FRENCH TECH MONTPELLIER
Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole is the epicenter of the French startup nation. Our metropolis was one of the first to be awarded French Tech certification.
It all started with an initiative by Montpellier Métropole
Many adjectives have been used to describe Montpellier, notably “pioneer, talented, young, and dynamic.” Local economic development has been closely tied with the multitude of stakeholders and success stories for digital activities, including industry majors such as Dell, IBM, Computacenter, Schlumberger, and more.
The French Tech label for the area has been championed since 2019 by French Tech Méditerranée, an association of 15 entrepreneurs. Its mission is to promote the growth and internationalization of startups, scale-ups, and innovative SMEs in France’s Gard and Hérault (where Montpellier is located) departments, in partnership with public stakeholders, local authorities, institutions, universities, incubators, accelerators, and major private companies.
Leveraging its strengths, Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole was one of the first in its category whose ecosystem was awarded the French Tech Metropolis label. The label, a nationwide initiative launched in 2013 to accelerate the development of French startups and promote their international outreach, is the fruit of the extraordinary mobilization of Montpellier’s innovation ecosystem and its ability to unite around a large-scale project for the territory.
Key dates for innovation in Montpellier
From digital “Technopolis” to French Tech Metropolis
IBM and Dell choose Montpellier
1965 - IBM settles in Montpellier
1987 - Montpellier BIC founded
1993 - Dell establishes its Montpellier site
Roll-out of the initiative
2014 - Montpellier ecosystem awarded French Tech label under the governance of Montpellier Métropole
2014 - Creation of French Tech Pass, with Montpellier Métropole as regional operator
2016 - 7 thematic networks designated for Montpellier French Tech
2016 - National launch of BigUp 4 Startup, created in Montpellier
Since 2019 - New label for French Tech Méditerranée, designated as French Tech Capital
Recognition and inauguration
2017 - Inauguration of French Tech Building in downtown Montpellier
2018 - BIC recognized by UBI Global as world’s 2nd best startup incubator
2019 - BIC confirmed by UBI Global as one of the Top 5 incubators worldwide
Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole, golden “Coq d’or” for the regional French Tech Pass operator
Launched in 2014 and rolled out in all regions in France until 2019, French Tech Pass was a nationwide program designed for companies undergoing hyper-growth. Following a selection process based on highly demanding criteria, the winners were offered premium support and assistance from a network of experts.
In 2015, Montpellier Métropole was selected by the French government to operate the French Tech Pass program in the greater Montpellier area, a mission it carried out successfully until the program was discontinued in mid-2019. Its achievements are a reflection of Montpellier Métropole’s commitment and the quality of its economic infrastructure, with 49 accreditations awarded to our area, ranking in first place after Paris/Ile de France in terms of the number of French Tech Passes obtained.
In 2019, the program was replaced with the Tech120 initiative, driven at a national level.
Innovation continues with an increasing number of actions to support businesses
Innovation in Montpellier is coordinated in cooperation with the territory’s public and private sector stakeholders across all high-potential and clearly-identified sectors, including:
- Digital technologies
- Agroecology and food
- Cultural and Creative Industries
- Health
- The environment
- And more
Montpellier Métropole is also committed to respecting the societal values needed to build a sustainable economy, alongside active and motivated local players.