A new deeptech momentum for the Centrale Nantes - Audencia incubator with the entry of Nantes Université

A new three-way governance structure to boost deeptech entrepreneurship

Nantes Université's inclusion in the governance of the incubator, alongside Centrale Nantes and Audencia, consolidates its position as a key player in deeptech entrepreneurship in the Loire region. This tripartite governance reinforces a unique academic incubator model, based on complementary expertise in science, engineering and management. Working closely with the laboratories, technology platforms and networks of the three institutions, the incubator fosters the emergence of tomorrow's companies.
Within this new framework, ensa Nantes, as a component institution of Nantes Université, will continue to benefit from access to the incubator for its alumni with entrepreneurial projects, pursuing the synergies developed over the past few years.

A support programme to speed up the development of deeptech projects

From the start of the 2025 academic year, the incubator will be stepping up its support for deeptech entrepreneurs by extending it to the scientific fields in which Nantes University is active. Specifically designed to meet the challenges of long-term R&D, structuring financing and technology transfer, this enhanced programme aims to support deeptech project leaders from their first entrepreneurial steps through to market launch, with a dual objective: to ensure the launch of their innovative company and to structure its long-term growth.
On Monday 26 May, the incubator launched its call for applications with a view to selecting the next start-ups to benefit from its support programmes from September 2025.

Already a key player in the region

Since its creation in 2013, the joint incubator has already supported more than 170 projects, leading to the creation of 100 innovative businesses and more than 1,300 jobs in the Pays de la Loire region.
The incubator offers structured support for all the key aspects of start-up development: strategy, market evaluation, prototyping and financing. It has been identified as a major driver of innovation in the region, both for research-led projects such as NextFlow Software and Farwind Energy, and for more traditional entrepreneurial initiatives such as Articonnex and Stimcar.

A brand new identity in the pipeline

To embody this collective ambition, a new brand identity will be unveiled in mid-September 2025. It will embody the founding values of this new tripartite governance and will be geared towards the entire student, graduate and academic communities of the three institutions. It will embody a vision of entrepreneurship based on experimentation, self-fulfilment and active contribution to the world of tomorrow.

With this new governance, the incubator is taking an important step forward. We're enhancing our technological DNA and keeping our core strengths: a multi-disciplinary approach, a human touch and a responsible commitment.

Pierre Durand, Director of the academic incubator

 This incubator is fully in line with the Nantes Université dynamic and bolsters its support for entrepreneurship. What's more, it serves to showcase our experimental public institution.

Frédéric Jacquemin, Vice-president for Innovation and Partnerships, I-Site Nantes Université