel Mikael, Vice President, Group Learning, and Managing Director of TANGRAM, CMA CGM’s center for excellence, shares his vision for education, talent development, and talks to us about how his company’s involvement with 42 first took shape in Beirut and later expanded to Marseille.

Could you please briefly introduce yourself and tell us more about your educational and professional background?

I’m Angelo-Gabriel Mikael. A lawyer by training, my path has been shaped by a strong interest in public affairs, then education, talent development, and innovation. I studied in an international environment, which reinforced a conviction I see in the 42 approach: what matters is the ability to learn, to persevere, and to build with others.
Today, I design learning and education initiatives at scale, connecting employability, business needs, and opportunity for diverse profiles.

Can you tell us more about the company you work for and what you do there?

CMA CGM is a family-owned global leader in maritime, land, air, and logistics solutions, present in 177 countries with 160,000 employees. The Group serves over 420 ports across five continents and includes CEVA Logistics and CMA Media, one of France’s largest private media groups. Family values are at the heart of CMA CGM, with a strong sense of humility, boldness, imagination, excellence, and exemplarity, as well as a deep commitment to people and to the territories where we operate.
I am Vice President, Group Learning, and Managing Director of TANGRAM, our learning and innovation campus in Marseille. I also lead education initiatives and partnerships for the Group, including our support to 42 Marseille.

How did you first come across 42? What did you find particularly interesting about it?

Our journey with 42 began in Beirut, driven by the vision of our Chairman and CEO, Rodolphe Saadé. He strongly believes that talent is revealed through mindset, values, and determination. 42 stood out immediately as a model built on trust, effort, and merit, with a direct link to real skills and real opportunities.

What were the motivations behind CMA CGM’s decision to set up and sponsor 42 Marseille?

After the launch of 42 Beirut in 2024, supporting 42 Marseille in 2025 was a natural continuation of Rodolphe Saadé’s vision for education and employability. Marseille is a fast-growing city with strong momentum in tech and innovation, and the need for digital talent is rising quickly. It is also our home. For CMA CGM, investing in education in Marseille is a way to create concrete opportunities for local talent and to strengthen the broader tech ecosystem in the South of France.

In your opinion, what sets 42 apart from other coding schools?

42 brings out potential through action. Students learn by doing, supporting each other, and taking responsibility for their progress. When you meet the students at 42 Marseille, you see a remarkable mix of backgrounds and stories coming together around the same energy and the same ambition. This diversity is a powerful strength. It creates resilient, adaptable talent that can deliver in real-world environments.

What are your hopes for the future of 42 in Marseille?

The campus has just opened and the energy is already striking. I have been impressed by the students’ determination, their drive, and their entrepreneurial mindset. When our Chairman and CEO, Rodolphe Saadé, visited 42 Marseille with members of our Executive Committee last December, the discussions with students sparked concrete ideas, potential partnerships, and early project dynamics.
With companies reaching out every day, 42 Marseille is on track to become a major talent engine for the city and the region, and a strong contributor to innovation.

And for the future of education?

I believe the future of education will keep moving closer to the real world, with more autonomy, more practice, and faster learning cycles. The 42 model shows how peer learning and learning by doing can create strong outcomes. When you trust people and invest in their potential, they rise to the challenge. This approach creates talent that companies can rely on to innovate, grow, and build.

A quick word to conclude our interview?

At 42, it is about commitment, curiosity, and action. CMA CGM is proud to support 42 Marseille and 42 Beirut, under the leadership of our Chairman and CEO, Rodolphe Saadé. When you see the drive of these students, you feel it clearly. The future is being built, coded, and shared, every day.

Behind every 42 campus is a team driving the pedagogy, the culture, and the spirit that make the model work. At 42 Marseille, the Pedagogical Lead is a 42 Paris Alumni whose journey spans music, sound engineering, entrepreneurship, electronics, and education. Ilann Adjedj did his Piscine in Paris back in 2014 and since then, his path has reflected what 42 does best: empowering people to learn how to learn, cross disciplines, and build their own way forward. Today, he brings that experience full circle, helping shape a brand-new campus and its first cohorts in one of France’s most dynamic cities.

Can you please talk to us about your background? What is your education and what were you doing before 42?

I’ve got a bachelor’s degree in Music and Sound Engineering, and then I did my Piscine at 42 Paris, back in September 2014!

During my time at 42 Paris, I got the opportunity to be part of the HEC Startup Launchpad with a startup project I had back then. I was developing connected plush toys to give toddlers a nicer way to interact with digital. It was an amazing experience, where I was fortunate to be coached by teachers and professionals affiliated with France’s most renowned Business School.
While developing this project, I learned electronics engineering, digital fabrication (3D printing, laser cutting, sewing machines !) and design thinking (mostly on my own, which was easier after having learnt how to learn at 42) which led me to pursue my career as a fab manager and then as an electronics teacher.

I was able to put a bit of the 42 pedagogy (project based learning, learning by doing, etc.) into the courses I developed, both for small cohorts of creative technologists and in a MOOC on AI for over 1300 students per year.

What do you like about your position at your campus?

Being the Pedago Lead in a new campus is a thrilling experience. I saw the campus when it was still under construction and now I’m witnessing the first cohort moving through the new Common Core every day, participating in professional events, organizing events through student associations and even meeting with Emmanuel Macron, the French president himself!

There’s a lot to do, and there’s always something new to learn!

What’s your vision for the future of education?

While, of course, AI is having a huge impact on the way students learn, I do think that the fundamentals are still the same. The learning-by-doing methodology has already proven its worth. 42 teaches its learners to try and fail, but also to always question what they’re learning, develop their critical thinking and analytical skills, and above all, strengthen their sense of agency.

These are skills that will be critically important in a world where understanding both the impact of AI and its more harmful effects (such as fake news, deepfakes, and mass surveillance) is essential.

What is your management style, how do you make your team work together?

I feel that being the only 42 Alumni in the 42 Marseille Bocal means that I have to convey the 42 spirit here. That’s what I’m trying to do daily, I want the people I work with to be curious, open-minded and always eager to learn new things!

42 has 4 pillar values: openness, excellence, tech, and ethics. Which one is the most important to you and why?

I value excellence above the three others. I tell my students that passing a Piscine doesn’t only mean being accepted in a school, it’s also joining a global community that strives to share, learn and reach its full potential by working together to gain new knowledge and skills.

Peer-to-peer learning is actually very demanding, and at 42 you are part of a community that pushes you to always give 100% and more!

That’s what companies are looking for when they hire our students: people who are eager to stay up to date on state-of-the-art technologies, understand what they are doing, and do it well.

Last question, and this is a fun question so don’t be too serious about it: Why is your campus one of the best in the network?

Because that’s the only campus where if you need a break from C, you can go to the sea.

And because I have to say it somewhere in this interview : “Allez l’OM !”

Located in the heart of Marseille, just a few steps from the iconic Old Port, 42 Marseille is rooted in one of France’s most vibrant and culturally rich cities. A stone-throw away from the MUCEM and Notre-Dame de la Garde (also affectionately referred to as La Bonne Mère), 42 Marseille’s students enjoy idyllic training conditions.

Furthermore, as a Mediterranean crossroads, Marseille offers a rich mix of cultures, languages, and cuisines. Being based in the city center means students are surrounded by an incredible diversity of restaurants, cafés, and street food inspired by the entire Mediterranean basin. Student life naturally extends beyond the campus walls, into a city that is lively and creative.

A Campus Anchored in Marseille’s DNA

42 Marseille is an initiative led by CMA CGM, the world’s leading French shipping and logistics group. Founded in Marseille in 1978, CMA CGM has kept its headquarters in the city ever since, making this campus a natural extension of its long-term commitment to the region. As a French-Lebanese company, CMA CGM is also behind 42 Beirut, reinforcing a vision of education that brings together geographies and cultures.
As one of the newest campuses in the 42 network, 42 Marseille currently counts 150 workstations, and welcomed its very first Piscine in July 2025!
Since then, the campus has held 2 additional Piscines in 2025, welcoming their first ever cohort in November of the same year. The campus plans to hold 3 more Piscines in 2026. Piscines in Marseille are intense like everywhere else, but they also come with a distinct twist. Here, a 20-minute walk can take students from debugging code to the beach. The contrast between focus and freedom is part of what makes the experience special. In fact, the very first Piscine ended with a beach party!
“Swimming pools are great” the team likes to say, “but the sea is nice too!”

An Unconventional Model, Already Recognized

We all know for a fact that 42’s peer-to-peer, project-based learning model is unlike anything found in traditional education. But in Marseille, resistance was minimal. As the 8th campus in France, 42 Marseille benefited from the groundwork laid by the network’s earlier campuses. The model was already well understood and recognized by local institutions and companies.
Since its opening, 42 Marseille has attracted strong interest from both local and national organizations. CMA CGM naturally plays a key role, given its significant needs in technology, data, and digital transformation. However, partnerships extend well beyond logistics. Potential partners from different industries, and with different needs, have already approached the campus and are already showing great interest in the students’ versatility!

Looking Ahead

The next major milestone for 42 Marseille is its first cohort entering their Professional Experience after completing the Common Core. Building and expanding a strong partner network is now a top priority, ensuring students can transition smoothly into internships and jobs that match their ambitions.
42 Marseille is still young, but it is already carving out its place. Moving forward, the campus remains focused on nurturing talent, strengthening industry ties, and staying true to the values that define the 42 model: accessibility, community, and empowerment… under the Marseille sun!

Can you tell us about your background and what you were doing before joining 42?

I’ve been fortunate enough to work in many different fields throughout my career, from tech to public service and education. All of this has enabled me to develop a clear understanding of how ecosystems grow and what young people need in order to thrive. I spent nearly a decade leading a tech company and worked in roles that connected me closely with universities, industry, and community initiatives.

I later served as Deputy Mayor of Prishtina (the capital of Kosovo) for two years, during which I first came in contact with 42. That experience showed me just how powerful this educational model could be for the region. Later, life brought me to Tirana just as 42 had been signed off to begin, it felt like a natural continuation of that journey: the right moment, the right purpose, and a city ready to embrace something new.

What do you enjoy most about your role at the campus?

What I value most is the people. There is nothing more motivating than watching someone arrive out of curiosity and gradually grow into a version of themselves they didn’t know they could reach. You see students take on challenges, support one another, and build a confidence that feels very real and very human.

I also felt welcomed from the very beginning, both by the students and by the wider community in the Pyramid. There is a generosity of spirit here that makes you feel part of something larger very quickly.

On a personal level, I appreciate that this role carries a mission. I’ve been fortunate to work in positions that never felt like “just a job,” and 42 is no exception. There is purpose in what we are building, and knowing that each day contributes to a space where people can grow by being themselves is deeply inspiring.

What is your vision for the future of education?

I believe the future belongs to learning environments that give people ownership over their growth. Education should develop independent thinkers, people who can teach themselves, adapt quickly, and create solutions that matter.

It also needs to be accessible. Talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not. Models like 42 remove unnecessary barriers and focus on motivation, resilience, and curiosity. That’s the direction I hope education will continue to move toward.

How would you describe your management style?

I try to lead with clarity, trust, and presence. I believe in setting the tone through example rather than instruction. When people understand the purpose behind the work and feel trusted to take initiative, they naturally step into their strengths.

We work collaboratively, with open communication and shared responsibility. My focus is on creating an environment where people feel supported, are able to grow, and guided by the mission more than by any single individual.

42 is built on four pillar values: openness, excellence, tech, and ethics. Which one matters most to you?

Openness. It creates everything else. Openness to people, backgrounds, ideas, mistakes, and change. It allows students to show who they are and who they can become. It’s the value that sets the tone for the entire campus.

Last question, and a fun one: why is your campus one of the best in the network?

Because our students make it so. They bring passion, humor, and a strong sense of community, a mix of Albanian warmth and Balkan grit that you feel immediately.

And honestly, coding inside a Pyramid doesn’t hurt. Not everyone gets to say they learned pointers in a building shaped like a triangle of destiny. That definitely adds bonus powers.

Bonus question: is there a topic you’d like to highlight that we haven’t covered?

How we continue opening the door wider. We talk a lot about tech and talent, but I always come back to the question of who gets the chance to join. That’s not only a conversation for Tirana, it’s one for the entire 42 network. If we’re shaping the future together, it should include as many voices and backgrounds as possible. That’s a discussion worth expanding.

With the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF), the Municipality of Tirana, and the Pyramid Center as founding sponsors, 42 Tirana was born from a simple belief: young people in Albania deserve a different space to grow, where everyone can fully be themselves.

The campus captured attention from the very beginning. Inaugurated in the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and 42 founder Xavier Niel. The campus immediately showed its ambition: empowering students to discover what they are capable of, regardless of background. Tirana is not competing with traditional schools, but rather adding a new dimension to the learning ecosystem in Albania.

The campus hosts 150 workstations and can accommodate up to 450 students. This first year alone, nearly 400 participants experienced the immersion of the Piscine. “Growth is not only about numbers,” says Donjeta Sahatçiu, head of 42 Tirana. “It’s about preserving the quality, community, and intensity that define the 42 experience.” Next year, the campus plans four Piscines. Testament to the campus’ rocket start, 42 Tirana’s 2026 Spring sessions are already almost full! Applications for the Autumn sessions are set to open soon.

Piscines at 42 Tirana are unique not only because of the space (the Pyramid mentioned above is surrounded by start-ups, an innovation center, and tech events) but because of the people. Students form fast, intense, and supportive connections. Women are strongly represented, often outnumbering men. And the learning environment is alive, dynamic, and deeply connected to the city itself, which mirrors the campus spirit: constantly reinventing, welcoming, and full of opportunity.

Even though 42 Tirana is still a young campus, having only just had its first Kick-off in October, different companies are already lining up to build partnerships with it. From local banks to tech firms, all the way to startups. Many different corporate partners are already collaborating with the campus on hackathons, learning sprints, and real-world project challenges. Students gain firsthand experience solving meaningful problems, while companies meet learners who are curious, resilient, and ready to grow. The campus is also increasingly attracting interest from global companies exploring hiring pipelines for the coming quarters, which proves Albania’s rapidly expanding demand for tech talent.

“Our focus is deepening partnerships, expanding advanced learning paths, and supporting students beyond the Common Core. Access remains a priority, we aim to open the doors of tech to those who wouldn’t otherwise get this chance.” — Donjeta Sahatçiu, head of 42 Tirana.

Moving forward, 42 Tirana is committed to nurturing talent, fostering industry connections, and keeping its model honest, community-driven, and empowering for all students who pass through its doors.

What does it take to rethink education at a national scale?
For Aleksander Sarapuli and Martin Mata, Co-CEOs of the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF), the answer was clear: finding a model bold enough to break with tradition, yet rigorous enough to deliver real results.

In this interview, they take us behind the scenes of 42 Tirana, from discovering the 42 model to deciding to bring it to the heart of Tirana’s Pyramid. They share why accessibility and autonomy matter, how 42 fits into Albania’s long-term digital ambitions, and what the future of education could look like when talent, not background, comes first.

1. Could you please briefly introduce yourselves and share your educational and professional background?

We serve as Co-CEOs of the Albanian American Development Foundation (AADF), bringing decades of experience in education, development policy, digital transformation, and large-scale program management. Our backgrounds combine public leadership, private-sector strategy, and non-profit work focused on creating long-term, systemic impact in Albania. Our professional journey has allowed us to be part of efforts that strengthen education and leadership, foster entrepreneurship, and support cultural-heritage and eco-tourism projects, while also encouraging Albania’s participation in the global digital economy.

2. Can you tell us more about the organization you lead and your work there?

AADF is a mission-driven foundation established to advance sustainable development in Albania. We invest in education, entrepreneurship, leadership development, and technology — sectors we see as essential to the country’s future.

Our role is to shape long-term strategies and guide programs that accelerate economic and social progress. We work with government, private-sector partners, and global institutions to bring innovative models to Albania. 42 Tirana is one of our most ambitious projects in the education and technology space, reflecting our commitment to expanding opportunities for young people and building a strong digital workforce.

3. How did your team first come across 42, and what stood out?

We discovered 42 while researching global models that challenge and rethink traditional education systems. The concept immediately stood out: no tuition, no teachers, no classroom hierarchy, no prerequisites — yet a proven track record of producing highly capable, industry-ready talent.

Our impression was further strengthened during a study visit to 42 Paris, where we were able to experience the learning environment firsthand. Seeing the energy of the students, the autonomy of the learning process, and the rigor of the projects validated everything we had read about the model.

What impressed us most was the balance between rigor and accessibility. It is rare to find an educational approach that is both elite in quality and truly inclusive by design. We recognized that such a model could be transformative for Albania, where many talented young people still face barriers to accessing world-class tech education.

4. What motivated AADF to sponsor a 42 campus in Tirana?

We chose to bring 42 to Albania as a continuation of a broader vision. Over the years, AADF has created an educational pathway that introduces children to technology from the age of seven and develops their skills through progressively more advanced programs. What was missing was a model that could elevate this foundation even further — one that selects talent based on motivation and ability, provides world-class training, and prepares learners for real industry challenges. With Albania’s digital and technology sectors expanding rapidly, 42 offers the depth and autonomy needed to strengthen the ecosystem and develop highly capable professionals. It aligns closely with our long-term commitment to equip young people with the skills to compete globally and contribute to innovation locally. In this context, 42 Tirana serves as a strategic component within a comprehensive talent-development pipeline that supports Albania’s future competitiveness.

5. In your view, what makes 42 different from other coding schools?

42 stands apart because it reimagines how talent is discovered and developed. Its open and tuition-free admissions remove traditional barriers, inviting anyone with motivation to participate. The learning environment is entirely peer-driven, where progress depends on collaboration, initiative, and problem-solving rather than lectures or formal instruction. Projects are designed to mirror real technical challenges, giving students practical experience from day one. Learners move at a pace that reflects their mastery, not a predefined schedule, and the global reach of the 42 network allows them to connect with diverse perspectives and practices worldwide. The result is a learning ecosystem that cultivates individuals who are resourceful, adaptable, and prepared to thrive in fast-changing technology fields.

6. What are your hopes for the future of 42 Tirana?

We envision 42 Tirana growing into a central point of reference for technology talent in Albania and the wider region,an environment where students gain access not only to high-level training but also to international networks and opportunities. Our goal is for the campus to contribute meaningfully to the local innovation ecosystem by supporting emerging startups and fueling the country’s digital growth. Above all, we hope it demonstrates that excellence and accessibility can coexist, offering world-class education to anyone with the drive to pursue it. In this way, 42 Tirana can become more than an educational institution; it can become a platform that helps shape the next generation of engineers, leaders, and innovators.

7. And what about the future of education more broadly?

Education is entering a new era,one that demands adaptability, practical skill development, collaboration, and the intelligent use of technology. As the pace of innovation accelerates, traditional systems often struggle to evolve quickly enough. Models like 42 demonstrate what the future requires: environments where learners take ownership of their growth, build resilience through real-world challenges, and develop the capacity to think and solve problems independently. As Jean-Paul Sartre wrote, “Freedom is what you do with what’s been done to you,” a reminder that autonomy must be paired with responsibility and action. We believe that more educational systems will gravitate toward approaches that cultivate this kind of empowered, self-directed learning — preparing students not just for today’s jobs, but for the ones yet to be imagined.

8. A final word?

42 Tirana is an invitation — for anyone with curiosity, discipline, and drive, to build a future in tech at the heart of Tirana, inside the Pyramid. We are proud to bring this opportunity to Albania and even prouder of the community that is already taking shape. This is only the beginning, and we look forward to seeing the impact these students will make in Albania and beyond.

Could you please briefly introduce yourself and tell us more about your educational and professional background?
Sure, my name is Anna. I work as Global Head of CSR at BearingPoint — this is a second career for me. I used to implement Digitalization and Change Projects and eCommerce Solution with clients and implement new organizational structures and controlling systems, before shifting my career towards something closer to my purpose. I was lucky to study Economics, which gave me a great foundation for my current career.

Can you tell us more about the company you work for and what you do there?
BearingPoint is an independent management and technology consultancy with European roots and a global reach. BearingPoint is a forerunner in holistic CSR, viewing it as one of its core responsibilities. This approach has allowed us to create a broader impact on the planet, on people and on society as a whole. My job is to ensure our strategy is carried out globally, together with the local teams, our global team and the leadership.

How did BearingPoint first come across 42? What was particularly interesting about 42?
We were looking for a non-profit organization we could partner with — ideally one that aligns with our values and allows us to give back to the community in a meaningful way. That’s when we came across 42. The concept immediately caught our attention: a tuition-free IT school that is accessible to anyone above 18, regardless of their background or previous experience. We found it particularly inspiring that 42 supports not only young people starting their professional journey, but also those who want to change their career path later in life.
Another aspect that resonated with us was the global network of campuses. 42 has campuses close to our own offices in multiple locations, which makes collaboration much more tangible. Overall, it seemed like a well-established and forward-thinking initiative, large enough to build company-wide CSR activities around, yet still deeply committed to its social mission.

What were the motivations behind BearingPoint’s decision to partner up with 42?
As a management and technology consultancy, we felt that partnering with 42 was a natural fit. Students at 42 are passionate about technology and innovation, which perfectly matches the mindset we value in our own teams. We wanted to give back in an area where we have real expertise — supporting aspiring developers and tech talents on their journey.
Building on the skills students develop at 42, we can provide a broader perspective on how software development ties into business strategy, project management, and client needs. By sharing our experience from real-world projects, we hope to inspire students and help them see additional ways their skills can be applied in various business contexts.

In your opinion, what sets 42 apart from other programming schools?
What really sets 42 apart is its unique, tuition-free model and its peer-to-peer learning approach. Students learn by doing, collaborating, and solving real-life challenges without traditional lectures or teachers. This not only helps them build strong technical skills but also fosters creativity, independence, and teamwork. It also gives them an invaluable skill in today’s world: the ability to learn to learn.
Moreover, the fact that it’s open to everyone, regardless of prior education or background, makes it a truly inclusive program. It empowers people to take control of their learning journey and build a new career path in tech. The combination of accessibility, innovation, and community spirit makes 42 stand out from traditional coding schools.

What are your (or your company’s) hopes for the future of education? How do you see your company contributing towards this in the near future?
We believe the future of education should be more inclusive, practical, and aligned with the skills needed in a rapidly changing world. Lifelong learning and the ability to adapt are becoming increasingly important.
As a consultancy, we see our role in bridging the gap between education and the business world. We want to help students and young professionals understand how technology and management interact, and how both can be used to create real impact. By partnering with initiatives like 42, we aim to contribute to a more hands-on, accessible, and future-oriented learning environment — one that empowers people to take ownership of their personal and professional growth.

A quick word to conclude our interview?
To conclude, we are proud to be part of an initiative that makes a real impact by opening doors to tech education for people from all walks of life. Fostering inclusion and supporting lifelong learning are at the heart of what we do, and we believe that accessible education is key to building a stronger, more innovative community. By working together, we can help shape a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the digital age.

When the Campus 19 project came into being, Belgium was experiencing a contradiction: companies were restructuring under the guise of digital transformation, while the tech sector was struggling to fill thousands of open roles. With a background in corporate marketing, communication, and sustainable development, Stéphan Salberter, now CEO of 42 Belgium, discovered 42 in Paris and recognized an opportunity to bridge that gap.

Teaming up with co-founders John-Alexander Bogaerts and Ian Gallienne, Stéphan Salberter decided to bring the concept back to Belgium, creating one of the first 42 campuses outside of France. Having been in operation since 2018, 42 Belgium is now supported by a strong network of local companies committed to opening doors for new talent.

Building a Brand That Fits Belgium Life

The 42 brand, with its depth and authenticity, reflects not just technical training, but also growth, collaboration, and mindset.

Translating that identity into the Belgian landscape presented a unique challenge. In a small yet highly fragmented country, media behaviour, language, and expectations can change every 20 km. From the outset, ensuring that 42’s brand image remained intact while resonating locally was a key challenge in this rebranding.

The transition followed a clear timeline. Internal changes (legal, signage etc.) came first, followed by a big reveal, in the form of a “funeral” for Campus 19, where Alumni and students were invited to join. After that, the campus updated its external communications and launched a creative campaign to support the rebranding, developed with a local creative agency, Flock. The campaign rolled out across several channels: online, on the air, and in print.

Looking Ahead

The change in perception is already visible: stronger press coverage, more candidate interest, and a renewed awareness around the school’s mission in Belgium.

The rebranding notably drew the attention of a journalist from the well-known newspaper: De Standaard. Following an interview and campus visit, the newspaper ran a full-page feature that captured the spirit of 42 Belgium.

“Such actions helped reinforce our position within the local tech ecosystem while strengthening the visibility of the 42 brand in Belgium.”

At its core, 42 Belgium maintains the same mission that guided its creation under the Campus 19 name: offering open, innovative, and inclusive tech education, and contributing to the broader strength of the 42 network.

What is your favourite thing about being the director of 42 Belgium?
What I like the most about my position is being able to see the impact you have on the lives of students. Seeing them evolve, and meeting them again once they have a job. They all have life stories that stand out for me. For example, a student once told me with tears in his eyes how 42 helped him go from delivering burgers with Deliveroo to working in Tech.. I also remember a Ukrainian refugee who arrived at 42 Belgium at 17 and now is in an important role at a tech company.

What is your background?
I am a marketing and branding man! I worked for 25 years in finance where I was marketing, communications and sustainable development director for major banking brands in different countries around the world. At some point, I wanted to change and do something more purposeful, with a wider social impact. I created my own company to support the development of more community-based projects. My first project was with the co-founders of 42 Belgium, John Bogaerts and Ian Gallienne. What was supposed to be a few months’ assignment has turned into a 7-year adventure!. I also run a start-up incubator and a media company related to entrepreneurship and work as a freelancer on the side. You can say that I’m a man of many passions, hence this combination suits me perfectly.

What would you like to see in education in the future?
I would like education to be more inclusive, more flexible in terms of methodology and pathways, and to allow everyone to find their own way, while maintaining high standards. To me, 42 is a prime example of this, as it is excellence without elitism. I think we should draw inspiration from this in many other sectors!

What makes the Piscine experience unique at 42 Belgium?
What characterises the Piscine at 42 Belgium is the experience and the benevolence. It’s a bit of a special dynamic. The atmosphere ranges from highly festive to intensely studious, sometimes accompanied by a little pinch of chaos. At the end of the day, students create a group and discover the campus in their own way. What really comes to my mind is the benevolence and the will to help each other.

42 has 4 pillar values: Excellence, Ethics, Openness and Tech. Which one is the most important to you and why?
For me, ethics is the most important pillar. As future software engineers, our decisions directly affect society. Think about data protection, algorithmic bias, cybersecurity, responsible use of AI, sustainability, transparency…

Involving and centering ethics from the start of our training helps us build a sense of responsibility, understand the real impact of our choices, and create technologies that serve everyone. In a world where code affects millions of people every day, knowing how to code is not enough — we also need to know how to code in a fair, inclusive, and sustainable way.

After working as a tech journalist and communications director at STATION F (the largest start-up campus in the world) Grégoire Martinez is now the director of 42 Paris. Having spent the last 2 years supervising the construction of the main 42 Paris building, while ensuring the campus’ daily operations ran smoothly, he now aims to expand 42 Paris’ imprint in the french educational and tech ecosystems.

Can you please talk to us about your background? What is your education and what were you doing before 42?

I have quite an unusual background for what I do — in the sense that I did not spend a long time at school — but the guiding thread has always been tech. I started out ten years ago as a technology & economy reporter for a French national radio station, and shortly after, I joined STATION F, the world’s largest startup campus, to manage community, communications & events. My goal was to get a glimpse of what was happening behind the tech and start-up scenes, and to be able to work directly with entrepreneurs, in a more hands-on manner. I’ve been at 42 for over two years now, having initially joined as Chief Operating Officer, working mostly on topics linked to the network, before recently switching full time to 42 Paris, as director of the campus.

What brought you to 42 in the first place?

I’ve been following the 42 story for a while now — actually my first visit to the 42 Paris campus was in 2015 as a journalist during a visit with Xavier Niel and Emmanuel Macron (he was French Minister for Economy at that time). I’ve always been attracted to the project, the pedagogy behind it, and, of course, the main topic here: tech. Having met with Sophie Viger later on, I had the chance to join the team!

What do you like the most about your position at your campus?

Without hesitating one second: discussing with students. Being able to connect with them, watch their progress, and collaborate with the staff to tackle their challenges is the best thing!

42 Paris is often described as the network’s “flagship campus” — what does being the director of such a campus mean to you?

Lots of topics? Kidding. But of course managing 42 Paris is both an honor and a challenge. I think being a flagship or not, the thing is to try to be the best version possible of 42, make the most of our values of inclusion, excellence and more and remain an innovation lab where we always try new stuff. I think part of it is also ensuring students benefit from everything they need to learn in the best conditions possible, connecting with leading players in the field, hosting events that are references in the ecosystem…

What is your vision for the future of education?

That’s quite a question — more of the 42 spirit and peer-learning everywhere?

Lastly, 42 has 4 pillar values: openness, excellence, tech, and ethics. Which one is the most important to you and why?

I am going to cheat and select two as I think they should always go together: openness and excellence. People often think that openness and inclusion go against excellence — I think the exact opposite and that’s also what makes 42 magic. Here, no matter where you come from and what’s your background you’ll benefit from a training that has excellence as one of its core values.