AN ECOSYSTEM FILLED WITH TALENT
Stakeholders working together
A company founded in Montpellier, Elements, was the Occitanie region’s largest fund-raiser in 2023.
All the major stakeholders in decarbonized energy are present in the Montpellier area, such as Apex, Aenco, GRDF, Enerfip, General Electric, Bouygues, Elements, SLB, WPD, EDF Renouvelables, SolarinBlue, Voltalia, RWE, Qair, Valeco, Engie, BayWare, Total Energies, and Vestas, along with others operating nearby such as Arkolia, OCCTE, France Renouvelables, Watteos, SER, Cemater, and the Derbi competitiveness cluster.
Montpellier is a leading player in the field, with 4,500 direct jobs involving renewable energy.
Competitiveness clusters
A number of national-level competitiveness clusters play a major role in the environmental sector, bringing together economic players to work on joint projects.
Among them, Agri Sud-Ouest Innovation and Qualiméditerranée focus on agriculture, agrifood, and the environment. The clusters support innovation, research, and cooperation between companies, research organizations, and various institutions to promote sustainable and responsible practices in these key sectors.
Aqua Valley, another competitiveness cluster based in Montpellier, specializes in the sustainable use and management of water.
The Derbi cluster focuses on developing new types of energy, bringing together companies, research laboratories, and institutions to foster technological innovation and the energy transition towards clean, renewable, and sustainable sources.
The Pôle Mer Méditerranée cluster concentrates on maritime and coastal activities, promoting sustainable development within sectors such as fishing, aquaculture, tourism, and marine energy.
Through these competitiveness clusters, Montpellier Métropole continues to strengthen its position as a major player in sustainable development by stimulating innovation, collaboration, and the adoption of environmentally-friendly practices in key economic sectors.
Universities and research centers
Universities and research centers in the greater Montpellier area also play an active role in the environmental field. One of the major players is the UNESCO ICIREWARD center for water sciences.
The decision to establish this center in Montpellier is a clear sign for higher education, research, and innovation. Among other things, it demonstrates the scientific excellence of our researchers and their ability to organize themselves to meet major societal challenges. Montpellier is now officially part of the "UNESCO Water Family", the organization's network of water centers, chairs, and national committees.
Business networks and players
BIC – Business & Innovation Center
An incubator recognized worldwide
French Tech Méditerranée Montpellier
The French startup movement seeking to break into international markets and build a meaningful future.
ICIREWARD
Comprising nearly 400 scientists from 15 research laboratories, and 150 PhD candidates, ICIREWARD – based at the University of Montpellier – is the largest and most highly structured water science community in France.
