France’s 2nd-largest center for medical research, Aix-Marseille-Provence metropolis, thanks to an ecosystem focused on innovation and healthtech, is positioning itself as a pioneer in the medicine of the future.
Its expertise in oncology, immunology, rare diseases, infectiology, medical instrumentation and neurosciences is recognized worldwide. In recognition of this expertise, the Marseille Immunology Biocluster (MIB) project is a world-class biocluster. It was the winner of the national “Bioclusters” call for projects launched as part of France 2030, with a State investment of €97 million. It brings together major players in research & training, healthcare, innovation and industrial applications, and aims to accelerate the development of new immunotherapy antibodies for incurable or severely debilitating diseases. Around 40 immunology startups will be set up by 2030, with the support of the Eurobiomed competitiveness cluster, the SATT du Sud-Est, the Impulse incubator and international venture capital and investment funds.
In addition, Aix-Marseille-Provence ranks 3rd worldwide for R&D in biotechnology.
It is France’s no. 1 clinical trials center after Paris, and no. 1 cancer cluster after Paris.The region hosts a top-notch research and innovation ecosystem, including the Eurobiomed healthtech cluster, the Grand Luminy biotech incubator, the Impulse inter-university incubator and the MI-mAbs (Marseille Immunopôle monoclonal antibodies) R&D platform dedicated to treatments for cancer and inflammatory diseases. Finally, the Timone hospital in Marseille is home to the 7 Tesla clinical MRI platform, the only one of its kind in France, 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 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. 30 million euros 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.

Driven by its main player, Airbus Helicopters, the aeronautics and mechanical engineering sector benefits from a dynamic environment conducive to innovation.
Thanks to the presence of the SAFE national competitiveness cluster and a number of science and technology parks, the industry is a recognized center of excellence in the region.
The region hosts three sites dedicated to the aeronautics and mechanical engineering sector:

• 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 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.