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Companies and Campus: Supporting Collaborative Research Projects

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Companies and Campus is an initiative of the University Innovation Hub (PUI), which facilitates the establishment and development of long-term research collaborations between academic laboratories and the socio-economic sector. The initiative supports these collaborations by co-funding innovative research projects, fostering partnerships, and transferring innovations stemming from public research to the socio-economic sector.

What Companies and Campus Offers

  • financial support of up to €55,000 for the winners;
  • Tailored support throughout the project's lifecycle:
    • project setup and monitoring;
    • support for technology transfer (commercialization and application of research results);
    • Assistance with securing future funding (Workshop I'm Setting Up a Labcom and services dedicated to regional, national, or European funding);
    • support for promoting the project.
  • networking with the Montpellier PUI ecosystem.

Eligible Audience

This program is intended for research units and healthcare institutions within the PUI.
The project must be led by a PUI member, in collaboration with a private partner (an existing company or an individual planning to start a business).

Allocated Resources

The grant will be awarded to the research unit and will range from €10,000 (excluding tax) to €50,000 (excluding tax).

Projects that plan to hire at least one intern during the program may receive an additional €5,000 on top of the initial Companies and Campus funding.

Companies&Campus Schedule

  1. [Prerequisite] A pre-existing relationship between the academic laboratory and the private partner.
  2. Preparing the application materials and submitting the application.
  3. Review of the application and presentation to the PUI committee.
  4. Project launch.
  5. Support and sustainability of the partnership.

Submission of Applications

Download the application form – DOCX 376 KBDownload
Download the rules – PDF 364 KBDownload

 Key Figures

  • 156 innovative projects supported.
  • 77 innovative projects funded.
  • €3,436,541 invested.

Companies and Campus: An Accelerator for Innovative Projects

  • more than 8 M€ raised by partners upon completion of the program;
  • 27 post-Companies and Campus partnerships initiated;
  • More than 10 operating licenses have been signed.

The Winners of the Companies and Campus Program

2026 Winners
  • pVLsCos Project – ICGM/Solabia: Development of plant-based lipid vesicles as new dermo-cosmetic delivery systems capable of delivering active ingredients to the epidermis in a stable, safe, and effective manner.
  • IMPACT Project – IRMB/Spima Therapeutics: Exploring new therapeutic approaches to control the inflammatory response associated with excessive Myddosome activation.
  • 3D-KBONE Project – IRCM/Kervalion: development of biodegradable and biomimetic 3D implants that promote bone regeneration while controlling the proliferation of bone tumors.
  • ChampAlg Project – IATE/Subsistae: Development of an alternative to soybean meal through the utilization of microalgae—Chlorella. The project will focus on optimizing the cultivation conditions for this microalgae and its industrial application.​
  • CAdhésia Project – IEM/Beacom: Development of bioadhesive capsules capable of attaching permanently to foliage while maintaining a hydrated microenvironment compatible with the survival of the encapsulated organism​.
  • DiversiTIS Project – MIVEGEC/Terratis: Monitoring and managing the genetic diversity of mosquitoes to improve the reliability of the Sterile Insect Technique.
  • BEES Project – LIRMM/DeepPulseNeuro: Developing a minimally invasive endovascular approach to record and stimulate deep brain activity in epilepsy.
  • PURCYCLE-MED Project – ICGM/Sterimed: Developing bio-based, cleavable polyurethane binders to improve the recyclability of medical sterilization packaging.
  • SIGMA-GBM Project – IGF/Theralan: Developing new antibodies targeting a previously unidentified glioblastoma receptor to accelerate their translational validation.
  • PROTECT-CIS Project – INM/Aegis Bio: Accelerating the development of a transient p53 inhibitor to protect against cisplatin-induced toxicities without reducing its anticancer efficacy.
  • PREMIND Project – MMDN/SITERA Pharmaceuticals: Developing new preclinical models to validate sigma-1 receptor agonists in neurodegenerative diseases.
  • WoolFl∞W+ Project – IATE/Fertile Felt: Testing wool as a bio-based matrix for releasing pheromones in biological control.
  • ANTIC Project – IRCM/Aken Medical: Developing a theranostic nanoparticle combining two radionuclides to target and treat metastatic tumors.
  • NOMOS Project – IEM/NOMOS: Transforming digestate into high-performance bio-based fertilizer using the Nomos bioreactor to reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers.
  • GANOCOSM Project – CEFE /Chanel Perfume & Beauty: Study of environmental factors affecting the production of metabolites of interest by various wild species of fungi of the genus Ganoderma.
2025 Winners
  • GREATUB Project – CRBM/MT-Act: Development of innovative therapies for chronic diseases linked to microtubule (MT) dysfunction, which can lead to female infertility and chromosomal disorders.
  • STABCFTR Project – PHYMEDEXP/Aceso-Therapeutics : Validationof a new therapeutic tool—a drug candidate—for the treatment of cystic fibrosis through the development of a CFTR gene stabilizer
  • MAD Project – INM/Dolinnov : Study of the role and therapeutic potential of a member of the FXYD gene family in pain caused by rare diseases
  • HaïMask Project – Euromov DHM/ HAÏDYNAMICS: Development of a connected mask that measures respiration in real time during physical exertion to detect indicators such as ventilatory thresholds and VO₂max
  • BiorespX Project – ICGM/ SoteriaBio: Development of a solution for nebulizing therapeutic antibodies to enable inhalation administration for the treatment of inflammatory lung diseases
  • EPIcsProject– IRCM/Cyberna: Utilizing epitranscriptomic technologies to improve the early detection and management of pancreatic cancer (PDAC) in a non-invasive manner. The project will rely on an innovative mass spectrometry method combined with AI (machine learning) technologies to detect specific epitranscriptomic signatures. The project will also explore the role of RNA alterations in tumor aggressiveness and resistance to treatments such as FOLFIRINOX, as well as their effects on inflammation and immunity.
  • BONEGRAFT 3D Project – IEMM/Kervalion Biotechnologies: Development of 3D-printed bone grafts. The project aims to provide a novel solution for the surgical treatment of patients with bone resorption who require dental implants. This innovation will enable healthcare professionals to place a dental implant in a single procedure without any additional preparation or specialized training.
  • PETREC Project – ICGM/Petshka: Development of a new chemical recycling process for PET fabrics sourced from booths and decorations used at trade shows and events. The project aims to utilize the polyol-based products resulting from this recycling process to synthesize new polycarbonate, polyester, and polyurethane materials.
  • CAPDCM Project – IBMM/Demgy Frasne: Improving and ensuring the reliability of a medical device designed to attract and trap residual tumor cells following resection of a primary tumor. In particular, the project aims to make the device and its microfluidic “core” leak-proof.
  • BIO2ETHProject– IEM/ E-ETHYLENE: Adaptation of an electrolysis technique (selective electroconversion of CO2 to ethylene using a low-temperature electrolyzer) for the conversion of biogenic CO2 (bioCO2) from biogas digesters. The project aims to optimize the formulation of the catalytic ink for the conversion of CO2 from biogas digesters, develop an electrolyzer stack consisting of 10 cells, each 5 cm² in size, and evaluate the overall stability of the system.
  • COOCI Project – ITAP/ GreenHouseKeeper: development of new optical sensors designed for indoor crops, to optimize the monitoring and management of crops in these specific environments.
2024 Winners
  • CRISTESTProject – LMGC/CRISTALENS Industrie : To design new accommodative intraocular implants offering 3 diopters of accommodation for the treatment of cataracts.            
  • IEIV Project – IRIM  /Abbelight : (Enhanced TIRF Imaging Applied to the Identification of Pathogenic Viruses) Design slides specifically tailored for Abbelight’s microscope.
  • SENALINORINFProject–IBMM/AMBIOTIS : Enantioselective synthesis of linotrines and investigation of their role in resolving inflammation.   
  • 3D-4-PediaProject –Nîmes University Hospital/MB THERAPEUTICS: Development of an innovation for the TIRFM microscope market and implementation of tools for research purposes.
  • EVOLBSABProject –BIOCAMPUS/ALNAIR BIOPHARMA: To develop a bispecific antibody format focused on evaluating the efficacy of new bispecific antibody formats in various applications, including the treatment of multiple myeloma.
  • AMIProject – IES/Drone Geofencing : development and design of a data link module (broadband antenna based on a GSM or private network) enabling the ground station to communicate directly with drones or a swarm of drones and, in particular, to transmit high-definition video in real time.
  • Projet GREEN METHANOL – ICGM/Carbozym :  Mise au point d’un prototype de réacteur enzymatique innovant pour la conversion du CO2 en méthanol (MeOH) ‘’renouvelable’’. Le projet vise à explorer une technologie alternative innovante pour la production de MeOH basée sur la conversion du CO2 à basse température (<50°C) et pression atmosphérique par voie enzymatique permettant de contourner les inconvénients majeurs des 3 voies de synthèse déjà connues (MeOH gris, E-MeOH, Bio-MeOH).
  • INERA3DProject – ICGM/Cilcare : developmentof a 3D-printed model of the round window of the ear to create a more precise, effective, and ethical tool for studying and treating hearing disorders. This technology will facilitate the development of new, innovative therapeutic strategies for sensorineural hearing loss.
  • INTELLISHAREProject – LIRMM/EuroDAO : Improvingthe navigation of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) in agriculture, particularly when transporting heavy loads. The goal is to implement an “intelligent shared control” system using teleoperation with multimodal sensors and AI algorithms.
  • SONARESProject– PHIM/Fertil’Innov Environnement :The project aims to validate the use of beneficial indigenous microorganisms as a biological tool for the ecological restoration of contaminated sites. Various approaches will be evaluated, such as the regeneration of soil life, the improvement of soil fertility, and the restoration of diverse vegetation cover
2023 Winners
  • NEUROBIOMICSProject– IGF / NBX Biosciences: Development of a therapeutic bacterium as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease
  • RECOMPOSEProject – BIOWooEB/CARAYON Carpentry: Recycling wood waste from carpentry into biocomposite materials for housing.
  • TRONK DXProject – IRMB /NK Diagnostics: Natural Killer (NK) Cell Trogocytosis in Diagnostics.
  • Project:CONSEQUENCES OF KIDNEY FAILURE– MMDN / RD-Nephrology : Effects of chronic kidney disease on brain dysfunction.
  • PHENORECYCLEProject – ICGM / SAINT GOBAIN RESEARCH : Recyclability of depolymerization residues from phenolic resins.
  • PRECRIME-PLUSProject – LIRMM / Bfore.Ai : Graph Pattern Mining Applied to DNS Fraud Detection.
  • REGENAmelProject – IBMM / PIERRE FABRE : Development and characterization of innovative solutions for dental remineralization.
  • SENOCHONDRO3DProject – IRMB / HCS PHARMA : Development of a preclinical model of osteoarthritic cartilage combining a hydroscaffold and senescent chondrocytes for the high-throughput identification of serotherapies for osteoarthritis.
  • EPI-VIRProject– IRIM /VOXCAN: Miniaturized respiratory epithelia and innovative tools for the study and characterization of antiviral drugs.
  • DIAPASONProject – MARBEC / EDF SA  : Deep learning simulation of seabird behavior: assessment of the impact of offshore wind farms / Deep learning of seabird trajectories for impact assessment of offshore wind.
  • SYSVIRProject – ISEM / PHYMEA : Development of a system for imaging and automated quantification of the virulence of phytophagous mites on tomatoes.
  • VALOWOODProject – IATE / YIFIXIA: Extraction and Valorization of Byproducts from the Wood Industry​
  • InnovTBProject – IGF / Innovative Diagnostics : To develop and validate a high-throughput multiplex test for the diagnosis of tuberculosis using respiratory and non-respiratory specimens.
2021 Winners
  • FENM-AD Project – MMDN / ReST Therapeutics : To demonstrate the proof of concept for the efficacy of FENM as a second-generation neuroprotective agent in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
  • GOLUM Project – EspaceDev / La TeleScop : Global Observation of the Land-Sea Interface: Mangrove Monitoring Services for End Users.
  • PHARE Project – EuroMov / DiapyMed : To provide patients with diabetes a mobile app that enables them to manage their insulin therapy effectively and appropriately, without experiencing blood glucose fluctuations, even while engaging in physical activity.
  • TDI-GT Project – IBMM / MT-ACT : The new approach aims to target MT detyrosination to positively influence Tau binding and subsequently improve MT integrity. By targeting this entirely unexplored mechanism of action (MoA), MT-act aims to provide a neuroprotective approach for glaucoma.
  • ECOLAGON Project – Montpellier Geosciences/ Line Up Ocean : Development of innovative “Shore Soft Engineering” (SSE) methods in coastal dynamics, with the coastline considered here as a comprehensive hydro-morphological-ecobiological system.
  • BeatMove Project – EuroMov / BeatHealth : For the first time, the project aims to expand the scope of our rhythm-based applications. Obesity has been identified as a priority target before considering other chronic diseases.
  • CS-LYASE Project – PhymedExp / Oenobrands : This research project focuses on the study of exogenous C-S lyase enzymes, the direct use of which in winemaking and brewing could overcome the low activity of conventional yeasts and thereby increase the conversion of thiol precursors into volatile thiols.
  • RUSE Project – ChimEco  /BioProtection Laboratories: The project focuses on the study and production of a molecular blend that possesses strong repellent properties against arthropods that transmit dangerous infectious diseases (dengue, Zika, chikungunya).
  • CLIVESTA Project –Montpellier University Hospital/Vertidiag: Pilot study on the anti-vertigo effect of thyroxine (T4) in Ménière’s disease. Definition of new objective clinical criteria and validation of an oral administration protocol.
2020 Winners
  • Water EcoCase Project – CHIMECO / Bioinspir : An eco-technology for treating metal-contaminated effluents using a plant-based filter to preserve and restore the quality of aquatic systems, which also enables the recovery of biomass for use in green and sustainable chemistry.
  • MYCINDOOR Project – LSTM (IRD) / Futura Gaia : Optimizing the productivity of a controlled-environment agriculture system based on living soil through qualitative and quantitative management of mycorrhizal fungal communities collected from thyme plants in the Occitanie region.
  • Nkab Therapy Project – IRMB / MEDXCELL NKAR: To stably confer selectivity on allogeneic natural killer (NK) cells by “arming” them with a modified monoclonal antibody.
  • Progeria Project – IBMM / ProGeLife : Developing therapeutic solutions to treat rare diseases characterized by accelerated aging.
  • MetalVert Project – LSTM / Fertil’Innov : Phytostabilization Assisted by Endophytic Bacteria from Metallophyte Seeds.
  • PHARE Project – EuroMov / DiapyMed : To provide patients with diabetes a mobile app that enables them to manage their insulin therapy effectively and appropriately, without experiencing blood glucose fluctuations, even while engaging in physical activity.
2019 Winners
  • ADNe IndicatorsProject– MARBEC / SPYGEN: Developing new marine biodiversity indicators based on environmental DNA.
  • PRECISIONMEDMMProject– IGH / DIAD2TEC : to develop new therapeutic tools aimed at improving the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma.
  • ZEBRAWARProject– IGF / DIAGN’CELL : to develop systematic methods for evaluating cardiac dysfunction with the goal of optimizing the genetic diagnosis of heart disorders.
  • DISUCOGProject– EUROMOV / SEMAXONE : to develop software combined with a brain-computer interface that enables real-time monitoring of psychophysiological and cognitive states in humans.
  • PEACEProject– CEFE / BEAUVAL ZOO : to propose a new approach to strategies for protecting Asian elephants outside existing protected areas.
  • PIC@Project– the ITAP Joint Research Unit / FRUITION SCIENCES : to develop a sampling method for estimating the yield of vineyard plots before harvest.
  • SALAD CAREProject– LSTM / BACTOLYTIX: Developing an innovative biocontrol technique against the plant-pathogenic bacterium affecting lettuce.
  • SOFT BEACHProject– Montpellier Geosciences/ BRL Engineering : research and development in the field of designing smart structures to protect sandy beaches.
2018 Winners
  • RETINOCT Project – LIRMM /  ACUSURGICAL : to builda robot using a method that synchronizes the position of the robot-mounted instrument with the position of the microscope and medical imaging, thereby enabling greater control over the surgical procedure.
  • SALSA Project – ITAP / INDATECH : torefine a multispectral sensor previously developed by Indatech Chauvin Arnoux, making it more efficient and less expensive by integrating a wavelength-tunable illumination system based on Digital Light Processing technology.
  • TheGENETIC ANOMALIES– IRMB / STEM GENOMICS : to develop a new test using mesenchymal stem cells in collaboration with the IRMB teams, who are at the forefront of regenerative medicine research, with applications for chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic rheumatic conditions.
  • SPINSTIMProject– LIRMM / NEURINNOV : to develop palliative solutions for severe bladder and sphincter dysfunction cases where standard treatments have failed, while fully addressing current public health challenges and the aging population.
  • NEOCEANProject– ISEM / NEOCEAN : to develop a new hydrofoil boat technology based in part on biomimicry, and to finalize the development of the flying boat’s final prototype.

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