We.Deploy(Science): The Startup Optimizing Vessel Performance

Alumni, Innovation Marine Engineering, Digital Science & Engineering
©VivaTech 2026

Founded in late 2024, the startup We.Deploy(Science) was created by Nedeleg Bigi and Hugo Kerhascoët, two childhood friends with a passion for sailing and engineering. Thanks to their complementary skills, they specialize in the control and optimization of complex mechanical systems. Major names in ocean racing already place their trust in them.

A graduate of ENSTA, Nedeleg trained in naval hydrodynamics and went on to write a thesis on the challenges of numerical modeling and simulation, while Hugo specialized in embedded systems.

“There are many connections between our disciplines. This allows us to tackle complex problems using a methodology and modeling and simulation tools—such as digital twins—to reduce the time required for testing and implementing innovations.”

Hugo Kerhascoët Co-Director of We.Deploy(Science)

Among their first clients to place their trust in them is Gitana Team. The French offshore racing team approached them to redesign the autopilot system for their latest vessel.

“We’re very familiar with the world of ocean racing, and they trusted us right away. This field is a true laboratory for innovation—it’s in their DNA. With We.Deploy(Science), we’re able to innovate within tight time and budget constraints. Our knowledge of the maritime sector allows us to exercise sound judgment and make the right choices.”

Nedeleg Bigi Co-director of We.Deploy(Science)

The We.Deploy(Science) team operates across a broad scope. For Gitana, the challenge is achieving optimal control of the autopilot while accounting for complex physical laws, stringent energy constraints, and limited system space. With more than 40 actuators on board, modeling allows us to anticipate challenges, and the technology we’ve deployed enables us to balance competing objectives.

“The real feat here is that even for prototypes, we’re able to build them at a reduced cost.”

Hugo Kerhascoët and Nedeleg Bigi at the Vivatech 2026 trade show

The team offers its solutions to the entire maritime sector. In addition to offshore racing, projects are under consideration with players in the defense and shipbuilding industries.

“Our knowledge of the sector allows us to provide coherent solutions tailored to our clients’ needs. We’re able to address a variety of topics ranging from support and strategy to data fusion…”

We.Deploy(Science) is one of the startups incubated within ENSTARTUPS and supported by ENSTA. Last June, they participated in Vivatech—the must-attend event for the European tech ecosystem—alongside other startups from the Institut Polytechnique de Paris.

To learn more, visit their website

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