CEMS Philippe Louvet Innovation Grant

The Philippe Louvet Innovation Grant celebrates the transformative power of innovation within the CEMS alliance. Every two years, it provides resources and visibility to projects that challenge the status quo, strengthen our community, and prepare future leaders to think and act boldly.

The award was created in 2018 by L’Oréal and the CEMS Strategic Board, in memory of Philippe Louvet. As Vice President Human Resources at L’Oréal and later a CEMS Honorary Member and Strategic Advisor, Philippe embodied the values of innovation, collaboration, and education. He brought L’Oréal into CEMS as a corporate partner in 1996, making it one of the alliance’s most active contributors. Through his roles on the Executive Board, as Vice President Corporate Relations, and as Strategic Board member, Philippe played a key role in shaping the CEMS Mission, Vision and Strategy, and in launching groundbreaking initiatives.

Sponsored by L’Oréal, it empowers CEMS stakeholders to bring forward new ideas that enrich our global community and contribute to a more open, inclusive, and sustainable world.

Eligibility & Nominations

• Open to all CEMS stakeholders (students, alumni, academics, schools, corporate and social partners, programme managers, etc.).
• Projects must bring together at least two different types of stakeholders (e.g. students + alumni, school + corporate partner).

Selection Process

• Proposals are submitted as innovation projects (ideas do not need to be implemented at submission).
• A jury of academics, alumni, corporate leaders, and CEMS representatives evaluates the submissions.
• The winning project receives €30,000, distributed in two phases: seed funding to launch the project, and follow-up funding after demonstrating progress.
• Awarded every two years 

Selection Criteria

Projects are evaluated against six dimensions:

• Innovation – incremental or radical ideas that bring fresh approaches.
• Feasibility – realistic design and ability to deliver.
• Impact – tangible benefits for the CEMS community.
• Scalability – potential to expand across the network.
• Sustainability – long-term value and relevance.
• Alignment with CEMS Vision – advancing the preparation of responsible leaders for a more open, sustainable, and inclusive world.