A long tradition of capitalizing on research is one of Grenoble-Isère's strong points. It has long been a local concern among university laboratories and research centres to ensure their work finds an application in industry. There is also a "site effect" thanks to which local research fertilizes the work of firms in the area. Microelectronics is a particularly good example. From its inception in 1967 CEA-Leti set out to serve industry, giving rise to Efcis which ultimately became STMicroelectronics. Soitec is a more recent offshoot with huge potential. At the same time the laboratory has developed a substantial intellectual property portfolio. The same is true of the laboratories of INP-Grenoble and University Joseph Fourier.

Technology transfer organizations

In the universities:

• Université Joseph Fourier, represented by Floralis
• INPG Entreprises
• Université Pierre Mendès-France industrial and commercial activities department
• Université Stendhal research department

In the research organizations:

• Technology transfer activity at Inria Rhône-Alpes

• Partnership and Transfer mission at CNRS Rhône-Alpes
• Research capitalization at CEA
• Technology transfer mission at Inra
• IRD department of expertise and transfer
• Cemagref and its industrial partners
• Snow Study Centre (CEN)
• Inserm transfer

Host organizations for innovative new companies:

• Services and Technology Transfer Area (Astec), next to CEA-Grenoble, started in 1986 and certified as a European Centre for Business and Innovation

• Inovallee, one of the first technology parks dedicated to scientific research and advanced technology
• Two enterprise incubators managed by Floralis:
• Biopolis, a biotechnology enterprise incubator
• Software Technology Centre

GRAIN enterprise incubator

GRAIN (Grenoble Alpes Incubation) was set up to host and support prospective creators of innovative companies capitalizing on research.

Financial assistance

• Isère Departmental Council

• Rhône-Alpes Regional Council
• National Agency for Capitalization on Research (Oseo-Anvar), also known as the French Innovation Agency
• Regional Delegation for Research and Technology (DRRT): developing research and encouraging technology transfer
• Regional Directorate of Industry, Research and the Environment (Drire)
• Grenoble-Angels
• Emertec and I-source seed funds

Forums for young entrepreneurs

• Grenoble Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Northern Isère Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Association for the Development of Biotechnology in the Grenoble Urban Area (Adebag)
• Association Isère-entreprendre

Find out more about Grenoble-Isère's diversity and its dynamic industry.