Incubateur Impulse

Incubateur Impulse was established in June 2000 through a collaborative initiative among prestigious institutions including the Universities of Aix-Marseille and Avignon, alongside CEA, CNRS, IRD, INSERM, INRAE, AP-HM, Ecole Centrale Marseille, Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Saint-Etienne, and Ecole Arts et Métiers d'Aix-en-Provence. For over two decades, this inter-university incubator has dedicated itself to supporting and financing innovative business ventures that commercialize public research outcomes. Operating as a key component of P.U.I Provence and the "MIB" Biocluster, while being integrated into CISAM, the incubator maintains strong connections with research laboratories, Carnot institutes, competitiveness clusters, and various innovation networks throughout the region.

The incubator's effectiveness is demonstrated by its impressive 85% success rate in transforming research projects into viable companies. By late 2023, Impulse had nurtured 237 projects, resulting in the establishment of 204 companies that collectively generated approximately 2,000 direct employment opportunities, with over 1,500 positions sustained long-term. Additionally, these ventures have created more than 4,000 indirect jobs within the region, highlighting the incubator's significant economic impact on the Provence territory. Impulse specializes in deep technology ventures across various sectors, with particular strength in biotechnology, digital innovation, and sustainable technologies.

The quality of Impulse-supported startups is evidenced by their exceptional performance in prestigious competitions, with 50% of incubated projects winning the i-Lab competition (formerly CNACETI) or securing awards in the "Emergence" category. Many portfolio companies have also received FrenchTech "Emergence" DeepTech Grants, validating their innovative potential and market viability. The incubator's startups have collectively attracted over 483 million euros in private investment funding (excluding acquisitions), demonstrating the strong appeal these innovative ventures hold for investors seeking opportunities in the Provence innovation ecosystem. Impulse typically engages with early-stage ventures, providing crucial pre-seed support and guidance through the critical initial phases of development.

Recognized as a premier general incubator in the region, Impulse receives substantial backing from multiple governmental and institutional sources, including the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research, the European Union, and key local authorities such as the South Region, Aix-Marseille Provence Metropolis, and the City of Marseille. This broad support network enables Impulse to offer comprehensive incubation services including strategic guidance, technical expertise, networking opportunities, and access to funding channels. Through its extensive experience and proven methodology, Impulse continues to play a vital role in transforming academic research into commercial success stories, significantly contributing to the economic development and innovation landscape of the Provence region.