On June 19, the IoT Center (Internet of all Things) was inaugurated on the Aix-Marseille-Provence campus. As part of the European MOVE2DIGITAL programme, which supports companies in their digital transition, the IoT Center is a venue that welcomes and supports very small businesses and SMEs in the region. It is the first EDIH (European Digital Innovation Hub) project to benefit from such a space for companies. It has received co-funding from the European Union and the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolitan Authority, and is supported by the Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region and Institut Mines-Télécom.
Test before investing
This is the IoT Center’s motto. At a time when artificial intelligence and connected objects are making headlines, many companies must adapt to digital technologies in order to optimise their development. The 75 m² centre provides access to various types of equipment that support this: printed circuit board plotters, spectrum analysers, 3D equipment, etc. These tools enable companies to test new solutions and assess their feasibility before investing in digitalisation.
Towards the industry of the future
Experts are also available to raise awareness of emerging technologies and encourage the adoption of connected solutions. For Marie BREZISKI, Head of Industrial Relations and Entrepreneurship at the Campus Provence, Mines Saint Etienne’s ambition is “to support companies in our territories towards the industry of the future.” Very small businesses and SMEs therefore benefit from tailored support: digital maturity assessment, technical expertise, prototyping, training, etc., as well as assistance in finding funding.
For a competitive region
The digital transition represents an opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises in Provence, as well as for the entire Sud Region. The inauguration of the IoT Center provided an opportunity to highlight the competitiveness of a digitized territory that hosts high-tech startups.
The Aix-Marseille-Provence campus of Mines Saint-Etienne attracts promising companies. Since 2004, the TEAM technology incubator has supported several dozen start-ups, thereby contributing to the region’s economic attractiveness.
By 2027, very small businesses and SMEs will be able to benefit from an even larger space within the SPOT building, where the IoT Center will be permanently located.
