The 2023 edition of the Digital Technologies Prize had initially focused solely on the theme of quantum technology, due to the enormous potential it represents for society. However, given the limited number of companies currently developing and marketing large-scale quantum solutions, the jury decided to broaden the theme to include microelectronics. This choice will highlight technologies which, while exploiting the advantages of quantum technology, could also have a significant and positive impact on society.

We immersed ourselves in France's quantum and microelectronics technology ecosystem. Our mission was to gain a better understanding of the challenges facing the sector in the coming years, the key technological advances and the specific needs of companies to develop solutions that will benefit society.

The microelectronics team, made up of Imen Mahdi, Rémi Ducottet and Amine Msik, focused on the sector's start-ups to award the innovation prize. Our first step was to identify a large number of companies - around 60 in all - active in the fields of microelectronics, optics, energy, sensors and semiconductors. This extensive survey provided us with a comprehensive overview of the players present on the French market.

After this initial phase, we focused our research on companies that stood out for their advanced development or real innovation, taking as our model Arnano, a small miscroscopic etching company with a particular savoir faire. We then produced around 25 detailed fact sheets on these companies, detailing their technologies, achievements and future prospects.

We quickly realized that four themes stood out in particular: optics, energy, sensors and semiconductors. Accordingly, we divided the companies into these categories and focused on the two most promising companies in each. We conducted in-depth research into the innovations and technologies found in these companies, to better understand their potential and benefits.

In this process, two companies in particular caught our attention and we recommended them to the jury: Microleed and Aledia. These companies stood out for their advanced level of development and innovative technologies, arousing great interest on our part.

However, it must be stressed that this process was not without its challenges. The complexity of certain technologies sometimes made it difficult for us to fully grasp them, and the lack of availability of certain data sometimes prevented us from fully assessing their performance. Fortunately, the members of the jury were invaluable in providing us with tips on how to obtain the missing information. Their expertise enabled us to delve deeper and master certain complex subjects.

At times, we were also frustrated to realize after the fact that some companies didn't really fit in with our themes. For example, some technologies turned out to be too far removed from the nanoscale we were looking for. Despite these challenges, the experience was incredibly enriching and interesting for us. It allowed us to plunge into the heart of technological innovation and discover exciting companies shaping the future of microelectronics and quantum.

Finally, we would like to thank all the members of the Jury who supported us throughout the process, and in particular Olivier Mellina-Gottardo, the Jury Chairman, for our weekly meetings.