University-Industry Partnerships

The University of Montpellier fosters partnerships between its research laboratories and the socio-economic sector through internal initiatives or by responding to external calls for proposals that encourage such collaborations and promote innovation.

Approximately 350 contracts are signed each year between the University of Montpellier and its academic or industrial partners in the form of research collaborations, service agreements, consortium agreements (ANR, Horizon Europe, etc.), equipment provision, licensing agreements, co-ownership agreements, and startup hosting arrangements.

How can a company establish an R&D partnership with a research laboratory?

Research 's partnership between a laboratory and a company can take the following forms:

• From a research collaboration
• From a service offering that draws in particular on the expertise of technology platforms at the University of Montpellier

How can a corporate employee join a Research laboratory?

The University of Montpellier offers the program Companies and Campus program, which aims to increase the presence of socioeconomic stakeholders on campus by providing dedicated funding. This program aims to facilitate the establishment of new partnerships—including the involvement of company employees or aspiring entrepreneurs—within research organizations focused on a topic of mutual interest.

What measures can be taken to strengthen collaboration between research laboratories at the Research , and companies?

There are numerous initiatives designed to strengthen collaboration between research laboratories and the socio-economic sector or to promote the employment of PhD graduates in companies:

• Regional level: Initiatives may be funded under the Regional Plan for Higher Education, Research, and Innovation Research ,
• At the national level: calls for proposals are issued bythe ANR (Labcom, PRCE, etc.), BPI France, or other foundations, as well as through the CIFRE program, which allows companies to receive financial assistance to hire a doctoral student.
• At the European level: Calls for proposals are issued through the Horizon Europe research and innovation funding program .

Teams at the University of Montpellier are guiding the scientific community toward the most appropriate approach.

How Can a Company Be Hosted at the University?

As part of the implementation of a research contract with one of the institution’s laboratories, theUM provides office space to entrepreneurs or startups that have been in business for less than two years. This allows the hosted companies to be located on campus, close to research facilities and our technology platforms. This paid office space provision is limited to a total occupancy period of six years.