Innovation After-Work Event 2026: The Region at the Heart of the National Strategy

[Press Release] - Published on June 30, 2026 in the Press Room

On Wednesday, July 1, 2026, the University of Montpellier and its University Innovation Hub (PUI) will host the 7th edition of the Innovation Afterwork, an event that has become a must-attend gathering bringing together students, scientists, project leaders, and stakeholders from the socio-economic sector. This evening event will highlight the region’s role in the national innovation strategy. It will provide an opportunity to conduct a mid-term review of the Montpellier University Innovation Hub, present the PUI’s future development prospects, and showcase several innovative projects originating from research laboratories in the Montpellier area.

An evening to showcase innovation in the region

Created to strengthen the ties between public research, innovation, and the socio-economic sector, the Montpellier University Innovation Hub supports the emergence and development of projects that address major societal challenges: Feeding, Healing, and Protecting. This^7th edition will feature the presentation of seven Innovation Awards, recognizing projects led by the University of Montpellier’s laboratories and partners of the I-SITE Program of Excellence. One of these awards will be presented by Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole, highlighting the importance of synergies between research, innovation, and regional development.

The event will also highlight the initiatives undertaken by the Montpellier PUI in line with major national priorities in the area of innovation. It will provide an opportunity to present the PUI’s midterm assessment as well as the prospects for the coming years.

A roundtable discussion on the role of local regions in the national innovation strategy will bring together Gaspard Lépine, project manager for “University Innovation Hubs” at INRAE, Franck Mouthon, executive director of the Agency for Research Programs at INSERM, and Christian Assaf, regional councilor and vice president in charge of economic development and attractiveness for Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole.

The evening will continue with a casual networking session among the various stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem.