RismadarVoice Reporters
October 21, 2026
Three French technology entrepreneurs have launched a literary prize designed to recognise fiction written through collaboration between human authors and artificial intelligence, as debate intensifies over the role of AI in creative writing.
The initiative, known as the Prix Pascal de Littérature IA, was introduced by Philippe Rodriguez, Albin Serviant and Gilles Mentré, who said the award would encourage experimentation with emerging technologies in literature.
Unlike conventional literary competitions that increasingly restrict the use of AI-generated material, the new prize specifically welcomes unpublished works produced through collaboration between writers and artificial intelligence systems.
The organisers explained that participation would be open to French-language writers worldwide, regardless of nationality, residence, professional background or publishing experience.
Applicants will be required to submit an original work of fiction written in French and disclose the AI tools and methods used during its creation.
According to the competition’s published rules, entries must include a manuscript, a description of the original creative idea and technical documentation identifying the artificial intelligence systems involved.
The organisers said the prize would focus on literary quality and originality rather than the sophistication of the technology used.
The initiative also seeks to recognise works addressing significant social, environmental and ethical challenges.
Submissions are scheduled to close on November 30, 2026, while the winner is expected to be announced in December.
The successful entry will receive publication support and publicity, although the organisers have not announced a specific cash prize.
The new award comes amid controversy in France’s publishing industry following allegations that novelist Thélyson Orélien used artificial intelligence in writing his award-winning debut novel, C’était ça ou mourir, translated as It Was Either That or Die.
The novel won the 2026 Prix du Roman Fnac but later attracted scrutiny over questions surrounding its authorship.
On Wednesday, Canadian publisher Éditions du Boréal confirmed that artificial intelligence had been used during the writing process and announced the termination of its professional relationship with the author.
The controversy has prompted renewed discussions about whether authors should disclose their use of artificial intelligence and how literary competitions should distinguish between research assistance, editing and AI-generated writing.
While some publishers and literary organisations are strengthening restrictions on AI-assisted manuscripts, supporters of the new prize argue that human-machine collaboration should be assessed openly.
The launch of Prix Pascal reflects the growing influence of artificial intelligence on the publishing industry and raises questions about originality, authorship and the future of literary creativity.
