|
The Grenoble model: My lunch with Jean-Charles and other stories |
|
|
|
Oct 15, 2007 at 02:01 AM |
France's Grenoble-Isere region has one of the most impressive combinations of gorgeous natural scenery and concentrated scientific and technological know-how in the world.
Unfortunately, nature didn't cooperate during my few days there last week, with clouds mostly obscuring the spectacular mountains and verdant valleys.
But my site visits to Minatec---including the LETI facility--- STMicroelectronics, Soitec, Photowatt, and Tronics reminded me of the depth and breadth of innovation and technical talent found in the area. (Look for more musings on those visits in future postings.) My shared meal and conversation with Jean-Charles Guibert, director of the CEA division of technological research's technology transfer and commercialization efforts, also reminded me that les Grenoblois really know how to do lunch.
Jean-Charles has been one of the energetic visionaries behind the evolving model of what has become Minatec's "technological research cluster," which connects the links in the value chain from basic research through development into productization and commercialization. Over a plate of deliciously delicate white fish and crisp white wine in the Minatec dining room (ah, the French!), he told me that the project is moving into a third phase, where he will be focusing more on international promotion and doing a bit less day-to-day managing. He'll also be continue to be on the lookout for potential spinoffs, a favorite activity of his and something that's been a key piece of Grenoble's innovation model for years.
Soon-to-turn-40 LETI and other labs have been spinning off companies for years, with silicon-on-insulator pioneer Soitec one of its gold-standard models of success. Between bites Jean-Charles told me that the day before he had reviewed seven new spinoffs, including one company developing an intriguing technology which combines OLEDs with MEMS. A special cluster tool dedicated to the work resides inside the 200-mm research fab now focused on things micro- and nanoelectromechanical. Jean-Charles also spoke of Movea---the 100th spinoff from LETI--- a company developing a motion-capture technology (imaging tech is an area strength) with medical applications. Another trend of late is the interest shown by companies outside the usual high-tech suspects of having "intelligence put in [their] objects," whether those objects are clothing, cars, or other industrial goods.
But spinning off doesn't mean the parties say good-bye and good luck. Jean-Charles pointed out that they want to support spinoffs that will be future customers of the cluster. "We want to develop an industrial partner or group who will ask for contracts," he explained, and not just be the recipient of the one-shot initial investment. Of the 10 major customers, four are former spinoffs---a pretty good percentage of supportive offspring. The director also "moderates" the Minatec venture fund, which has about 30 million Euro and will likely be bolstered with additional funding soon.
Jean-Charles' goal for Minatec and the entire regional network of technology clusters is ambitious but quite realistic: to be one of the top 10 nanoscience and technology sites on the planet. He really wants a good business model, one that will "ensure the long-term validity of the center," so he has visited many other global tech sites to find out what makes them tick and learn from their experiences. "What will be the best model for the future?" he asked, noting differences and similarities between Minatec and IMEC, Albany Nano, and others. One differentiator is Minatec's insistence on interested companies to not just participate in the center but to "bring something to the community," in terms of investment, jobs, and ideas.
As the fish gave way to sorbet, Jean-Charles discussed the ambitious plans to create a polygone scientifique in Grenoble---a supercluster if you will---with Minatec as the center of excellence at its core. New project plans are being finalized in conjunction with local authorities that could one day expand the physical presence of the megasite from the business management school all the way to the synchrotron. Clinatec, a new nano-bio research facility attached to a hospital, will begin construction soon, a place where surgeons and researchers will have the all-too-rare opportunity to interface on a regular basis. There are also long-range plans to build a tunnel through an adjacent mountain (the one with the local bastille perched on it), something that would ease growing traffic problems and benefit the whole of Grenoble, not just the techies.
Just before he had to leave lunch to get back to work (Jean-Charles is a busy, driven guy), he spoke a bit more about MEMS200 and how it is another example of Minatec/LETI's goal to "offer a bridge between proof of concept and productization." Few other centers offer the comprehensive ability, in many different disciplines, to take an idea, prototype it, then develop and perfect it all the way to the product integration stage. "Minatec brings it all under one roof," he said. "We can reuse our semiconductor knowledge" to help with MEMS, and the well-equipped 200-mm facility gives them prodigious capabilities and well-positioned for the future. "Within 10 years, most MEMS will be made on 200 mm," he believes.
Within a decade, I would not be surprised in the least if Jean-Charles' vision of top-tier nano sci-tech status for Minatec and the Grenoble-Isere region becomes a reality---because they're only a few pieces away from achieving that dream.
|
|
