January 6, 2025 - Differs, a predictive AI SaaS transforming retail promotion strategies, proudly announces its recognition as the first-prize winner in the "Sales Efficiency" category of Défi Innovation (aka Innovation Challenge) hosted by the Groupement Mousquetaires. This prestigious competition, now in its second edition, attracted over 100 startups pioneering AI-driven solutions.

The jury, composed of industry experts, honored Differs for its innovative approach to optimizing retail promotional strategies. The prize includes a €10,000 budget to further develop the solution and visibility across Groupement Mousquetaires' 3,000 independent entrepreneurs and their retail networks, including Intermarché and Bricorama.

Differs' solution empowers retailers to determine the optimal discount for each product, enabling them to sell at higher margins when possible and strategically lower prices when necessary. On average, Differs’ clients achieve a +25% gross profit uplift. Current clients include prominent brands such as Vertbaudet, Index Living Mall, Sixth June, and others.

"We are thrilled to be recognized by Groupement Mousquetaires, a leader in retail innovation. This acknowledgment underscores the tangible impact Differs delivers in optimizing profitability while reducing waste through smarter discount strategies," 

– Dr. Rata Jacquemart, co-founder and CEO of Differs

Images of the Differs team with the prize (left) and the Mousquetaires' tech showroom, where Differs' solution will be showcased (right)

About the Défi Innovation

This year’s Défi Innovation focused on AI’s transformative potential in retail. Three startups were awarded in key areas:

• Sales Efficiency: Differs, for its predictive AI SaaS optimizing retail promotions.

• Customer Experience: Oorion, for an AI-driven navigation app aiding visually impaired customers.

• Sustainable Commerce: Tilt, for green energy optimization in retail buildings.

The Groupement Mousquetaires, with €40 billion in annual revenue and recent acquisitions of Casino Group alongside Auchan, is committed to leveraging innovation to shape the future of retail.

"These inspiring projects drive our transformation, supported by 40 internal experts who see AI as key to enhancing our unique position as Producers & Retailers. AI enables efficiency across production, logistics, and distribution, ensuring top-quality service for our customers. We thank all startups, collaborators, and entrepreneurs for making this challenge a success. Together, we’ll maximize this transformation’s potential." 

– Maxime Canu, Innovation Lead for Intermarché

Join Differs in shaping the future of retail profitability through AI-powered innovation.

About Differs

Founded in 2023, Differs is a cutting-edge predictive AI SaaS that calculates the optimal discount for each product, helping retailers maximize margins and inventory turnover. Recognized as a Top 10 French AI Innovation of 2024 by Le Point—a jury including Yann Lecun and Nobel laureates—Differs is backed by JB Rudelle, ex-CEO of Criteo. Brands like BSTN, Index Living Mall, and Sixth June have leveraged Differs to achieve significant profit gains, including an average +25% gross profit uplift for its clients during sales periods.