In France, nearly 1.3 million children are affected by “dys” disorders, whose dyslexia is the most widespread form. With barely 25,000 speech therapists active, deadlines for a first appointment can exceed 18 months in certain regions. Faced with this structural shortage, a startup from the École Polytechnique offers a clinically validated therapeutic alternative.
Poppins develops a digital medical device that targets written language disorders through a video game interface. The approach is based on a structured training protocol of 31 language and rhythm exercises, accessible via tablet or smartphone. Designed for home use, the tool makes it possible to strengthen the frequency of exercises between two speech therapy sessions, without replacing health professionals.
The clinical benefit of the solution was established in comparative trials, including a randomized double -blind study with Placebo group, conducted according to the most demanding scientific standards. These works, carried out with the support of experts recognized as Pr Michel Habib (AP-HM) and Professor David Cohen (AP-HP), involved more than 6,000 families across the territory. The objective: to validate the efficiency and safety of the system under conditions close to real practice.
The solution is now part of the public strategy. The government has made the integration of digital tools in the care paths a priority axis within the framework of the national strategy “neurodevelopment disturbances 2023-2027”. Poppins aims to register formally, by applying for reimbursement with health insurance via the new PECAN course (early management of digital medical devices). The system could thus be prescribed as part of level 1 of recourse to care, for intensive intervention from the first signs of disorder.
In parallel, mutuals and employers begin to finance the monthly subscription of families (around 30 euros), testifying to an increasing interest in accessible, validated solutions, and adaptable to the realities of everyday life. Among the partners committed are the MAE, Allianz, Assurance Assistance, the Pasteur Mutualité group, PRO BTP and Audiens.
Fundraising and information on the company
Founded in 2018 by Antoine Yuen and François Vahron, Poppins was born from seven years of research and development conducted with health professionals, engineers and video game specialists, including Ubisoft. The company was a winner of the government’s “digital health” interest in 2021.
The startup has just completed a fundraising of 5 million euros led by the Racine² fund (MGEN, operated by Serena and Makesense), with the participation of historical investors: autonomous patient (Bpifrance), Eurazeo, Kurma Partners, BNP Paribas Development and Verve Ventures. This turn brings the total funding raised to 20 million euros. The funds will be devoted to the integration of the solution into existing care courses, deployment of the Pecan model, and the widening of the system to other neurodevelopment disorders, including ADHD.
