Centrale Digital Lab

What is Centrale Digital Lab?

It is an innovative training programme devised by the Ecoles Centrale Group (CentraleSupélec, Centrale Lyon, Centrale Nantes, Centrale Lille and Centrale Marseille). It is aimed at students who are studying engineering at school or university. It offers them them the opportunity of a full year of training in the digital transformation of businesses   within the context, for example, of a year in industry (or gap year).

What's different about it?

Throughout the year, students carry out team concrete projects in collaboration with partner companies of all sizes (start-ups, SMEs, mid-markets, large groups, local authorities, public and para-public services).  Skills (Design Thinking, Lean Startup, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, Web Programming) are acquired through projects and not in lectures or in class. "Learning by doing" is the hallmark of this programme.

The Centrale Digital Lab programme is supported by the national Investments for the Future Programme and was awarded funding in the  "Disrupt 'Campus" call for projects proposed by BPI France.

Where is the Centrale Digital Lab?

Three sites in 2018: Paris, Lyon and Nantes. Lille and Marseille will open in 2019.


What does a year in the Centrale Digital Lab involve?

The programme for a student in the Centrale Digital Lab as follows:
  • a one-week introductory seminar on Artificial Intelligence
  • two seven-week team projects to develop an application prototype which addresses a real business need
  • an introductory seminar on the Digital Economy, followed by a third team project in collaboration with a company
  • a five-month internship

I am a student interested the Centrale Digital Lab, how can I join?

If you are studying for a masters degree (or equivalent) in engineering, you can apply to Centrale Digital Lab to take part before or after your last year of engineering training. For example, if you are a university student you can join the Centrale Digital Lab before or after your M2 year.

If you're passionate about digital technology, you want to be trained by professionals or get involved in the French Tech environment, then this gap year programme is for you!

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Published on April 11, 2018 Updated on April 11, 2018