LIFE SCIENCES AND ICT

Given the strong presence of an active local scientific community, Montpellier Méditerranée Technopole has invested heavily in up-and-coming innovative Life Sciences and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sectors.

THE AREA DESCRIBED IN ELOQUENT FIGURES

• Languedoc-Roussillon is the leading region in France for publicly funded support with respect to regional GDP, and the 3rd densest region in France for public-sector research.
• All the leading national public-sector research organizations are present in the region, including BRGM, CEA, CEMAGREF, CIRAD, CNRS, IFREMER INRA, INSERM, and IRD.
• Montpellier has an active genopole (centre for genomics research), a founding member of the National Genopole Network in France.
• There are 200 research laboratories in Montpellier, including 120 in life sciences.
• The region has 5 designated competitiveness clusters: EuroBioMed (emerging pathologies and rare diseases), Q@LIMEDiterranée (sustainable agri-food systems and quality of life in the Mediterranean area), Derbi (developing renewable energy), Risk management (Protecting sensitive areas) and Trimatec (environmental protection).
• France's 4th largest University Hospital Centre is in Montpellier, with over 9,000 employees.
• There are 7 higher education establishments in the region : Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Agronomie de Montpellier (Montpellier National Institute of Higher Education in Agriculture), Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie (Montpellier National Institute of Higher Education in Chemistry), Polytech (Polytechnical Institute), Ecole des Mines d'Alès (engineering school), Centre National des Arts et Métiers (National Conservatory of Crafts and Industries), Centre National d'Etude des Régions Chaudes (National Research Centre for Hot Climates), Sup de Co Montpellier (Montpellier School of Business), 90,000 students in the region, of which 60,000 are in Montpellier.
• 26,000 companies are operating in the area
• Innovation drives local economic dynamics: 200 programs were assisted by OSEO anvar in 2008.