Companies and campuses
Since 2018, the University of Montpellier and its partners at the University Innovation Cluster (PUI) have been supporting the establishment of partnerships between the Research units of Research I-SITE Excellence Program (PEI) and private companies through the “Companies And Campus” program.
The program's objective
- Facilitate the establishment of new research partnerships that include staff mobility between the two partners' institutions.
- Support innovation by enabling businesses to benefit from the latest breakthroughs in public research.
- Improve knowledge exchange and technology transfer between public research and the socio-economic sector.
Who is eligible to participate in theCompanies and Campus program?
This program is open to any private partner affiliated with one of the 120 research units of the PEI partners, as well as to departments within the University Hospital Federations (FHU), the Montpellier and Nîmes University Hospitals, or the Montpellier Cancer Institute.
The project must be led by one of the 14 founding members of the PUI, in collaboration with a private partner (an existing company or an individual planning to start a business).
The winners of the Companies and Campus program
2024–2025 Award Winners
- GANOCOSM Project – CEFE/ Chanel Perfume & Beauty: Effect of environmental factors on the production of metabolites of interest by various wild species of fungi of the genus Ganoderma.
- 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 the nebulization of 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 modifications in tumor aggressiveness and resistance to treatments such as FOLFIRINOX, as well as their effects on inflammation and immunity.
- BONEGRAFT 3D Project – IEM/Kervalion Biotechnologies: Development of 3D-printed bone grafts. The project aims to provide a novel solution for the surgical treatment of patients suffering from 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 used in booths and decorations for 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 enhancing the reliability of a medical device designed to attract and trap residual tumor cells following resection of a primary tumor. The project aims, in particular, to seal the device and its microfluidic “core.”
- BIO2ETHProject– IEM/ E-ETHYLENE: Adaptation of electrolysis technology (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 a 10-cell electrolyzer stack with 5 cm² cells, and evaluate the overall stability of the system.
- COOCI – ITAP/GreenHouseKeeper Project : development of new optical sensors designed for indoor crops, with the aim of optimizing crop monitoring and management in these specific environments.
2023–2024 Winners
- CRISTEST Project–LMGC/CRISTALENS Industry: To develop new accommodative intraocular implants offering 3 diopters of accommodation for the treatment of cataracts.
- IEIV Project ( Enhanced TIRF Imaging for the Identification of Pathogenic Viruses) – IRIM/ Abbelight: to design slides specifically tailored for Abbelight’s microscope.
- SENALINORINF–IBMM/AMBIOTIS Project: Enantioselective synthesis of linotrines and investigation of their role in resolving inflammation.
- 3D-4-PediaProject –Nîmes UniversityHospital/MB THERAPEUTICS: Development of an innovation for the TIRFM microscope market and implementation of tools for research purposes.
- EVOLBSAB–BIOCAMPUS/ALNAIR BIOPHARMAProject: 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 (a broadband antenna operating over a GSM or private network) that enables 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: development of 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: Improving the 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
2022–2023 Winners
- NEUROBIOMICS Project – IGF / NBX Biosciences: Development of a therapeutic bacterium as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease
- RECOMPOSEProject – BIOWooEB/CARAYON Carpentry: Conversion of 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: The effects of chronic kidney disease on brain dysfunction.
- PHENORECYCLEProject –ICGM /SAINT GOBAIN RECHERCHE: 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 plant-feeding mites on tomatoes.
2020–2021 Winners
- Water EcoCase Project –CHIMECO /Bioinspir: An eco-technology for treating metal-contaminated effluents using a vegetated filter to preserve and restore the quality of aquatic ecosystems, 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: Phytoremediation Assisted by Endophytic Bacteria from Metallophyte Seeds.
- FENM-AD Project –MMDN /Startup ReST Therapeutics: To demonstrate the efficacy of FENM as a second-generation neuroprotective agent in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
- TDI-GT Project –IBMM/MT-ACTStartup: This new approach aims to target the detyrosination of MT to positively influence Tau binding and thereby improve MT integrity. By targeting this entirely unexplored mechanism of action (MoA), MT-ACT aims to provide a neuroprotective approach for the treatment of glaucoma.
- PHARE Project –EuroMov /DiapyMedStartup: 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.
- GOLUM Project –EspaceDev/La TeleScopStartup: Comprehensive observation of the land-sea interface: mangrove monitoring services for end users.
- RUSE Project –ChimEco/BioProtection Laboratories: The project focuses on the study and production of a molecular blend with strong repellent properties against arthropods that transmit dangerous infectious diseases (dengue, Zika, chikungunya).
- ECOLAGON Project –GM / StartupLine Up Ocean: Development of innovative “Shore Soft Engineering” (SSE) methods in coastal dynamics, with the coastline considered here as a comprehensive hydro-morpho-ecobiological system.
- BeatMove –EuroMovProject/BeatHealth Startup: For the first time, this project aims to expand the scope of our rhythm-based applications. Obesity has been identified as a priority target before addressing other chronic diseases.
- CS-LYASE Project –PhymedExp/Oenobrands: This research project focuses on the study of exogenous C-S lyase enzymes, whose direct use in winemaking and brewing could overcome the low activity of conventional yeasts and thereby increase the conversion of thiol precursors into volatile thiols.
2018–2019 Winners
- ADNe IndicatorsProject–MARBEC/ SPYGENJoint Research Unit: Developing new marine biodiversity indicators based on environmental DNA.
- SOFT BEACH Project–GEOSCIENCES/BRL Engineering: Research and development focused on the design of smart structures for the protection of sandy beaches.
- PEACEProject–CEFE/BEAUVAL ZOO: Proposing a new approach to strategies for protecting Asian elephants outside existing protected areas.
- PRECISIONMEDMMProject–IGH/DIAD2TEC: Developing new therapeutic tools to improve the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma.
- ZEBRAVARProject–IGF/DIAGN’CELLstartup: developing systematic methods for assessing cardiac dysfunction with the aim of optimizing the genetic diagnosis of heart conditions.
- DISUCOG–EUROMOV/SEMAXONEProject: to develop software integrated with a brain-computer interface that enables real-time monitoring of psycho-physiological and cognitive states in humans.
- PICProject–UMR ITAP/FRUITION SCIENCES: Developing a sampling method to estimate the yield of vineyard plots prior to harvest.
- SALAD CAREProject–LSTM/ BACTOLYTIX: Developing an innovative biocontrol technique against the plant-pathogenic bacterium affecting lettuce.
- The RETINOCT Project –LIRMM/ TheAcusurgical Startup: developinga robot that synchronizes the position of the robot-mounted instrument with the position of the microscope and medical imaging, thereby enabling greater control over surgical procedures.
- SALSA Project –ITAP/INDATECH: to improveupon 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 GENOMICSproject: developing a new test for mesenchymal stem cells in collaboration with the IRMB teams, who are at the forefront of regenerative medicine research, with applications for chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic rheumatic diseases.
- SPINSTIMProject–LIRMM/SPINOFF NEURINNOV: Developing 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 SPIN-OFF: to develop a new hydrofoil boat technology based in particular on biomimicry, and to finalize the development of the flying boat’s final prototype.
News
Develop your innovative projects with Companies & Campus!
Content type: Call for proposals
Published on: January 15 , 2026
Interested in bringing an innovation project to life with a research lab or a company?…
