Our Business Model: Research-First, Revenue-Informed
We are, above all else, a science based company. Not a product factory. Not a consultancy in disguise. Research is our reason to exist.
But to sustain this mission long-term, we need financial viability. That doesn't mean compromising our science—it means being strategic about how we capture value from the impact of our research.
Three Revenue Streams
1. IP Valorization: Selling the Components
Our research produces valuable building blocks that can be licensed or sold independently:
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Modular architectures and model components
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Training pipelines and tooling
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Proprietary techniques for data processing and fine-tuning
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Foundation Model blueprint
We monetize through licensing agreements, APIs, or partnerships. Think of it as selling the LEGO blocks, not the finished castle.
2. Foundation Models as Products
When a foundation model reaches maturity and has clear market potential, it can become a standalone product—either within Sigma Nova or as a spin-off/spin-out company. These aren't side projects; they're potential businesses built on our core research.
Our brain models, for instance, could eventually power diagnostic tools, drug discovery platforms, or clinical decision support systems in Life Science and Healthcare.
3. Research Consulting Services
We work directly with large French enterprises that have their own research teams. This isn't generic AI consulting—it's deep collaboration on models and architectures, helping corporate research labs tackle problems they can't solve alone.
This keeps us close to real-world challenges, funds ongoing science, and builds strategic relationships—all while protecting our research independence.