Is there still a need to present the Arbois-Mediterranean environmental technology park? Should we remember that this is a center of excellence managed by the Aix-Marseille Provence Metropolis and located in the Aix-en-Provence region? Should we also add that it was conceived as a project ofplanning and economic development focused on the creation, development and reception of structures in the sector ofenvironment ?
L’Arbois, the first technology park in France dedicated to cleantech
Today, this first technology park in France dedicated to cleantech brings together research laboratories, innovative companies, innovation support structures and a prototyping center. A diversity recalled at the technopole forum, during 12/14 dedicated to the annual review of what has become the pioneer of cleantech and ecological transition.
It was Arnaud Mercier, mayor of Venelles, advisor to the Metropolis delegated to the digital Metropolis, innovation and public data policy, who was responsible for opening the sequence, recalling that the Aix-Marseille Provence Metropolis was elected in 2023 as the European capital of’innovation« distinction which reflects the vitality of our territory and the richness of its ecosystem ».
400 innovative companies supported each year
As proof, some figures: 400 innovative companies supported each year; 160 research structures; 6 competitiveness clusters and 3 major technology parks including Arbois. The Metropolis invests 2 million euros annually to build an attractive system, support territorial innovation and supporting the transitions of manufacturers and strategic sectors.
« Arbois illustrates this ambition and the development projects will strengthen its dynamic », promised the elected official, mentioning the Cirène hall, dedicated to research and the creation of prototypes, and whose inauguration is planned for 2025, or the rehabilitation of the historic building of the Cleantech incubator.
Arnaud Mercier also made several announcements, such as the formation of the Arbois directors’ club, the renewal of the Parc+ label for three years and, last but not leastthe appointment of Stéphane Reiche to the position of head of department of the technopole network. Succeeding Frédéric Guilleux, he will take up his duties next January.
2024 results and figures for the Arbois technology park in Aix-en-Provence
The 2024 assessment of the technology park and its stakeholders was then presented by Ariane Théodose, development manager. Regarding, to begin with, the mapping of innovative companieswe find these in the sectors of renewable energies, sustainable construction and energy efficiency, risk management, green it, mobility, green chemistry, biodiversity and agriculture, and the water-air-soil-waste aspect. Les start-up cleantechin 2024, total 575 jobs and plan to hire 156 people. They raised 33.5 million euros and totaled 35.8 million euros in turnover. Present at 180 trade shows, they are at the origin of 14 patents and have won 50 competitions.
Encouraging figures, even though the economic situation is not necessarily ideal: “ In the technology park, the confidence index in the economic situation fell by 2 points », revealed Ariane Théodose, going from 8.3 for 2024 to 6.3 for the confidence placed in the year 2025.
The year 2024 of the technopole, there were obviously notable moments: the presence of 5 technopole companies at the consumer electronics show (CES) in Las Vegas; 5 technopole entrepreneurs among the 100 leaders of tomorrow in Provence; 10 technopolitains at Viva Technology… to name just a handful. This illustrates the vigor of the cleantech universe. Without forgetting, throughout the year which is ending, a number of meetings and events: cleantech meetings, 12/14, workshops and workshops, as many opportunities to discuss ecological transition, ecosystem and data, acceleration of projects, economic security…
Links, network and solidarity: strong values at the Arbois technology park
The idea of these meetings is also to connect entrepreneurs with an entire ecosystem capable of supporting them and germinating their ideas, which are not lacking; This is also evidenced, if necessary, by the presentation of the new promotion of technopolitains (see box).
Networking and privileged links are also embodied in Léon & co; presented by its founders, Maëva Bentitallah, Éric Puydebois and Terence Huertas, this association of technopolitains created in 2018, open to all structures of the technopole, is a relay of proposals to improve the quality of work on the site and a vector in dissemination solidarity and technopolitan culture. At the same time as it allows to have access to a works council. Another way for the technology park to play collectively and prepare for tomorrow.
The new kids at the Arbois technology park
The 2024 activity report of the Arbois-Méditionranée environmental technology park was an opportunity for newcomers to introduce themselves:
