Interview with Louis Menigoz, Chief Technology and Strategy Officer at COGES Event / GICAT.
Can you first tell us about your background?
After 30 years as a State agent at the Ministry of Defense, I joined COGES (note: organizer of Eurosatory, the World Defense and Security Event) 14 years ago to monitor exhibitions, understand trends, and work on directions to consolidate and develop markets.
COGES (Commissariat Général des Expositions et Salons du GICAT) is a French organization specializing in the organization of events and trade shows in the defense and security sectors. Founded by GICAT (Groupement des Industries Françaises de Défense et de Sécurité Terrestre et Aéroterrestre), COGES plays a key role in promoting the French defense and security industries on the international stage.
COGES is particularly known for organizing the Eurosatory trade show, one of the largest international exhibitions dedicated to land and air-land defense and security. Eurosatory brings together exhibitors and visitors from around the world, providing a platform to showcase the latest innovations and technologies in these fields.
Why and how did you come up with the HELPED concept?
What motivated you to develop this concept?
This concept is a team effort from COGES and primarily from GICAT's industrial members. It initially aimed to develop the field of population protection, where defense companies were already working, but in a fragmented manner. The crisis in Vésubie, France (devastating mudslides in the Alps) during the Covid pandemic, followed by the crisis in Ukraine, accelerated the creation of a demonstrator. This demonstrator offered a "Swiss army knife" solution for all crises, using the latest French technology. After several colloquiums and working groups, the establishment of a mini operational camp at Eurosatory 2022 demonstrated its commercial potential and revealed that this "Swiss army knife" could become a new rapid response force to combat various threats faced by populations and their environments, whether in conflicts or natural and industrial disasters.
It also became evident that HELPED could serve as a conscription tool for young people within the framework of the Universal National Service, potentially involving professionals from the field undergoing career transitions. This service for youth or career transition would provide training on specific equipment, teaching how to deploy and recondition it, thus minimizing the waste often observed in large NGOs. These NGOs have the capacity for rapid intervention but lack the structure for responsible transitions during the return to normalcy phases. It also became clear that intervention and stabilization phases could not be separated from a plan to return to normalcy, which includes rebuilding physical and cyber infrastructures as well as addressing human physical and psychological integrity. This led to the continuity of HELPED with the extension of HELPED RECONSTRUCTION, located at the center of the zone.
Constructions-3D and HELPED: An Innovative Synergy
Why did you want to integrate Constructions-3D into the HELPED concept?
"Beyond its actual ability to quickly manufacture concrete structures that could one day be used for the reconstruction of durable infrastructures after destruction, Constructions-3D is a company that continuously innovates. For instance, it seeks to use local materials, optimize the resources used in concrete components, and adapt its equipment for deployment. In this sense, Constructions-3D is well-suited to be present in immediate humanitarian action as well as in the development sector with sustainable reconstruction."
Can you briefly summarize this 2024 edition for us?
The World Defense and Security Event experienced a resounding success. The exhibition hosted 1,743 exhibitors from 62 countries, with 62% of them being international. There were 39 national pavilions. The event attracted 62,000 professional visitors from 150 countries. Eurosatory also welcomed official delegations from around the world, including military organizations, security forces, and civil protection agencies, all seeking to meet commercial or technological partners at the show.
In 2022, Eurosatory received 250 official delegations from 96 countries, with 70% being defense delegations and 30% security delegations.
The Future of 3D Concrete Printing and HELPED
What do you believe is the potential of 3D concrete printing in the coming years?
3D concrete printing holds immense potential for constructing protective walls, utilizing local material resources, and making infrastructures more compact and deployable. These innovations will continue to play a crucial role in the protection and reconstruction of disaster-affected areas.
How do you envision HELPED in 5 years?
HELPED was established somewhat like open-source software, where everyone has a place as long as they contribute something that helps resolve one or more crises of any nature. HELPED will therefore progress with the contributions it receives, but it will also go through stages concerning its funding, architecture, and its positioning within France and Europe. These stages have already been considered, but they need to be validated through concrete experience.
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