Industri’elles 2026: at Centrale Nantes, a collaborative game to introduce high school girls to industry

At a time when industrial, technological, and environmental issues are central to our society, encouraging young people to pursue scientific and technical careers is essential. In Nantes, the Industri’elles challenge is fully in line with this dynamic.

For one day, around 100 high school girls in their second year of general studies from eight high schools in the department will take part in a collaborative role-playing game that will enable them to discover, in a practical and fun way, the diversity of careers in industry and the training programs that lead to them.

Centrale Nantes, a campus committed to diversity in science

This event has particular resonance at Centrale Nantes, which is welcoming high school girls to its campus and its technology platforms. Committed to gender diversity in science, the school will mobilize its female engineers and researchers to change perceptions and inspire new vocations. Despite changing perceptions and a growing presence of women in engineering, research, and industrial management roles, scientific and technical fields remain largely male-dominated. Industri'elles aims to break down these barriers by giving young girls concrete benchmarks, professional role models, and an immersive first experience of the industrial world.

Industri'elles: a collaborative game to raise awareness among young girls about careers in industry and scientific and technical training

Throughout the day, participants, divided into teams, work on designing an innovative product. Each participant plays a key role within a fictional company—from research and development to production, logistics, and marketing—and thus discovers the entire industrial chain.

The teams are supported by professionals in the sector (technicians and engineers), who share their experience, contribute their expertise, and talk to the high school students about their career paths and daily professional lives.

At the end of the day, the projects are presented orally to a jury composed of industry professionals. An awards ceremony closes the challenge and recognizes the commitment, creativity, and teamwork of the participants.

Supported by Nantes Métropole, the Nantes University Science and Technology Cluster, and the Étoile project—a regional program providing guidance to high school students—and organized in partnership with the Elles Bougent association, the Industri’elles challenge highlights the many opportunities offered by careers in industry, both in terms of professional integration and career prospects.