Innovating with Nantes Université
Nantes Université pursues an eco-responsible, sustainable, and open innovation strategy that contributes to addressing major societal challenges. The university supports the economic and social development of its region, fosters an entrepreneurial culture, promotes the transfer of research into business and society, and encourages participatory and collaborative experimentation.
As the leading interdisciplinary research hub in western France, Nantes Université is a key partner for businesses looking to innovate. Firmly embedded in a rich local ecosystem, and supported by dedicated teams and its research commercialisation subsidiary CAPACITÉS SAS, the university works closely with its researchers, students, businesses, and local authorities to bring innovation projects to life, particularly in the areas of future healthcare, future industry, and bridging the gap between research and real-world applications.
Nantes Université and its ecosystem offer a range of services, including engineering support, assistance with identifying and filing patents, entrepreneurship support, and administrative contract management.
Officially recognised on 10 July 2023, the Pôle Universitaire d'Innovation (PUI) Nantes Université brings together all the key players in the innovation ecosystem across the Loire-Atlantique and Vendée regions, 17 institutions in total, with Nantes Université as the lead partner. Its aim is to encourage and accelerate the use of research outcomes through an ambitious policy in favour of innovation and deep-tech start-up creation.
As the leading interdisciplinary research hub in western France, Nantes Université is a key partner for businesses looking to innovate. Firmly embedded in a rich local ecosystem, and supported by dedicated teams and its research commercialisation subsidiary CAPACITÉS SAS, the university works closely with its researchers, students, businesses, and local authorities to bring innovation projects to life, particularly in the areas of future healthcare, future industry, and bridging the gap between research and real-world applications.
Nantes Université and its ecosystem offer a range of services, including engineering support, assistance with identifying and filing patents, entrepreneurship support, and administrative contract management.
The PUI Nantes Université: a collective drive for innovation
Officially recognised on 10 July 2023, the Pôle Universitaire d'Innovation (PUI) Nantes Université brings together all the key players in the innovation ecosystem across the Loire-Atlantique and Vendée regions, 17 institutions in total, with Nantes Université as the lead partner. Its aim is to encourage and accelerate the use of research outcomes through an ambitious policy in favour of innovation and deep-tech start-up creation.The 5 innovation sectors at Nantes Université
Acting as a bridge between research laboratories, local businesses, and innovation ecosystem partners, the Service Partenariats Innovation Entrepreneuriat (SPIE) is responsible for implementing the university's knowledge transfer and valorisation policy. Through the Fil'Innov programme, Nantes Université has structured its academic expertise into five dedicated innovation sectors, making this knowledge accessible to socioeconomic stakeholders and strengthening university–business collaboration:
Healthcare of the Future / Industry of the Future / Digital Technology / Humanities and Social Sciences / Energy, Sea & Environment
There are many ways to collaborate with public research at Nantes Université, from student projects and internships to service contracts, collaborative research projects, and CIFRE doctoral partnerships (a French scheme co-funding a PhD between a company and a research laboratory). The university offers a wide range of options to suit projects at every stage of development.
Updated on 10 April 2026.