GRAND REIMS

The Bioeconomy: An area of excellence for the Greater Reims region and a strategic focus of the regional development strategy

The bioeconomy in Reims is a strategic sector of excellence for the regional development plan. The region benefits from abundant local resources, with sugar, cereal and oilseed and protein crop production that ranks among the highest in France.

The bioeconomy plays a central role in the local economy. Bioeconomy businesses will account for 10.8% of the Greater Reims area in 2025, compared with 8.4% for the Grand Est region and 5.8% nationally. The share of jobs in the bioeconomy will reach 7.5% in the Greater Reims area by 2022, compared with 6.6% for the Grand Est region and 5.4% for France as a whole.

The sector is supported by leading research and innovation organisations, specialised training programmes and tailored support. It also benefits from public and private funding and favourable regional and local public policies, including the creation of dedicated business parks and the expansion of the biorefinery. The aim is to position the region as the European capital of the bioeconomy.

Key figures

• France’s leading region in terms of area under cultivation and production of cereals and oilseeds and protein crops
• 7,000,000 tonnes of biomass processed each year, nearly half of which at the Pomacle-Bazancourt biorefinery
• 10.8% of businesses in the region operate in the bioeconomy, compared with 5.8% nationally
• 8,600 businesses by 2025
• 9,000 jobs by 2022, including 1,300 direct jobs and 1,000 indirect jobs at the biorefinery alone
• Nearly one billion euros in turnover from the biorefinery
• Nearly 30 higher education courses related to the bioeconomy

A region that thinks, innovates and brings people together

Reims is establishing itself as a hub for international meetings and debates. Four flagship events bear witness to this:

• BIOKET: International conference on biomass utilisation, to be held in Reims in 2024. Over 500 participants from nearly 30 countries.
• BIOÉCO CAMP: An annual 48-hour hackathon entirely dedicated to the bioeconomy, organised by Le Village by CA in Bezannes since 2024.
• BIOECO2: International symposium on the ecological bioeconomy, organised by the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne in June 2025.
• World Alfalfa Congress: The sector’s largest international congress, bringing together experts, producers and researchers in November 2025 to discuss the future of alfalfa.

The bioeconomy ecosystem in the Greater Reims region

From farm to molecule, the Greater Reims ecosystem covers the entire bioeconomy value chain.

At its core, the agricultural and cooperative sector shapes the region. Organisations such as Vivescia and Cérésia organise the collection and processing of the major cereal crops that form the basis of the region’s agricultural wealth.

The industrial processing of biomass lies at the heart of the system. Starch production, glucose production, distilling and sugar refining: ADM Chamtor and Cristal Union extract and refine the essential components of cereals and sugar beet, whilst Charbonneaux-Brabant extends this approach into the agri-food and chemical sectors.

Green chemistry and bio-based materials represent a rapidly growing sector. Wheatoleo produces surfactants from plant-based resources, Alternative Innovation develops bio-resins, and Bioattitude formulates entirely bio-based cleaning products. Givaudan, a global cosmetics giant, is also establishing a strong presence in the region.

Renewable energy forms another pillar. Ficap, MK Energies, Européenne de Biomasse and Cogecab utilise local biomass to produce biofuels and energy through combined heat and power.

Finally, research, innovation and digital technology are driving the entire sector. ARD is working on the development of new processes, Natexplore is seeking to harness natural molecules, V Biotech is exploring unexpected sources such as coffee grounds, Interis supports agro-industrial engineering projects, and My Easy Farm integrates digital technology to enhance farming practices.

Research and innovation of the highest calibre

The Greater Reims area is home to a wealth of scientific expertise in the bioeconomy. Major national institutions (INRAe, CNRS, AgroParisTech, CentraleSupélec) are based here alongside local organisations, creating a research dynamic that is rare in the region.

The CEBB (European Centre for Biotechnology and Bioeconomy) brings together 100 researchers across four research chairs jointly run by AgroParisTech, CentraleSupélec, NEOMA Business School and the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne. The EXEBIO Institute of Excellence goes even further: 250 researchers and lecturers, 14 research units (FARE, ICMR, RIBP and REGARDS), three partner organisations (CNRS, INERIS, INRAE), five research chairs and 50 PhD theses currently in progress. These two structures make the Greater Reims area one of France’s most active scientific hubs in these fields.

What support is available for businesses in the bioeconomy sector?

Nearly 40% of the bioeconomy start-ups in the Grand Est region are based in the former Champagne-Ardenne region, mainly in Reims. For project leaders and start-ups, three organisations play a key role. Biotech’Innlab AgroParisTech facilitates technology transfer between research and industry. Quest for Bioeconomy supports innovative projects related to biological resources as an incubator of excellence, as part of the Quest for Change network. Le Village by CA Reims Bezannes complements this framework by offering a support structure for start-ups in the sector.

The region also draws on key networks at national and European level. Bioeconomy for Change brings together 500 members and has established itself as the leading competitiveness cluster for the bioeconomy in France and internationally. The One Bioeconomy unites research and training initiatives across the Grand Est region, centred on the Champagne-Ardenne/Lorraine axis. The InnoRem Inter-University Research Unit (PUI), led by eight founding members including URCA, the CNRS, INRAE, AgroParisTech, CentraleSupélec, Reims University Hospital, SATT Nord and Quest for Change, Innovact, works to bring together students, businesses and laboratories.

In terms of funding and land, support ranges from venture capital to the European Investment Bank. The Reims Bioeconomy Park hosts support and related activities for the bioeconomy, whilst a planned extension of the biorefinery will see the development of new activities across nearly 70 additional hectares.

Training the bioeconomy talent of tomorrow

The region boasts nearly 30 higher education programmes related to the bioeconomy. The Bioeco Academy is the only Campus des Métiers et Qualifications d’Excellence (CMQ) dedicated to the bioeconomy at national level. It works to promote awareness and recognition of the bioeconomy, its training programmes and its professions. In partnership with FIBI, a major project shaping the Grand Est region by adapting biotechnology training programmes, the Centre of Excellence for Vocational Training and Qualifications aims to create, organise and modernise industrial biotechnology training programmes, drawing on a strong partnership bringing together complementary stakeholders.

The educational institutions cover all levels: LaSalle Sixth Form College (biological and biotechnological analysis, two years’ post-A-level study), Libergier Sixth Form College (bioanalysis, two years’ post-A-level study), Sciences Po (bioeconomy and sustainable development, 3 years after A-levels), NEOMA Business School (bioeconomy and sustainable development, 6 years after A-levels), AgroParisTech (agricultural resources, 5 to 8 years after A-levels), CentraleSupélec (biotechnology, Bac +5 to Bac +8) and the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne (bioeconomy and environment, Bac +3 to Bac +8).

A 70-hectare extension dedicated to the bioeconomy by 2028

A new 70-hectare site will be developed near Bazancourt. Designed to accommodate industrial and bioeconomy stakeholders, this turnkey business park will be operational from 2028.

Services in Reims

Reims is ideally situated in France to attract service companies.

Numerous companies in the financial services, back-office, insurance and banking sectors... have chosen to set up in Reims in recent years, including GMF, AG2R, GENERALI, OWLIANCE, LE BON COIN, SIACI SAINT HONORE, SEGULA, SAINT GOBAIN, HENNER, TELEPERFORMANCE and CCA INTERNATIONAL...

Key figures:

• A metropolitan area with over 1 million inhabitants within an hour’s radius of Reims
• 1 million inhabitants in the metropolitan area and 450,000 people in employment
• 35,000 students: a multidisciplinary university and prestigious higher education institutions: SCIENCES PO, NEOMA, CENTRALE SUPELEC, AGROPARISTECH, ESAD, ESI, ESINE, ESAIP, ICP, CESI, SIMPLON, ESGI…
• 47,500 businesses

In addition to all this, Reims benefits from excellent transport links, enabling quick access to the capital, as it is just 45 minutes from Paris and 30 minutes from Roissy CDG by TGV. This advantage is further enhanced by the savings in operating costs that a business enjoys by setting up in Reims. Indeed, despite its close proximity to the capital, there is a 25% saving on operating costs between Reims and Paris, amounting to €10,000 per employee per year.

Greater Reims is an urban community comprising 143 municipalities and 300,000 inhabitants, which is seeking to develop a unique ecosystem dedicated to welcoming French and international businesses.

Greater Reims: A Centre of Excellence in the Healthcare Sector

The healthcare sector in Greater Reims is committed to excellence, distinguished by its advances in cutting-edge research, the quality of its training programmes, and an ecosystem of businesses focused on innovation and improving healthcare. With over 12,800 jobs (in both the private and public sectors) in human health-related activities and nearly 1,150 employees in the health industries and technologies sector, the sector represents a major pillar of the local economy. There will also be more than 3,400 establishments by 2025, with over 550 new businesses established by 2024.

This success is the result of a fruitful collaboration between universities, research centres, businesses and public bodies. Thanks to this cooperation, the Greater Reims region is positioning itself as a leader in the field of healthcare.

What is the Medical Research Ecosystem in the Greater Reims area?

At the heart of healthcare innovation in the region, the SFR CAP SANTE has established itself as a true benchmark in research. Drawing on the collaboration of more than 20 laboratories at the URCA (University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne), it creates synergy between basic and clinical research, thereby fostering transdisciplinary research. These laboratories cover a wide range of subject areas, from the health environment to ageing and regeneration, including health technology and cognitive vulnerability.

Researchers at the SFR CAP SANTE benefit from a diverse range of scientific expertise, focusing on topics such as infectious and pathogenic agents, biomaterials, the immune response, oncology, and many others. With nearly 300 academic staff, the region boasts a considerable research capacity.

At the same time, the region is home to the Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare (IIAS), led by Reims University Hospital and URCA, which promotes research into health data in an ethical and responsible manner. The IIAS relies in particular on PETILLANTeS, an incubator supporting project leaders from the early stages through to commercialisation, as well as on the PEPS Experimental Third Place (Tiers-Lieu d’Expérimentation), France’s first general-purpose TLE specialising in AI in healthcare.

The region is also home to ROMEO, a supercomputer ranked second in the world and first in France (GREEN500 ranking), managed by the URCA, which supports digital innovation in businesses, particularly for applications in healthcare, biotechnology and the bioeconomy.

What Healthcare Training Courses Are Available in Greater Reims?

In the Greater Reims area, there is a rich and varied range of study opportunities in the health sector. 7,000 students are enrolled on two-year post-A-level or higher-level courses in fields related to human health, representing one in five students.

The university offers a wide range of specialised career pathways as well as LMD-style programmes covering various fields: Master’s in Biology and Health, Master’s in Chemistry and Life Sciences, Master’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Master’s in Public Health, and even a Master’s 2 specialising in AI for health.

The Biology, Chemistry and Health Doctoral School (ED BCS) offers multidisciplinary programmes centred on fundamental research in mathematics, physics and chemistry, as well as in the fields of health and sport. It comprises 15 research units and benefits from its collaboration with Reims University Hospital on translational aspects. The region is also home to three Chairs of Excellence: CPJ MEDYC, CPJ P3CELL and CPJ ESCAPE.

A Thriving Health Ecosystem in Greater Reims

Greater Reims is positioning itself as a leader thanks to its dynamic ecosystem. The region is underpinned by major hospital facilities: the Reims University Hospital (7,000 staff), the Reims-Bezannes Polyclinic (France’s leading clinic), the Godinot Institute (one of 18 cancer centres in France), as well as two hospitals and four clinics, which handle over 671,000 patient visits and hospital admissions per year. The University Hospital treats 4,000 patients in clinical trials each year and manages 550 ongoing clinical research protocols, a third of which are linked to industrial applications.

The Greater Reims area is recognised for its medical excellence in the following fields: infections and inflammatory diseases, oncology (gastrointestinal, thyroid and breast), ageing and frailty, pneumopathology, and the exposome.

Support organisations include the BIOVALLEY competitiveness cluster, INNOVACT (an incubator of excellence), Quest for Health (France’s leading support organisation for healthcare start-ups, comprising 61 start-ups), the Village by CA (7,000 m² in the heart of the Reims-Bezannes business park), and Grand Est Transformation Santé (a regional start-up accelerator).

Healthcare companies based in the Grand Reims area:

Pharmaceutical industries:

• DELPHARM: Pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• CRÉAPHARM/MYONEX: Management of products for clinical trials, storage of biological products, and bespoke packaging solutions for the biotech and pharmaceutical industries.
• ALK ABELLO: Research and development of medicines for the treatment of severe respiratory allergies. World leader in immunotherapy.
• BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM: Pharmaceutical industry.
• BOIRON: Homeopathy.

Med Tech:

• BASECAMP VASCULAR: Stroke treatment technology.
• I AUDIOGRAM: Medical technology.
• AURORA: Med Tech.
• NANOPTIQUE: Med Tech.

Bio Tech:

• INSTITUT JACQUES BOY: Design, manufacture and marketing of in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVD) for clinical laboratories, historically specialising in immunohematology and, more recently, in molecular biology for pregnancy monitoring.
• APMONIA THERAPEUTICS: Cancer immunotherapy.
• VG2D: Development of a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of cystic fibrosis.

E-Health:

• SYNAPP: E-health.
• MEERIAD: E-health.

France currently ranks 8th in the world in the industrial robotics sector, with around 200 facilities and 10,000 employees. This rapidly growing sector has seen the city of Reims establish itself as a major player through the creation of new facilities and the development of specialised training programmes designed to nurture the talent of tomorrow.

Robotic Academy: Support and training for the robotics industry in Reims

Among these initiatives, the Union des Industries et Métiers de la Métallurgie (UIMM) has established the Robotic Academy, a new organisation whose aim is to meet the needs of businesses in the field of robotics. This academy supports and advises companies wishing to invest in this sector of the future.

The Robotic Academy thus helps equip manufacturers with the necessary robotics skills, particularly machinists, welders and sheet metal workers, and maintenance operators. The UIMM has been a true pioneer in developing its expertise in this field for over five years, notably by setting up specialised training courses in robotics. Today, the Robotic Academy trains more than 80 apprentices who will become the robotics engineers of tomorrow.

Innovative robotics training courses in Reims

The Greater Reims area is positioning itself as a true innovator in robotics training, offering two specific programmes. Firstly, a Bachelor’s degree in Automation, Robotics and the Industry of the Future, taught at the IUT de Reims Châlons Charleville. Secondly, the Electrical and Robotics Engineering degree programme delivered by the School of Industrial and Digital Sciences.

These programmes aim to train operational and multidisciplinary engineers specialising in automated production and robotics, thereby meeting the needs of industrial companies.

Set up your robotics business in the Greater Reims area: benefit from an innovative environment and a skilled workforce

If you are considering setting up your robotics company in the Greater Reims area, you will be able to benefit from these innovative facilities that support the growth of your business. You’ll benefit from a truly dynamic environment as well as a skilled workforce in this sector of the future. The Greater Reims area is therefore a promising choice for the future of your robotics business.

Aviation in Reims: Training, businesses and future prospects in the Greater Reims area

A true cradle of aviation, Reims made history by hosting the first city-to-city flight. For over a century, the Greater Reims region has been at the forefront of the aeronautics sector. This history means it continues to play a major role in this sector in France today.

The aeronautics sector generates an annual turnover of one billion euros, with over 11,000 direct jobs and more than 200 companies operating in the region. Over the last fifteen years, the aeronautics sector in the Grand Est region has experienced significant growth, creating jobs and fostering innovation. This momentum has enabled the emergence of industrial projects that are shaping the region, whilst stimulating the activity of regional businesses.

In collaboration with the Greater Reims Urban Community, the region is implementing a proactive support policy, notably through the AERIADES cluster, which aims to organise the regional aerospace business network and strengthen their capabilities.

Greater Reims is also home to a very large number of renowned companies.

Reims Aerospace: Specialises in medium-sized technical assemblies and complex aerostructures

• ASI Group: Carries out work approved by the highest certification authorities on aircraft built by manufacturers such as Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, ATR, Beechcraft, Cessna, Bell, Augusta, Airbus Helicopters, and many others.
• ARESIA: The Witry-lès-Reims site specialises in the production, assembly, testing and repair of fuel and hydraulic tanks for civil and military applications, with clients including SAFRAN, DASSAULT, the French government and AIRBUS.
• LATITUDE: A young aerospace start-up whose core business is the development of a nano-orbital launcher, called Zephyr, designed for CubeSat operators. The company has just raised 10 million euros.
• Artechdrone: A start-up that designs and manufactures bespoke aircraft and aerial solutions.
• GROUPE MECANIQUE 2L (Beine Nauroy): A company with over 26 years’ experience in precision engineering, operating across various sectors, including defence and aerospace.
• AXON CABLE (Montmirail): A French group with over 1,800 employees worldwide, specialising in the design and manufacture of bespoke interconnections. Axon’Cable is also active in the space sector and has contributed to projects such as the International Space Station (ISS).
• GALVANOPLAST (Tinqueux): A specialist in electrogalvanising, phosphating, cataphoresis painting and lamellar coatings.

Businesses in the Greater Reims area are also at the forefront of innovation. In 2021, the region achieved the first international flight of an aircraft powered 97% by biofuel. This achievement combines renewable energy with aeronautical innovation, thereby positioning the Reims metropolitan area as a benchmark in the bioeconomy and biorefinery sectors.

The Region encourages the sector’s international expansion by supporting the presence of companies from the Grand Est region at flagship industry events such as the Paris Air Show, Aeromart and Eurosatory.

The AERIADES cluster: A driving force behind aeronautical development in the Reims region

AERIADES is a SAS (simplified joint-stock company) that forms a cluster dedicated to aeronautics, space and defence in the Grand Est region, with a strong presence in the Reims area. This cluster brings together more than fifty companies, technology transfer centres, educational institutions and laboratories, thereby combining expertise in industry, research and training.

The AERIADES cluster encompasses a wide range of stakeholders, from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to major international groups. It specialises in areas such as design, industrialisation, business services, as well as training and consultancy. By focusing on these key activities, AERIADES helps to strengthen the capabilities of aerospace companies based in the Greater Reims area and, more broadly, across the Grand Est region.

In recognition of its vital role in the development of the aeronautics sector, the Region has awarded significant financial support to AERIADES. In 2017, a grant of 217,000 euros was awarded to support AERIADES’ Action Plan, along with 257,500 euros to support the second phase of the “industrial performance” programme in the Grand Est region, aimed at SMEs and led by AERIADES.

Training in the aerospace sector in Reims: Preparing tomorrow’s specialists

In the Greater Reims area, several training programmes are available to train future aeronautics experts. Students at the Lycée Jean Zay in Jarny, who are studying for a vocational baccalaureate in aeronautics, talk about their journey and the career opportunities opening up to them. This course will enable them to work on a variety of aeroplanes, helicopters and space propulsion systems. They will be able to pursue careers with manufacturers, airlines and subcontractors, as well as in maintenance and repair workshops.

The Greater Reims area thus offers young people with a passion for aeronautics the chance to train locally and prepare for promising careers in the aerospace industry. Thanks to these high-quality training programmes, they will be ready to meet the sector’s challenges and contribute to innovation and the continued growth of the aerospace industry.

The digital sector: a rapidly expanding sector in the Greater Reims area

Between 2017 and 2024, the number of employees in the digital sector rose by 24% in the Greater Reims area, compared with 17% nationally. At the same time, the number of new businesses established soared by 107%, reflecting a particularly vibrant entrepreneurial landscape. The region now has over 2,000 employees and more than 1,700 businesses, including over 300 new start-ups in 2025.

Key figures

• +24% in the number of employees between 2017 and 2024, compared with +17% nationally
• +107% increase in the number of businesses established between 2017 and 2024
• Over 2,000 employees by 2024
• More than 1,700 establishments by 2025
• Over 300 new establishments to be set up in 2025
• 4 data centres in the region
• 170 km of ultra-high-speed fibre-optic network with Jupiter

A rich and diverse digital ecosystem

The core of the sector accounts for 75% of employees, working in software publishing, the internet, data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and telecoms. The remaining 25% are involved in support and ancillary activities: the retail and repair of digital products, the publication of cultural content, and the manufacture of hardware.

The region stands out for the diversity of its businesses. In the fields of cybersecurity, hosting and infrastructure, key players include Hexanet, Ikoula, Adista, Sogetrel, Unumkey, Trekk, IP Teic, France Cyberdéfense and Sanef Télécoms.

In the AI and applications sector, players such as SaH Analytics International, Magnus Data, Idapp, Monstock, Blade and Juridoc illustrate the growing prominence of artificial intelligence in the region.

Asset management, development and solution offerings are driven by Inetum, ID Systèmes, Koesio, Tibco, OCI, EsaLink, Peaks and Heliaq.

Digital technology supporting areas of excellence

Digital technology is fuelling the region’s other sectors of excellence. In the bioeconomy, Terrasolis coordinates a network of innovative organisations working towards a low-carbon agricultural transition, alongside AgriTech firms such as Amaya, Agrivitech, My Easy Farm and Smag.

In healthcare, the Institute for AI in Healthcare, jointly run by Reims University Hospital and the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, is fostering a culture of innovation centred on data science. It draws on Pétillantes, an incubator dedicated to innovative projects using AI to improve health and care, and on the PEPS Experimental Third Place (Tiers-Lieu d’Expérimentation), France’s first general-purpose AI in healthcare experimental third place, which enables solutions to be tested in real-world conditions with patients and professionals. Medtech companies such as Basecamp Vascular and IAudiogram embody this drive.

Applied research focused on practical applications

Four laboratories form the backbone of digital research in the region. CRESTIC, affiliated with the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, focuses on health engineering, smart agriculture, industrial and energy transition, and the impact of digital transformations. LICIIS specialises in high-performance computing, computer graphics and artificial intelligence. CESI’s LINEAC laboratory explores AI applied to decarbonisation, augmented and virtual reality, signal processing and robotics. Finally, the URCA’s Lab-I laboratory focuses its work on connected devices and artificial intelligence.

Comprehensive support for businesses

Three organisations provide support to businesses and project leaders. Grand Est Développement acts as a regional start-up accelerator, supports businesses in their digital transitions and lists solution providers. Innovact is a centre of excellence dedicated to innovative start-up projects and business creation, and is a member of the Quest for Change network, which brings together 270 start-ups across the Grand Est region. Le Village by CA offers a support and co-working programme in a 7,000 m² building at the heart of the Reims-Bezannes business park, right next to the railway station.

Networking is facilitated by several complementary networks. Numica brings together 80 digital and IT companies in Champagne-Ardenne. French Tech Est supports start-ups and innovation stakeholders at a regional level. The Campus Cyber Marne Ardennes brings together players in cybersecurity and cyberdefence in the Marne and Ardennes regions, in collaboration with the Grand Est cluster network. The PUI InnoRem, meanwhile, facilitates links between students, businesses and university research laboratories.

Training tomorrow’s digital talent

The region has 14 higher education institutions offering two-year higher education programmes or above, covering the full range of digital professions. The Franklin Roosevelt and Georges Brière sixth-form colleges offer two-year courses in IT services, cyber security, and systems and networks. The Reims Châlons-Charleville University Institute of Technology (IUT) offers courses in data development and cyber security (three-year degree). Specialised schools such as CESI École d’Ingénieurs, ESGI, EISINE and ESAIP offer courses up to the bac +5 level in application development, systems architecture, cybersecurity and web design. The CNAM, Mediaschool and the Pôle Formation UIMM round off the range of courses on offer in specific specialisms. Finally, NEOMA Business School offers a programme in digital management and generative AI at master’s level, whilst the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne covers digital professions, networks, telecommunications and a master’s in AI in Healthcare up to master’s level.