Launch of the “IA Montpellier Méditerranée” Association – A New Major Player in the Artificial Intelligence Landscape

[Press Release] - Published on September 18, 2025 in Press Room, Major Programs

On Thursday, September 25, six founding members joined forces to create the “IA Montpellier Méditerranée” association and champion a bold vision for artificial intelligence in Montpellier and the Occitanie region. Announced last February at the IA Connect conference, this vision is rooted not only in the mathematical and computational foundations of artificial intelligence but also in its role as an indispensable tool for the life sciences and environmental sectors. The six founding members are: the Occitanie Region, Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole, the University of Montpellier, the Montpellier University Hospital, Digital 113, and French Tech Méditerranée.

Earlier that same day, the University of Montpellier will bring together the academic community and its partners for a day dedicated to the theme “AI and Health – Global Health in the Age of AI” to explore advancements, challenges, experimental frameworks, and concrete solutions in the areas of education, research, and innovation. On the agenda (registration required): opening remarks followed by several lectures and roundtable discussions throughout the day. A public lecture at 5:30 p.m. followed by the official launch of the IA Montpellier Méditerranée association at 6:30 p.m.

A strong presence in Montpellier and exemplary coordination among stakeholders

The Montpellier site is characterized by a strong commitment to the digital sector and to interfaces with living organisms, health, and the environment. With its startups, companies, universities, and research organizations, Montpellier also drives the MEDVALLE initiative, which is closely aligned with the University of Montpellier’s “Feed, Care, Protect” projects.

Montpellier is recognized for its many achievements in research and innovation, as evidenced by its international rankings—whether for its university (ranked among the top 200 universities in the world in the Shanghai Ranking, first among French institutions in the THE Impact Ranking, first place in France for the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) “Health and Well-being”), or for its BIC incubator (a pioneer among technology incubators in France and Europe, ranked since 2014 among the top 5 best public incubators worldwide in the UBI Global ranking). The Montpellier University Hospital is a pioneer in transformation through generative AI. Following the example of the Occitanie Region, which has recognized the challenge posed by AI by adopting a €60 million plan in 2024 for the 2024–2028 period to establish a responsible and reliable “Occitanie AI” sector, local authorities are investing heavily in the digital and artificial intelligence sectors.

For years, stakeholders have been working in a recognized, coordinated manner, supported by government agencies, particularly the DREETS, which helps shape strategic sectors and fosters innovation and skills development at the regional level.

This alignment of stakeholders is reflected in the composition of the association’s executive board, with Anne Laurent (University of Montpellier) serving as President, David Morquin (Montpellier University Hospital) as Vice President, Arnault Ioualalen (French Tech Méditerranée) as Treasurer, Françoise Nauton-Inglis (Digital 113) as Assistant Treasurer, Manu Reynaud (Métropole) as Secretary, and Marc Sztulman (Occitanie Region) as Assistant Secretary.

A vision and a roadmap

The association's mission is to promote projects in the field of ethical, sovereign, and responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI).

It works to benefit all stakeholders at the site by: Promoting AI Research development projects; developing initiatives related to education, training, and AI awareness, particularly the connection between science – Society, promote the AI community and its events through the AI Halls, foster collaboration in AI, instill and disseminate a culture of ethics and regulation in AI, and support calls for projects from one or more of its members.

To achieve this goal, the association is committed to continuing and expanding its efforts to coordinate stakeholders in order to facilitate the sharing of expertise regarding calls for proposals and support for project proposals, and to help engage both expert and non-expert audiences. The association is already supporting flagship projects led by stakeholders at the site: AI Halls, tools for compliance with the European AI Regulation, and AI testing tools (AICET, sandbox, etc.).

A Call for Participation in Activities and Membership

All stakeholders are encouraged to contribute to the strong momentum currently underway in Montpellier: contributing to collaborative projects, participating in specific working groups (such as those focused on sharing information about AI-related calls for proposals), attending events at the Halles de l’IA, and helping to certify events…

Membership is available to legal entities (research institutions, companies, associations, etc.). A reduced rate (50%) applies in several cases. Membership applications are subject to approval by the association’s board.