Mines Saint-Etienne’s annual press briefing brought together numerous journalists. Challenges, Le Figaro, Le Parisien, and L’Etudiant, among others, participated in the presentation of the School’s objectives.
Rebalancing public-private funding
Particular emphasis has been placed on the School’s new funding balance. Currently, Mines Saint-Etienne’s budget “relies 60% on public funding and 40% on private funds.” Jacques Fayolle’s objective over the next 10 years is to reverse these proportions and intensify relationships with companies.
To support this ambition, a Development Department has been created, with Antoine Lavignotte appointed as its head. He will lead this transition toward a public-private funding model and mobilize new resources from companies. Another growth lever includes research and innovation partnerships and technology platforms that already anchor Mines Saint-Etienne in this dynamic. Finally, the School can count on its alumni network, which serves as a bridge to the business world.
Furthermore, European projects such as RAVES (a programme aimed at recycling automotive steel) and ENFIELD (development of adaptive, green, human-centered AI) diversify the School’s research and innovation collaborations with international companies.
Strengthening support for companies
For this academic year, Mines Saint-Etienne also reaffirms its support for companies toward an industry of the future. The TWIN, SPOT, and IoT Center projects on the Aix-Marseille-Provence Campus are examples of concrete support for SMEs in their digital transition. Students, researchers, startups, and industry professionals will find spaces for exchange and initiatives there. It should be noted that the School will also inaugurate its new LabCom with the startup Eenuee, dedicated to electric and decarbonized air mobility, in October 2025.
Taking action for education and research in engineering and health
The year also opens with a new programme offered by Mines Saint-Etienne and the Faculty of Medicine at Jean Monnet University. The Preparatory and Degree Cycle in Engineering and Health (PDIS) is an unprecedented two-year post-baccalaureate programme that provides an alternative to preparatory classes and will enable students to enter an engineering school within the Institut Mines-Télécom or to enter the second year of medical studies.
With this dual degree, Mines Saint-Etienne has achieved strong success and predominantly female enrollment (72%), confirming the School’s ability to attract young women to scientific fields.
