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 Research I-SITE Program of Excellence (PEI) and private companies through the " Companies And Campus " program.

The objective of the program

Facilitate the establishment of new research partnerships, including staff mobility between the two partners' organizations.
Support innovation by enabling companies to benefit from the latest innovations resulting from public research.
Improve exchanges and technology transfers between public research and the socio-economic world.

Who can participate in theCompanies and Campus program?

This program is open to any private partner linked to one of the 120 research units of the PEI partners, as well as to the departments of the University Hospital Federations (FHU), Montpellier University Hospital, Nîmes University Hospital, and 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 (existing company or business start-up project leader).

Terms and conditions of participation and eligibility requirements

Winners of the Companies and Campus program

2024/2025 winners

GANOCOSM Project – CEFE/ Chanel Parfum Beauté: Study of environmental factors on the production of metabolites of interest by different wild species of fungi of the Ganoderma genus.
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 involvement 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 breathing 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 allowing administration by inhalation to combat inflammatory lung diseases.
EPIcsProject –IRCM/Cyberna: Using epitranscriptomic technologies to improve early detection and management of pancreatic cancer (PDAC) in a non-invasive way. 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 with bone resorption who require dental implants. This innovation will enable healthcare professionals to place dental implants in a single operation without any additional preparation or specific training.
PETREC Project – ICGM/Petshka: Development of a new chemical recycling process for PET fabrics used in stands and decorations for trade shows and events. The project aims to recover polyol-type products from this recycling process to synthesize new polycarbonate, polyester, and polyurethane materials.
CAPDCM Project – IBMM/Demgy Frasne: Improvement and reliability enhancement 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 the microfluidic "core."
BIO2ETHProject– IEM/ E-ETHYLENE: Adaptation of electrolysis technology (selective electro-conversion of CO2 into ethylene using a low-temperature electrolyzer) for the conversion of biogenic CO2 (bioCO2) from biogas digesters. The project aims to optimize the formulation of catalytic ink for the conversion of CO2 from biogas digesters, develop a 10-cell 5 cm2 electrolyzer stack, and evaluate the overall stability of the system.
COOCI Project – ITAP/GreenHouseKeeper: development of new optical sensors dedicated to indoor crops, in order to optimize crop control and management in these specific environments.

2023/2024 winners

CRISTEST Project–LMGC/CRISTALENS Industry: Designing new accommodative intraocular implants offering 3 diopters of accommodation for treating cataracts.
IEIV Project ( Enhanced TIRF Imaging Applied to the Identification of Pathogenic Viruses) –IRIM/Abbelight: designing coverslips specifically designed for Abbelight microscopes.
SENALINORINFProject–IBMM/AMBIOTIS: Enantioselective synthesis of linotrins and study 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: Develop a bispecific antibody format focused on evaluating the efficacy of new bispecific antibody formats in various applications, including targeting 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 drone swarms and transmit high-definition videos 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 accurate, 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.
SONARES–PHIM/Fertil’Innov Environment Project: The project aims to validate the use of beneficial indigenous microorganisms as a biological tool for the ecological restoration of polluted sites. Various levers 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 bacterial drug for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease
RECOMPOSEProject – BIOWooEB/ CARAYON Carpentry: Recycling wood waste from carpentry into biocomposite materials for housing.
TRONK DXProject –IRMB/NK Diagnostics: Trogocytosis by natural killer (NK) cells in diagnosis.
CONSEQUENCES OF KIDNEY FAILUREProject –MMDN /RD-Nephrology: Consequences of chronic kidney failure on brain dysfunction.
PHENORECYCLEProject –ICGM /SAINT GOBAIN RESEARCH: Recyclability of phenolic resin depolymerization residues.
PRECRIME-PLUSProject –LIRMM/Bfore.Ai: Graph Pattern Mining applied to DNS fraud detection.
REGENAmelProject – IBMM /PIERRE FABRE: Development and characterization of innovative solutions in dental remineralization.
SENOCHONDRO3DProject –IRMB/HCS PHARMA: Development of a preclinical model of osteoarthritic cartilage combining a hydroscaffold and senescent chondrocytes for high-throughput identification of serotherapies for osteoarthritis.
EPI-VIRProject– IRIM/VOXCAN: Miniaturized respiratory epithelia and innovative tools for the study and characterization of antivirals.
DIAPASONProject –MARBEC /EDF SA: Deep learning simulation of seabird behavior: assessment of the impact of offshore wind farms / Deep learning of seabird trajectory for impact assessment of offshore wind.
SYSVIRProject –ISEM/PHYMEA: Development of an automated imaging and quantification system for the virulence of phytophagous mites on tomatoes.

2020/2021 winners

Water EcoCase Project –CHIMECO /Bioinspir: Ecotechnology for the decontamination of metal-contaminated effluents using a plant filter to preserve and restore the quality of aquatic systems, which also enables the recovery of biomass in green and sustainable chemistry.
MYCINDOOR Project –LSTM(IRD) /Futura Gaia: Optimizing the productivity of a controlled environment agriculture solution 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: Stably conferring selectivity to 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.
FENM-AD Project –MMDN /Startup ReST Therapeutics: Providing proof of concept for the efficacy of FENM as a second-generation neuroprotective agent in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
TDI-GT Project –IBMM/MT-ACTStartup: The new approach aims to target MT detyrosination to positively affect Tau binding and subsequently improve MT integrity. By targeting this completely unexplored mechanism of action (MoA), MT-act aims to provide a neuroprotective approach in the context of glaucoma.
PHARE Project –EuroMov / StartupDiapyMed: Providing diabetic patients with a mobile application that enables them to manage their insulin therapy effectively and appropriately without blood sugar accidents, even when engaging in physical activity.
GOLUM Project –EspaceDev/ StartupLa TeleScop: Global observation of the land-sea interface: mangrove monitoring services for end users.
RUSE Project –ChimEco/BioProtection Laboratories: The project is based on the study and production of a molecular bouquet that has strong repellent properties against arthropods that are vectors of 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 complete hydro-morpho-ecobiological system.
BeatMove Project –EuroMov/Startup BeatHealth: The project aims to expand the scope of our rhythm-based applications for the first time. Obesity has been identified as a prime target before considering other chronic diseases.
CS-LYASE Project –PhymedExp/Oenobrands: The research project is based on the study of exogenous C-S lyase enzymes, the direct use of which in winemaking and brewing could circumvent the low activity of conventional yeasts and thus increase the conversion of thiol precursors into volatile thiols.

2018/2019 winners

ADNe IndicatorsProject–MARBEC/SPYGEN Joint Research Unit: creating new marine biodiversity indicators based on environmental DNA.
SOFT BEACH Project–GEOSCIENCES/BRL Engineering: research and development in the field of designing smart structures to protect sandy beaches.
PEACEProject–CEFE/BEAUVAL ZOO: proposing a new approach to strategies for protecting Asian elephants outside existing protection areas.
PRECISIONMEDMMProject–IGH/DIAD2TEC: developing new theranostic tools to improve the therapeutic management of patients with multiple myeloma.
ZEBRAVARProject–IGF/DIAGN’CELLstart-up: developing systematic methods for evaluating cardiac disorders with the aim of optimizing the genetic diagnosis of cardiac disorders.
DISUCOG–EUROMOV/SEMAXONEproject: developing software linked to a brain/computer interface enabling real-time monitoring of psycho-physiological and cognitive states in humans.
PICProject–ITAP/FRUITION SCIENCES Joint Research Unit : developing a sampling method to estimate the yield of vineyard plots before harvest.
SALAD CAREProject–LSTM/ BACTOLYTIX: developing an innovative biocontrol technique against phytopathogenic bacteria in lettuce.
RETINOCT Project –LIRMM/ACUSURGICAL STARTUP: buildinga robot using a method that couples the position of the instrument carried by the robot with the position of the microscope and medical imaging, thereby enabling greater control over surgical procedures.
SALSA Project –ITAP/INDATECH: to developa multispectral probe already developed by Indatech Chauvin Arnoux that is more efficient and less expensive by integrating a wavelength-tunable lighting system based on Digital Light Processing technology.
TheGENETIC ANOMALIES–IRMB/STEM GENOMICSproject: developing a new test on mesenchymal stem cells with the support of IRMB teams at the forefront of regenerative medicine research, with developments for chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and chronic rheumatic diseases.
SPINSTIMProject–LIRMM/SPINOFF NEURINNOV: developing palliative solutions for severe bladder and sphincter dysfunction for which there is no current treatment, fully addressing current public health issues and the challenges of an aging population.
NEOCEANProject–ISEM/SPINOFF NEOCEAN: developing a new hydrofoil boat technology based in particular on biomimicry, and finalizing the development of the definitive prototype of the flying boat.