“15% of fabrics produced around the world are thrown away even before they’re transformed” Marine Viet, founder of the Tri’Cycle start-up

How did the idea of Tri’Cycle come about?

I’ve loved sewing ever since I was a small child. I learned to sew with my grandmothers, when I went to their houses every Wednesday. One of them used to recover scrap fabric to make disguises for the school. At the same time, several members of my family worked in the medical field, and this enabled me to see the massive quantities of single-use, non-recyclable protective materials (caps, coats, scrubs, overshoes) that were thrown away. That’s where the idea for Tri’Cycle came from, the aim being to save scrap fabric originating from industry or individuals, in order to make reusable materials for professionals (nurseries, canteens, medical centres, hospitals).

Your project combines recycling and social relations: why did you decide to incorporate several responsibility aspects into your start-up?

From an environmental standpoint, it’s crazy to think that 15% of fabrics produced around the world are thrown away even before they’re transformed. I therefore thought about a simple solution for re-using these scraps. Regarding the social aspect, at the start of the year my grandmother launched a sewing workshop designed for isolated elderly people and run from her home. Through this initiative, I saw the opportunity to create groups of senior sewers. It’s a way to offer them social interaction, a rewarding activity and some extra income to top up their pension. The idea is that each individual can contribute according to their abilities, e.g. cutting, sewing, preparing packages, etc. We adapt for everyone. I’m also in contact with the not-for-profit association Les Petits Frères des Pauvres, and plan to work with ESAT* structures for the handicapped or reinsertion structures.

In practical terms, how did you transform this idea into a project? As an EDHEC student, is it easy to go down the entrepreneurship route?

I took part in EDHEC’s Start-up Challenge in my Master 1 year and this elective helped me structure my idea. We were surrounded by motivated students and enjoyed regular coaching sessions and one-to-one support from the EDHEC Entrepreneurs teams. We also learned to pitch our ideas in front of a jury, among other things. Thanks to the Start-up Challenge, I managed to validate my concept, create prototypes with my grandmother and set up a not-for-profit structure to simplify the first steps for my project. The School also put me in touch with key contacts, like Roubaix city hall. I’m on my gap year at the moment, but EDHEC Entrepreneurs is still supporting me with my project.

How did you prepare for the INNOVA Europe competition, particularly for the oral component?

In April 2025, I was selected to represent EDHEC at the INNOVA Europe final on the ESMT campus in Berlin. I had intensive coaching from the EDHEC Entrepreneurs team during the summer. We re-worked the pitch, fleshed out the project’s ecological and economic aspects, and prepared the presentation in English. I had to do some calculations on CO₂ savings, costs for businesses, etc. It was a good learning exercise and enabled me to better pitch my project. 

What was your experience of the competition final in Berlin? 

It was an incredible experience. Pitching abroad in front of 150 people was impressive. I met youngsters from all over Europe, with entrepreneurial projects related to sustainable development. I also had exchanges with professors from foreign universities, and even received an offer to put me in touch with the Inditex group. Beyond the European aspect, the competition enabled me to present my project to a jury of professionals from within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

And now, what next for Tri’Cycle? 

I’m now in the process of completing the formalities I need to do to obtain a Siret business ID number. In the short term, I want to set up a project with Roubaix city hall which will involve supplying employees of the city’s nurseries with sustainable materials. I also want to develop a new group of senior sewers in the region. 

I’m leaving for an internship in the USA in January in order to fulfil the international requirements of my programme at EDHEC. I’m looking for a student to take over the project while I’m gone. When I get back, I want to convert Tri’Cycle into a company and devote myself full time to developing it. 

* These structures enable handicapped people to work, while also allowing them to receive medical, social and educational support in a protected environment.