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Sage Concept Etude is a research consultancy based in Bellegarde-sur-Valserine. Assisted technically and financially by the Ain network of experts, the company SAGE Concept successfully developed a new all-terrain comfortable snowshoe.
The key innovation: a snowshoe system that enables the user to keep his feet horizontal when traversing slopes, irrespective of the angle of the slope. The aim being to avoid the pain and discomfort caused by the twisting of the feet that frequently occurs in such situations when standard snowshoes are worn. After winning the Artinov prize for 2005 for the best innovation in the Rhône-Alpes, the pendular snowshoe is now in the running for the national prize, along with the 11 other innovative projects selected.
"The concept is technically fully developed and is ready for production. I am now waiting for a response from snowshoe manufacturers or industrialists willing to launch themselves in this sector and market the product", explains Philippe Sage, who has changed his target since the development of the first prototypes.
"At first, I was targeting the extreme sports market - hiking through lower slopes for mountaineers or skiers 'off-piste' - but observation of snowshoe users proved to me that there was a real market for a more comfortable snowshoe aimed simply at the general market, and in particular for the over 50s."
A ski instructor in the winter, and the only staff member on the payroll, this son of a plastics moulder has proved that innovation isn't reserved solely for the big companies. Specialising in the conception of products composed from moulded components, and more recently in the moulding of composite materials, this entrepreneur has designed certain parts for the prototypes of the Airbus A380, as well as neck protection for Formula 1 drivers.
"My specificity is eclecticism and networking," continues Philippe Sage. "I am the only person in my company, but in fact I work with numerous subcontractors in the department. There are a great many to choose from in the local area."
Philippe SAGE
Director - Sage Concept Etude
Source: Grand Angle 01 magazine produced by the AIN CCI
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When it became a primary supplier to the European aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, Duqueine, which manufactures parts made from composite materials, chose to invest in the Ain with help from the Ain Economic Mission and support from the Ain Regional Council.
26, avenue Alsace Lorraine
01000 Bourg en Bresse
Phone +33 4 37 62 19 10
Fax +33 4 37 62 19 19
 | The Ain Economic Mission is a service created by the General Council of the Ain and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Ain |  |
