Everything you need to know about the Integrator of Innovations in Industry (3I) track.
I. About the programme
The training lasts 1 year, from October to September, and alternates between:
- 2 weeks at school, on the Charbonnières-les-Bains campus,
- 2 weeks in a company, as part of an apprenticeship contract or continuing education.
The 3I – Integrator of Innovations in Industry program trains expert engineers capable of designing, experimenting with, and deploying Industry 4.0 technologies, while supporting the organizational, managerial, and environmental transformation of companies.
The program is based on a dual IT/OT (Information Technology / Operational Technology) approach and a work-study program, embedded in real industrial projects.
The degree awarded depends on your entry profile:
- Specialized Master of Science (MSc) in Engineering (CTI-accredited)
For candidates already holding a Master of Science (MSc) in Engineering. This qualification is accredited by the Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur (CTI) and registered with the RNCP under number 40959. It benefits from full recognition in France and internationally. - Institutional Degree
For candidates holding a Master 2 degree or an equivalent qualification (five years of higher education).
3I graduates acquire multidisciplinary expertise:
- IT/OT and industrial cybersecurity;
- advanced robotics and automation;
- artificial intelligence and data analytics;
- Lean Management 4.0;
- change management and responsible innovation.
📍 On the Lyon-Charbonnière campus of Mines Saint-Étienne, within the Diwii platform, located at:
78 Route de Paris, 69260 Charbonnières-les-Bains (Lyon).
This unique environment brings together over 50 digital solutions across 500 m²: connected workshops, advanced robotics, digital twins, cybersecurity, and a 5G Orange Lab.
The programme is aimed at:
- graduated engineers (CTI or equivalent to a Master of Science in Engineering degree) wishing to specialize in industrial and digital technologies;
- professionals currently working or undergoing career change (Master of Science in Engineering degree or equivalent), from engineering, production, or IT fields;
- recent graduates (engineer or Master of Science in Engineering degree) in industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, automation, robotics, computer science, or electronics.
II. Programme and teaching methods
The program is structured around 4 complementary educational blocks:
- Common IT/OT Core: technical and organizational fundamentals.
- IT or OT Specialization depending on the learner’s profile.
- IT/OT Convergence and Transition Management.
- Professionalization with a long-term company assignment and professional thesis.
The program combines:
- lectures, workshops, and tutorials,
- real-world case studies from industry,
- contributions from 70% industry experts and 30% faculty researchers from Mines Saint-Étienne,
- individualized support by an academic mentor and a company mentor.
- IT Option (Information Technology): focused on information systems, programming, AI, digital twins, and big data.
- OT Option (Operational Technology): focused on production technologies, robotics, automated systems, and operational cybersecurity.
Both options converge on a cross-functional IT/OT integration project, characteristic of the 3I program.
Students participate in:
- collaborative projects (case studies, industrial simulations, hackathons),
- a Learning Expedition focused on industrial innovation,
- a 6-month company assignment, leading to the writing of a professional thesis.
III. Admissions and funding
Yes. The alternating format (2 weeks school / 2 weeks company) is designed to be compatible with a part-time job or an apprenticeship contract.
Employees can also attend the training as part of a skills development plan or a professional retraining.
- Engineering degree (CTI accredited or equivalent Master’s level degree), or a scientific or technical Master 2 degree.
- Interest in new technologies, industrial management, and digital transformation.
- Motivation to work in a team and in a work-study program.
The recruitment process includes:
- online application submission,
- review by the recruitment department,
- individual interview,
- confirmation of the work-study assignment within the host company.
The fees amount to €12,500 excl. VAT for the full year.
This cost can be fully covered depending on the applicant’s status:
- Work-study program: fees funded by the company via the OPCO.
- Continuing Education: possible funding via OPCO, Plan de compétences, Transition Pro, Transition Co or France Travail.
Personalized support is offered to determine suitable solutions for each situation.
Applications are open until the end of spring, but it is strongly advised to apply from the beginning of the calendar year to receive support in finding a host company.
👉 The application form is available for download online on the training program page.
IV. Employment outcomes and career
3I graduates will rapidly advance to positions of responsibility in rapidly changing technological environments:
- Industrial Innovation Project Management,
- Digital Transformation Management,
- Expertise in emerging technologies (AI, robotics, data, cybersecurity),
- or business creation in future industry sectors.
The professional and interdisciplinary nature of the program fosters rapid career progression, whether in large industrial groups, innovative SMEs, or consulting firms.
The 3I program is recent, and the first graduating class will receive their diplomas in 2027.
However, employment data from other specialized engineering programs show:
- rapid job placement, often immediately after the end of the work-study program,
- and competitive salary levels, generally ranging between €42,000 and €48,000 gross per year, depending on the sector, position, and prior experience.
This trend confirms the strong appeal of integration engineer profiles in the context of industrial and digital transformation.
The 3i – Integrator of Innovations in Industry program trains engineers capable of connecting industrial and digital technologies to drive organizational transformation.
Although the program is recent, it relies on the recognized expertise of Mines Saint-Étienne in the fields of industrial engineering, digital technology, and innovation.
Graduates will be able to hold positions such as:
- Industrial Innovation Project Manager,
- Digital Solutions Integrator,
- IT/OT Consultant (Information Technology / Operational Technology),
- Digital Transformation Manager,
- Business Engineer or Industry 4.0 Production Engineer.
These roles are at the interface between engineering, management, and transformation strategy.
- Manufacturing, Energy, Healthcare, Mobility, Electronics, Consulting, Defense, Logistics.
- Large corporations, innovative SMEs, and tech startups.
At a Glance
🎓 Degree depending on initial profile:
• Specialized Engineer accredited by CTI (engineer)
• Institutional Diploma (Master of Science in Engineering or equivalent Bac+5 degree)
📅 Work-Study Program
• 2 weeks of training at the School
• 2 weeks in the company
🕓 Duration
1 year (from October to September)
📍 Location
École des Mines de Saint-Étienne – Lyon Campus
Campus Région du numérique
78, route de Paris
69260 Charbonnières-les-Bains
Contacts
Academic Directors
3I Brochure
An Accredited and Recognized Program

The 3i program – Integrator of Innovations in Industry is a specialized engineering program, accredited by the Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur (CTI).
The program is registered in the National Directory of Professional Certifications (RNCP 40959).
It awards a specialized engineering degree, recognized by the State and industry, equivalent to Bac + 6.
With the support of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region
