The fruit of reflections on the university's role in the innovation ecosystem, the Sorbonne University Cité de l'Innovation is the culmination of an ambitious vision born in 2011: to create, within Sorbonne University, an ecosystem conducive to innovation; and to enable the university to become involved in all of today's environmental, societal and economic transitions in a responsible and sustainable manner.

Since its inception, the project, with a total funding of 69 million euros, has benefited from the support of key partners such as the City of Paris, the French State and the Île-de-France Region. This support demonstrates the importance of this project not only for Sorbonne University, but also for the French capital and beyond.

An ambitious architectural project

The architecture of the Sorbonne University Cité de l'Innovation reflects this ambition, embodying a mix of tradition and modernity, and located in a historic district of Paris. Conceived as a futuristic arch, the building offers a total surface area of almost 15,000 m², and will eventually accommodate around 800 people. Designed by BIG and OXO, it blends seamlessly into a prestigious architectural environment. “Four buildings designed by four renowned contemporary architects face each other: the Cité de l'Innovation designed by the famous Danish architect Bjarke Ingels, the Institut du Monde Arabe (IMA) designed by Jean Nouvel, the Albert grill designed by Edouard Albert and a building designed by Urbain Cassan on the Pierre et Marie Curie campus,” points out Dominique Pateron, Vice President Real Estate and Sustainable Development. With its vast panoramic windows, the Cité de l'Innovation will offer a singular, unobstructed view of Notre-Dame de Paris and the Ile de la Cité. Its gently sloping façade will allow the reflection of the cathedral to be seen from the Place de l'IMA. This cohabitation of architectural styles illustrates Sorbonne Université's ability to project itself into the future while respecting the cultural and historical heritage of Paris.

In addition to its avant-garde design, the Sorbonne University Cité de l'Innovation stands out for its commitment to sustainable development. “We chose to construct a building that is exemplary in terms of energy efficiency. This approach is part of our commitment to a sustainable future, where technological innovation is combined with respect for the environment,” asserts the vice-president. The re-vegetation of spaces, including green roofs and a hanging garden, will promote biodiversity and regulate rainwater. The building's design, which enhances natural light and passive ventilation, minimizes energy requirements. Finally, sustainable materials and an optimized structural design reduce the use of resources while ensuring the building's performance and durability.

Work on the Sorbonne University Cité de l'Innovation began in autumn 2022, and the exterior shell is now nearing completion. “The facades will be installed in the spring. Then we'll finish the interior outfitting work, which will include the installation of technological equipment,” explains Dominique Pateron.

A unique ecosystem of innovation

Historically, Sorbonne University has always been very active in the field of innovation. For almost a decade, the university has incubated 230 start-ups in the fields of health, science, engineering, cultural and creative industries, and the start-ups that have emerged from Sorbonne University's work have raised 1.5 billion euros. As a hub for technological acceleration and innovation, the Cité de l'Innovation aims to amplify this momentum by providing a framework conducive to the development of new innovative companies.

This “shared home” is designed as a veritable innovation ecosystem, bringing together, over five levels, an incubator, a business hotel (for more mature start-ups), a demonstrator, an events hub, logistics and concierge services... and a restaurant with a roof terrace that will adjoin that of the IMA. This is a unique location in France, and indeed in Europe, at the heart of one of France's largest scientific campuses, home to over 25,000 students and the science and engineering activities of Sorbonne University.

This geographical and functional proximity between companies, researchers, technology platforms and students is a major asset. By offering direct access to academic resources (including 80 research laboratories and over 150 technology platforms), the Cité de l'Innovation will encourage unprecedented synergies between university research and the business world, and facilitate collective enrichment of ideas and the emergence of collective intelligence.

The first selected companies to be housed in the business incubator are mature businesses, with an average age of 6 years. At the same time, the university is working on services that will be offered to the various occupants of the Cité de l'Innovation.

A commitment to openness

The Cité de l'Innovation also represents a new source of influence for Sorbonne University. By welcoming companies of all sizes, from start-ups to SMEs and large corporations with access to dedicated services, it will become a focal point for all those seeking to innovate.

By integrating spaces accessible to the public, such as a panoramic events space and catering area on the top floor, seminar rooms, a demonstration space and amphitheatres, Sorbonne Universitéy also seeks to make the Cité de l'Innovation a place where people can meet and exchange ideas, where innovation is encouraged not only through research, but also through social and cultural interaction. With the Cité de l'Innovation, Sorbonne University has acquired an exceptional tool for continuing to reinvent itself and innovate in the service of society.