Association APPROCHE
French non-profit (founded 1991) promoting assistive technologies — robotics, domotics, ICT — for people with disabilities, serving ~25 rehabilitation establishments and clinicians via training, clinical evaluation, and research consortia anchored at Centre de Kerpape.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1991
- HeadquartersPloemeur, France
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Association APPROCHE does
Association APPROCHE, founded in 1991 and headquartered at the Centre de Kerpape in Ploemeur (Morbihan, France), is a French non-profit association (loi 1901) whose mandate is to promote access to new technologies — including robotics, electronics, domotics, and ICT — for people with disabilities. Its members comprise roughly 25 French rehabilitation establishments and care centers (including major facilities such as Kerpape, Melioris, Jacques Calvé, Bouffard-Vercelli, and FSEF Grenoble), alongside individual professionals in rehabilitation medicine, engineering, and research. The association's activities span four pillars: clinical evaluation of assistive devices through the Living Lab and the Plateforme Handicap et Nouvelles Technologies, training programs (Formations APPROCHE) for clinicians and caregivers covering traditional robotics through to VR/AR and connected medical devices, participation in national and European research consortia (ROBOLINK-e, Auton'Home, PEPR O2R Assistmov, AMUSE), and the organization of national colloquia rotating across French regions to disseminate practice and standards.
The business model is a classic French association structure: member-establishment dues finance baseline operations, with supplementary revenue from paid training registrations (events publicly priced at roughly €100-160), colloquium fees and sponsorship, project-related co-financing, and donations. APPROCHE is not a commercial vendor; rather, it functions as an intermediary and certifying body between academia, industry, public-sector funders (ANR, CEA, AFM-Téléthon), and end-user institutions. Its brand authority rests on multi-decade institutional continuity, its scientific committee, and its neutral position as a general-interest association.
Association APPROCHE firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Association APPROCHE
- Legal name
- Association d'intérêt général pour la promotion des nouvelles technologies au service des personnes en situation de handicap
- Website
- https://approche-asso.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1991
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- French non-profit (founded 1991) promoting assistive technologies — robotics, domotics, ICT — for people with disabilities, serving ~25 rehabilitation establishments and clinicians via training, clinical evaluation, and research consortia anchored at Centre de Kerpape.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Association APPROCHE industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Assistive Technology and Rehabilitation Services
- NAICS
- Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Professional Organizations (81392)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech) (BPAGALAM)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) & Speech/Language Therapy Tech (EDAFAKAB), AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) Devices, Apps & Training (EDAKAIAB), Computer Access & Alternative Input (Switch, Eye Gaze, Head/Mouse, Keyboards) (EDAKAIAD)
Keywords
Where Association APPROCHE is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Ploemeur
- HQ country
- France
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Association APPROCHE business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Membership Fees: Healthcare establishments, rehabilitation centers, and professionals pay membership fees to join the association network and access resources, training, and collaborative research opportunities.
- Training Programs: Fee-based professional training programs on assistive technologies, virtual reality in rehabilitation, technical aids, and clinical research methodologies for healthcare professionals.
- Event Registration Fees: Colloquium and meeting registration fees ranging from 100-160€ for scientific events, with discounted rates for network members and funding support available for researchers without institutional financing.
- Donations: Public donations accepted through HelloAsso platform, supporting the association's mission to promote new technologies for people with disabilities.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Colloquium Registration - Network Members |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Scientific Day Pass |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Non-Member Colloquium Registration |
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Webinar Events |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Training Programs |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Association APPROCHE product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Association APPROCHE is a French non-profit association that promotes new technologies (robotics, electronics, domotics, information and communication technologies) for people with disabilities through a national network of rehabilitation establishments. It delivers paid professional training programs (Formations Approche) on topics such as VR/AR in rehabilitation, assistive technical aids, Alternative and Augmented Communication, and medical device regulation; coordinates multi-partner research projects evaluating innovative prototypes in real clinical settings; and runs annual colloquia and rencontres for healthcare professionals.
Product overview
Association APPROCHE is a non-profit organization founded in 1991 that promotes new technologies (robotics, electronics, domotics, ICT) for people with disabilities. The organization offers a portfolio of training programs under 'Formations Approche' covering virtual reality, assistive technologies, Alternative and Augmented Communication (CAA), and medical device regulations. It conducts research through multiple innovation projects (ROBOLINK-e, Auton'Home, PEPR O2R Assistmov, AMUSE) and operates a knowledge platform on disability and new technologies. The association also organizes national conferences and professional encounters to disseminate knowledge.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Formations Approche (training program portfolio) Portfolio of paid continuing-education training courses delivered by Association APPROCHE for healthcare professionals on new technologies applied to disability and rehabilitation, covering virtual and augmented reality in rehabilitation, assistive technical aids, Alternative and Augmented Communication, clinical research and innovation in MPR establishments, and medical device regulations.
- Formation Réalité Virtuelle et Réalité Augmentée Appliquées à la Rééducation Standalone training course on virtual reality and augmented reality applied to rehabilitation practice, intended for healthcare professionals working in rehabilitation settings.
- Formation Aides Techniques de Nouvelles Technologies Standalone training course on high-tech assistive technical aids and new technologies, targeted at occupational therapists and other rehabilitation professionals.
- Formation Communication Alternative Améliorée (CAA) Standalone training course on Alternative and Augmented Communication (CAA) methods and tools for supporting individuals with communication disabilities, intended for rehabilitation and care professionals.
- Formation Règlementation – Dispositifs médicaux Standalone training course on the regulatory framework applicable to medical devices, intended for healthcare and rehabilitation professionals involved in selecting or deploying assistive medical devices.
- Plateforme Handicap et Nouvelles Technologies National platform dedicated to disability and new technologies that provides resources, knowledge sharing, and networking for professionals in the disability and rehabilitation sector.
Quantifiable outcome
- Association facilitates clinical evaluation of robotic arms (Jaco), assistive robots (SAM), exoskeletons, and virtual reality systems across its network of member rehabilitation centers
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Association APPROCHE
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Association APPROCHE technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Association APPROCHE partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- FEDRHA (Fédération Européenne des Déficiences Hautement Sélectives)coreFEDRHA collaborates with APPROCHE as co-organizer of annual colloquia. The federation also provides funding support for researchers and professionals without institutional financing to attend association events, demonstrating a strategic partnership focused on advancing rehabilitation technology research across Europe.
- Centre Mutualiste de KerpapecoreThe association's headquarters is located at the Centre Mutualiste de Kerpape, a major rehabilitation center in Brittany. This co-location enables close collaboration on assistive technology evaluation and clinical research activities, with the center serving as a primary site for user studies and prototype testing.
- Plateforme Handicap et Nouvelles TechnologiescoreAPPROCHE operates the 'Plateforme Handicap et Nouvelles Technologies' (Disability and New Technologies Platform), a national resource for promoting and coordinating assistive technology initiatives across the disability sector.
- Centre Melioris Le Grand Feu (Niort)minorHosted the 2024 Colloquium Approche on Alternative and Augmented Communication. Represents one of the association's member establishments providing hosting and venue support for annual scientific events.
- Centre Jacques Calvé - Fondation Hopale (Berck-sur-Mer)minorHosted the 2023 National Colloquium on Upper Limb Assistance. Active member establishment collaborating in the association's event program and hosting scientific gatherings.
- Centre Bouffard Vercelli (Perpignan)minorHosted the 2022 National Colloquium. Member establishment providing venue and organizational support for association events.
- Clinique FSEF Grenoble La TroncheminorCo-organized the 2025 Colloquium APPROCHE with association, hosted at the Grenoble facility. Active collaboration on scientific program development and event management.
- SOFMER (Société Française de Médecine Physique et de Réadaptation)minorProfessional society in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Association participates in SOFMER congresses and collaborative research activities, contributing to scientific program development and knowledge exchange.
- AFM TéléthonminorFrench muscular dystrophy association. Collaborative work on upper limb compensation technologies for neuromuscular diseases, including joint workshops and research activities.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Association APPROCHE competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- AbilityNet: UK-based charity providing expert information, training, and assessment services on assistive technology for disabled people. Comparable service mix to APPROCHE (training, AT evaluation, professional guidance), but focused on UK end-users and professionals.
- RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America): North American professional society dedicated to assistive technology and rehabilitation engineering. Closest functional peer to APPROCHE: members include clinicians, researchers, and AT developers, and it certifies assistive technology professionals and runs annual conferences similar to APPROCHE's colloquia.
- Fondation Garches: French nonprofit foundation supporting research and innovation for people with physical disabilities, with strong rehabilitation engineering focus. Comparable as a French disability-research-oriented nonprofit working on assistive technologies and clinical innovation.
- AAATE (Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe): European multidisciplinary association promoting assistive technology through conferences, working groups, and policy advocacy. Direct functional equivalent of APPROCHE at the European level, with a comparable membership model and scientific dissemination focus.
- FEDRHA (Fédération Européenne des Déficiences Hautement Sélectives): European federation focused on rare and selective disabilities and an existing APPROCHE co-organizer. Comparable mission (disability advocacy and assistive technology promotion) and partnership structure (co-organizing events, funding researcher attendance).
- CENTICH (Centre d'Expertise National des Technologies de l'Information et de la Communication pour l'Autonomie): French national center of expertise on ICT for autonomy, hosted at Mutualité Française. Very close functional peer to APPROCHE: evaluates assistive technologies, runs Living Labs-style user studies, and supports professionals in deploying AT solutions.
Broad incumbents
- AGEFIPH: French fund for the professional inclusion of people with disabilities. Comparable in mission scope (disability services in France) and stakeholder base (employers, professionals), but operates as a public parity-funded fund rather than a membership association.
- European Disability Forum: Pan-European umbrella organization representing the interests of 100 million Europeans with disabilities. Operates at a broader policy and advocacy level than APPROCHE, but shares the disability-services mission and member-network structure.
- AFM Téléthon: France's leading muscular dystrophy nonprofit and a documented APPROCHE partner. Much larger scope (rare disease research funding, advocacy, patient services), but comparable in being a French disability-focused organization engaged in assistive technology and neuromuscular disease R&D.
Regional players
- SOFMER (Société Française de Médecine Physique et de Réadaptation): French professional society for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physicians. APPROCHE participates in SOFMER congresses and shares clinical/research focus on rehabilitation, but SOFMER is a medical specialty society rather than an AT-focused body.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Association APPROCHE social profiles
Digital presenceAssociation APPROCHE financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Association APPROCHE leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Association APPROCHE funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
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Association APPROCHE M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Association APPROCHE
What does Association APPROCHE do?
Association APPROCHE is a French non-profit association that promotes new technologies (robotics, electronics, domotics, information and communication technologies) for people with disabilities through a national network of rehabilitation establishments. It delivers paid professional training programs (Formations Approche) on topics such as VR/AR in rehabilitation, assistive technical aids, Alternative and Augmented Communication, and medical device regulation; coordinates multi-partner research projects evaluating innovative prototypes in real clinical settings; and runs annual colloquia and rencontres for healthcare professionals.
Is Association APPROCHE a public or private company?
Association APPROCHE is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Association APPROCHE founded?
Association APPROCHE was founded in 1991. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Association APPROCHE based?
Association APPROCHE is headquartered in Ploemeur, France, in the Europe region.
How does Association APPROCHE make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Membership Fees are the primary driver. The others are training Programs, event Registration Fees and donations.
Who are Association APPROCHE's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are AbilityNet, RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America), Fondation Garches, AAATE (Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe), FEDRHA (Fédération Européenne des Déficiences Hautement Sélectives) and CENTICH (Centre d'Expertise National des Technologies de l'Information et de la Communication pour l'Autonomie). Broad incumbents are AGEFIPH, European Disability Forum and AFM Téléthon. SOFMER (Société Française de Médecine Physique et de Réadaptation) is listed as a regional player.
Does Association APPROCHE have an API?
No public API is recorded for Association APPROCHE.
What industry is Association APPROCHE in?
Association APPROCHE's product category is Assistive Technology and Rehabilitation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGALAM, Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech), with a secondary code of EDAFAKAB, AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) & Speech/Language Therapy Tech. Its NAICS code is 62412 and its SIC code is 8600.