Romain Paul (EDHEC GE, 2006): founder of Yuyo, 3D-printed surfboards with an eco-design

Presenting Yuyo, the latest generation of 3D-printed surfboards with a design that is 100% eco-friendly! 
In order to offer surfers an alternative that was responsible and ecological, Romain Paul, an EDHEC graduate from the Nice campus, adopted an entirely new approach to the way surfboards are manufactured. His products are made using recycled and natural materials (plant-based or mineral) and are manufactured locally in a way that limits their impact on the environment as much as possible.
Beyond environmental concerns, the additive manufacturing process (addition of materials and computer-assisted) offers a way to improve the performance of the boards thanks to CAD and topological optimisation.

CAN YOU TELL US BRIEFLY HOW YOUR BUSINESS CAME ABOUT?

I had been making surfboards as an amateur for about 10 years and became increasingly aware of the “surfer’s paradox”, the contradiction between the environmental beliefs of those who practice my sport and the toxicity of the materials used. So I invited three friends to join me in an effort to resolve this paradox by rethinking the way boards are made. 

Using 3D printing, we managed to set up a local manufacturing process for high-performance and customised boards made exclusively from natural or recycled products with minimum amounts of waste. 

WHAT IS YOUR INITIAL ASSESSMENT OF THIS ENTREPRENEURIAL ADVENTURE?

It’s been an incredible human adventure full of lessons learned and has also taught me about the importance of listening to consumers, confronting the market and moving quickly. 

HAVE YOU EVER BENEFITED FROM THE NETWORK OF EDHEC GRADUATES?

Yes, we spread the word about our crowdfunding campaign across the network :)

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR NEW ENTREPRENEURS?

Don’t hesitate to launch your project and make sure you surround yourself with the right people who share the same values and have complementary skill sets. 

WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

First we hope to increase our production capacity by acquiring more 3D printers, then develop our Kite and Paddle ranges, and finally expand internationally. 

WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FROM THE COMMUNITY OF EDHEC GRADUATES?

We’re currently aiming to establish a reputation above all: we are developing our brand and we need publicity. To achieve that, we are counting on the EDHEC community and network. 

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