Serge Kinkingnéhun embodies an original and thoughtful approach to entrepreneurship in the medical technology sector. A French doctor of science and entrepreneur, he has built a career by combining his expertise in computer imaging, cognitive sciences, and management.
After obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry in the United States, Serge Kinkingnéhun continued his studies in France, particularly in neuroimaging and cognitive sciences. In 2008, while working at the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital as a research engineer, he founded EyeBrain, his first startup. This company develops medical devices based on eye movement analysis for diagnosing neurological and psychiatric diseases.
The sale of EyeBrain in 2015 marked an important milestone in his career. Serge Kinkingnéhun then joined the Brain and Spine Institute (ICM) as head of medical technology development. This role enabled him to commercialize innovations from research, either through patents or by creating startups.
In 2018, he co-founded Hephaï, a startup specializing in digital therapeutic education, before selling his shares in 2024. Since then, he has dedicated himself to mentoring and supporting startups in the medtech field, collaborating with organizations such as Imperial College, EIT Health, and Bpifrance.
The “Cockroach Strategy”: An Alternative to Traditional Models
In his book “La stratégie du cafard” (The Cockroach Strategy) published in 2024, Serge Kinkingnéhun proposes a pragmatic and resilient approach to entrepreneurship. Inspired by the cockroach’s ability to survive in hostile environments, he advocates for a robust, adaptive, and frugal business model, as opposed to “unicorns,” those startups that bet everything on spectacular funding rounds.
According to him, companies should prioritize self-financing, optimize their resources, and aim for solid foundations to face economic crises. This model is based on three main pillars:
- Finding your first customers: he recommends targeting customers ready to pay quickly, even if they are not the end customers. This strategy allows revenue generation from the very beginning of the business.
- Maximizing leverage: by relying on alternative financing methods such as crowdlending or grants, startups can limit their dependence on traditional investors.
- Optimizing profitability: rigorous cost and profit management is essential to ensure sustainable growth.
A Resilient Business Model
The cockroach strategy encourages entrepreneurs to avoid excessive fundraising that leads to dilution of the founders’ power. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining control over one’s vision and strategy.
He illustrates this approach through his own experiences: when managing his startups, he used alternative solutions to finance his projects, particularly by reinvesting profits into share capital. This practice strengthens the company’s credibility with financiers while avoiding dilution. This resilient and adaptive vision, based on autonomy and prudence, offers a welcome alternative in a world where “unicorns” often dominate entrepreneurial discourse. By promoting concrete and applicable strategies, Serge Kinkingnéhun shows that success is measured not only in funding rounds, but also in sustainability and lasting impact.
The Use of AI in Medtechs
Serge has integrated artificial intelligence into his projects to address specific medical needs. With Hephaï, he contributed to the development of applications that analyze the gestures and sounds of asthmatic patients. The goal is to help them better use their inhalers. These innovations, based on image analysis and predictive models, improve patient care while reducing errors.
Today, he supports other startups exploring the capabilities of generative AI for various software applications, such as preparing medical files or analyzing emergency calls for SOS Médecins. However, he warns about ethical issues and sensitive data management, emphasizing the importance of using secure platforms.
Advice for SMEs and Startups
Facing SMEs and startups hesitant to integrate AI, Serge Kinkingnéhun recommends approaching this technology without fear, but with discernment. Understanding the possibilities and limitations of AI is crucial to avoid strategic mistakes. He also encourages the adoption of AI tools to optimize processes and stimulate innovation, while remaining vigilant about regulations such as GDPR.
