- Photo 1 © David Girard / MAMP
- Photos 2, 3 & 5 © François Moura / MAMP
- Photo 4 © Roland Grunchec / MAMP
aix-marseille-provence
aix-marseille-provence
aix-marseille-provence
aix-marseille-provence
aix-marseille-provence
aix-marseille-provence
aix-marseille-provence
aix-marseille-provence
la synapse
la synapse
la synapse
la synapse
la synapse
la synapse
la synapse
la synapse
History
The history of Aix-Marseille-Provence region begins nearly 3,000 years ago with the Greeks, who founded the city of Massalia (Marseille), which quickly became a strategic commercial hub in the Mediterranean. In 125 BC, the Romans established Aix-en-Provence and enhanced trade exchanges through the port of Fos-sur-Mer.
Over the centuries, major events led to population movements that have shaped the region. By the end of the 19th century, Marseille became a true immigration crossroads, attracting Italian, Spanish, Armenian, North African, and African populations. This diversity has forged the cosmopolitan and dynamic identity of the metropolis.
Over the centuries, major events led to population movements that have shaped the region. By the end of the 19th century, Marseille became a true immigration crossroads, attracting Italian, Spanish, Armenian, North African, and African populations. This diversity has forged the cosmopolitan and dynamic identity of the metropolis.
General Economy
The Aix-Marseille-Provence metropolis is the largest in France, covering 3,148 km², four times the size of the Greater Paris. It is home to over 2 million inhabitants and is experiencing rapid growth, offering a particularly attractive talent pool.
Ideally located in the Mediterranean coast, it has a strategic opening to Africa and Europe, as well as excellent transport infrastructure: the Port of Marseille, is the largest port in France for goods exchange and the second in the Mediterranean coast; Aix-Marseille Airport, is the second-largest regional airport in France; and host two fast track train stations (TGV stations).
It is also a region rich in nature, with 155 km of coastline and 71% of protected agricultural/natural areas, such as the Calanques National Park or Mont Sainte-Victoire. Aix-Marseille-Provence is today the leading economic hub in Southern France.
The region’s economy is structured around six areas of excellence:
Ideally located in the Mediterranean coast, it has a strategic opening to Africa and Europe, as well as excellent transport infrastructure: the Port of Marseille, is the largest port in France for goods exchange and the second in the Mediterranean coast; Aix-Marseille Airport, is the second-largest regional airport in France; and host two fast track train stations (TGV stations).
It is also a region rich in nature, with 155 km of coastline and 71% of protected agricultural/natural areas, such as the Calanques National Park or Mont Sainte-Victoire. Aix-Marseille-Provence is today the leading economic hub in Southern France.
The region’s economy is structured around six areas of excellence:
- Health,
- Aerospace and Mechanics,
- Maritime and Logistics,
- Cultural, Creative, Digital Industries and Microelectronics,
- Energy and Environment,
- Tourism and Lifestyle
Science and Innovation
These sectors are supported by 700 large French and international groups, more than 130 research laboratories, and eight competitive clusters: SAFE (aerospace, space, defense & security), OPTITEC (optics, photonics, imaging), EUROBIOMED (healthtech), CAPENERGIES (energy transition), SCS (microelectronics, cybersecurity, IoT, AI, Data), PÔLE MER MEDITERRANEE (maritime and coastal economy), NOVACHIM (chemicals and materials), EA ECOENTREPRISES (water, waste, environment).
The region also has 200 industrial parks and business hubs including around 202,000 jobs in industry.
Among its structuring and innovative projects:
The region also has 200 industrial parks and business hubs including around 202,000 jobs in industry.
Among its structuring and innovative projects:
- EUROMÉDITERRANÉE : Urban and economic development
- TECHNOCENTRE HENRI FABRE : Industrial synergies in aerospace, industry 4.0
- MARSEILLE IMMUNOLOGIE BIOCLUSTER : Research, training, and innovation in biotechnology
- ITER : Nuclear fusion reactor, energy
- GIGAFACTORY H2V, CARBON : Green energy industries
- PROVENCE GRAND LARGE : Floating offshore wind turbines
- PIICTO – SYRIUS (Southern Industrial Regenerative Synergies) : Industrial decarbonization
- WINDTECH : Technology hall for new wind and offshore wind industries
- CISAM : Research and innovation hub for the incubation and acceleration of startups and innovative projects
Tech and Startups
Aix-Marseille-Provence is home to more than 860 startups, with 60% incubated and hosted within a particularly rich and dense ecosystem, featuring key players such as Accélérateur M, Marseille Innovation, the Arbois Technopole, and the Eurobiomed cluster.
The CISAM, a unique space for entrepreneurial creativity, meetings, and enrichment in the Aix-Marseille region, is the result of shared intelligence and ambition from the largest Francophone universi, Aix-Marseille University, the Aix-Marseille-Provence metropolis, and two multinational companies: CMA CGM and the L’OCCITANE Group combined to make it possible. These partners, with the shared goal of fostering scientific culture and innovation for economic growth, have all the necessary resources in one location to stimulate and streamline innovative processes. As a meeting, creation, incubation, and acceleration space, CISAM is a tool for all innovators in the Aix-Marseille region.
The region is also distinguished by its commitment to work on climate change issues, quality of life, and social innovations. It was named European Capital of Innovation (iCapital 2022-2023), highlighting its efforts to transform the diversity of its territory into a driving force for innovation and to successfully transition to a sustainable growing model.
The CISAM, a unique space for entrepreneurial creativity, meetings, and enrichment in the Aix-Marseille region, is the result of shared intelligence and ambition from the largest Francophone universi, Aix-Marseille University, the Aix-Marseille-Provence metropolis, and two multinational companies: CMA CGM and the L’OCCITANE Group combined to make it possible. These partners, with the shared goal of fostering scientific culture and innovation for economic growth, have all the necessary resources in one location to stimulate and streamline innovative processes. As a meeting, creation, incubation, and acceleration space, CISAM is a tool for all innovators in the Aix-Marseille region.
The region is also distinguished by its commitment to work on climate change issues, quality of life, and social innovations. It was named European Capital of Innovation (iCapital 2022-2023), highlighting its efforts to transform the diversity of its territory into a driving force for innovation and to successfully transition to a sustainable growing model.
Ecosystem presentation
Five thematic competencies were chosen by La Synapse in Aix-Marseille-Provence.
- Health / Medecine
- Energy and environment industry
- Aerospace and mechanical engineering
- Maritime and logistics industry
- Creative, Digital, and Electronic Industries
Aix-Marseille-Provence is the second-largest French hub for medical research and, with its innovation-centered healthtech ecosystem, is a pioneer in the medicine of the future.
Its expertise in oncology, immunology, rare diseases, infectious diseases, medical instrumentation, and neuroscience is globally recognized. The Marseille Immunology Biocluster (MIB) is a world-class biocluster that was selected for the national “Bioclusters” project under France 2030, with a state investment of €97 million. It brings together major players in research, training, healthcare, innovation, and industrial applications, aiming to accelerate the development of new immunotherapy antibodies for incurable or debilitating diseases. By 2030, around forty startups will be created in immunology with the support of the Eurobiomed competitiveness cluster, SATT Sud-Est, the Impulse incubator, and international venture capital and investment funds.
Furthermore, Aix-Marseille-Provence ranks third globally for biotechnology R&D. It is France’s top clinical trial center after Paris and the leading cancer research center after Paris. It has a high-level research and innovation ecosystem, including the Eurobiomed healthtech cluster, the Grand Luminy biotech incubator, the Impulse inter-university incubator, and the MI-mAbs R&D platform for cancer and inflammatory diseases treatments.
Furthermore, the Timone Hospital in Marseille houses France’s only 7 Tesla clinical MRI platform for advanced magnetic resonance research.
Its expertise in oncology, immunology, rare diseases, infectious diseases, medical instrumentation, and neuroscience is globally recognized. The Marseille Immunology Biocluster (MIB) is a world-class biocluster that was selected for the national “Bioclusters” project under France 2030, with a state investment of €97 million. It brings together major players in research, training, healthcare, innovation, and industrial applications, aiming to accelerate the development of new immunotherapy antibodies for incurable or debilitating diseases. By 2030, around forty startups will be created in immunology with the support of the Eurobiomed competitiveness cluster, SATT Sud-Est, the Impulse incubator, and international venture capital and investment funds.
Furthermore, Aix-Marseille-Provence ranks third globally for biotechnology R&D. It is France’s top clinical trial center after Paris and the leading cancer research center after Paris. It has a high-level research and innovation ecosystem, including the Eurobiomed healthtech cluster, the Grand Luminy biotech incubator, the Impulse inter-university incubator, and the MI-mAbs R&D platform for cancer and inflammatory diseases treatments.
Furthermore, the Timone Hospital in Marseille houses France’s only 7 Tesla clinical MRI platform for advanced magnetic resonance research.
Aix-Marseille-Provence region, hosts the world’s 4th-largest technology park for environmental technologies – the Technopôle de l’Arbois – and is a center for innovations in the fields of renewable energies, nuclear power, water and environmental management, sustainable construction, waste treatment and green chemistry.
The region is home to the Capenergies competitiveness cluster and two clusters: Novachim and EA ECOENTREPRISES.
The Cadarache cluster (CEA, ITER, Cité des énergies, En’Durance Énergies) is particularly noteworthy: it hosts research facilities and skills unique in the world, including the Jules Horowitz reactor and ITER, a device designed to create decarbonized energy.
The Fos-sur-Mer industrial port zone, strategic for petrochemicals in France, is one of the largest industrial-port zones in Europe, hosting major steel, energy, and petrochemical companies like ArcelorMittal, Ascométal, KEM One, and Air Liquide. The area also includes two LNG terminals, two wind farms, and two refineries.
Moreover, €30 million have been invested in the electrification of regional ports, including Marseille-Fos, to reduce air pollution.
Finally, the PIICTO collective, which fosters synergies between industrial players and supports the SYRIUS low-carbon industrial zone project, is a real turning point for climate change and decarbonization of industrial port areas.
Led by Airbus Helicopters, the aerospace and mechanical sector benefits from a dynamic and innovation-driven environment.
With the national SAFE competitiveness cluster and several scientific and technological parks, this sector stands out as an excellence hub.
The region has three dedicated aerospace and mechanical sites:
With the national SAFE competitiveness cluster and several scientific and technological parks, this sector stands out as an excellence hub.
The region has three dedicated aerospace and mechanical sites:
- Pôle aéronautique Jean-Sarrail in Istres: specializing in aircraft maintenance
- Technopôle de Château-Gombert: France’s leading research cluster for mechanical and energy engineering, after Paris. It includes 170 companies, 2,600 students (Centrale Marseille and Polytech Marseille), and 8 public research laboratories.
- Technocentre Henri Fabre: A shared innovation hub, the Technocentre Henri-Fabre enables the development of collaborative projects with economic partners, in particular companies, as well as with training and research players.
It is also home to leading international companies, including :
- Airbus Helicopters : Design, Manufacturing, Assembly, Testing, Maintenance
- Thales : Manufacturer of navigational aid equipment
- Daher : Aircraft manufacturer, industrial services provider and logistician
- Dassault Aviation : French dual-engine aerospace group, offering military and business jets
- Safran Aircraft Engines : Aeronautics and rotating wings, Defense, Airship, Protection of infrastructures and sensitive sites, Space, Autonomous systems
A true global logistics hub, Marseille-Fos port is France’s 1st port and the Mediterranean’s 3rd port for goods exchanges.
From cutting-edge technologies to heavy industry, this sector is key for the innovation of tomorrow.
With its 255 km of coastline, the region includes 61 ports for all activities, and is France’s leading center for heavy ship repair and yachting.
The Pôle Mer Méditerranée brings together 500 scientific and economic stakeholders to promote sustainable maritime innovation.
The port zone of Fos-sur-Mer, strategic in France for the petrochemical industry, is one of the largest industrial port zones in Europe. It is home to major steel, energy and petrochemical companies (ArcelorMittal, Ascométal, KEM One, Air Liquide…), 2 LNG terminals, 2 wind farms and 2 refineries.
International organizations and companies in this sector include CMA CGM, the world’s 3rd largest container shipping group and 5th largest logistician, the shipping companies CORSICA LINEA, LA MÉRIDIONALE, the maritime container carrier MARFRET, and the CNR Compagnie Nationale du Rhône.
Finally, this hub include the development of international logistics via Distriport and regional logistics via the Clésud platform, as well as the MIN – Marseille National Interest Market: nearly 362,000 tonnes of fresh produce are transported here.
From cutting-edge technologies to heavy industry, this sector is key for the innovation of tomorrow.
With its 255 km of coastline, the region includes 61 ports for all activities, and is France’s leading center for heavy ship repair and yachting.
The Pôle Mer Méditerranée brings together 500 scientific and economic stakeholders to promote sustainable maritime innovation.
The port zone of Fos-sur-Mer, strategic in France for the petrochemical industry, is one of the largest industrial port zones in Europe. It is home to major steel, energy and petrochemical companies (ArcelorMittal, Ascométal, KEM One, Air Liquide…), 2 LNG terminals, 2 wind farms and 2 refineries.
International organizations and companies in this sector include CMA CGM, the world’s 3rd largest container shipping group and 5th largest logistician, the shipping companies CORSICA LINEA, LA MÉRIDIONALE, the maritime container carrier MARFRET, and the CNR Compagnie Nationale du Rhône.
Finally, this hub include the development of international logistics via Distriport and regional logistics via the Clésud platform, as well as the MIN – Marseille National Interest Market: nearly 362,000 tonnes of fresh produce are transported here.
From innovations in artificial intelligence to film productions, the sector of digital, creative, and microelectronics industries encompasses numerous skills. The Aix-Marseille-Provence region stands out as a pioneer in these fields thanks to a dynamic and thriving ecosystem.
In 2023, the region hosted no fewer than 429 French and international productions. It is indeed the second most popular filming destination after Paris for cinema, with a diverse ecosystem that meets the needs of both national and international productions across the entire production value chain.
Among the dedicated infrastructures are the Pôle Média Belle de Mai in Marseille, which is focused on companies in the ICC (Investment and Cinema Trade), Provence Studios in Martigues, a 22-hectare complex that offers all the facilities for filming, Les Studios de la Méditerranée, Les Studios de Marseille, as well as various training offerings and sector events like Cartoon Next, Films Femmes Méditerranée, and more.
Marseille is the world’s 5th largest hub, with 23 cables connected and 4.5 billion people connected thanks to leading company DIGITAL REALTY. The region counts numerous incubators, clusters and hubs, including TheCamp, a hybrid training, exchange and experimentation center, Medinsoft, a cluster and incubator for digital transformation, and the SCS cluster, a European deeptech ecosystem for sustainable digital transition.
Through these same incubators, clusters and clusters, and with la FrenchTech, the region is developing key technologies in microelectronics, digital security, big data, artificial intelligence and connected objects. It is home to world-class companies in these fields: STMicroelectronics (semiconductors), Crosscall (resistant and durable smartphones), and Gemalto (now Thales Digital Identity and Security), the world’s leading manufacturer of SIM cards, specializing in digital security.
