Grenoble-Isère
GRENOBLE-Isère – An
attractive destination
Grenoble
is the capital of the French Alpes, located in a valley surrounded
by beautiful mountains.
Stendhal once wrote that “… there is a mountain at the end of each Grenoble street: Belledonne, Vercors and Chartreuse…”.
On the touristic side, Grenoble is famous
for alpine landscapes, sunshine and snow.
On the scientific side, Grenoble is often referred to as the place where the
Silicon and SOI Valleys merge. Stendhal would certainly write today that “…there
is research lab or high-tech place at the corner of each mountain”.
A number of advanced R&D centres and leading semiconductor fabs are scattered
around Grenoble. Application oriented research is blooming, its roots being
the dense network of laboratories dedicated to basic research. World class
institutes (European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, CEA, Neutron ILL reactor, etc) are surrounded by numerous smaller,
yet outstanding University and CNRS laboratories.
Grenoble is one of the major university towns in France: over 60,000 students
representing about 15% of the population of the greater Grenoble area. Grenoble
is understandably proud of its academic and scientific environment, with a
long tradition of partnership between research and industry.
GRENOBLE-Isère - A major European R&D 
With
a solid industrial network, from international groups to innovating start-ups,
and an outstanding scientific and technological environment, Grenoble
is a major, world-wide centre for electronics, information and
communications technology. The technical expertise and the synergy
between university, research and industry contributes to the
successful image of Grenoble area.
Grenoble
is located in the Rhône-Alpes region, the second most important
in France in economic and scientific terms. The ICT sector accounts for a total of 30,000 jobs, including 8,000 in public research and industrial R&D.
Micro and nanotechnology
Grenoble-Isère is the leading European centre for microelectronics on
account of its integrated circuit technology and reseach. There are many examples
illustrating the vitality and diversity of the microelectronics activity
in Grenoble area.
In
1992, STMicroelectronics, Léti-CEA and France Telecom R&D have
pooled their deep sub-micronic technology research resources, with prototyping and production located at STMicroelectronics in Crolles.
In
2002, Freescale (Motorola) joined Philips and STMicroelectronics R&D
alliance for 90- to 32-nm processes for 300-mm wafers in Crolles II. This is the largest industrial investment in France in the last 12 years.
A new 300 mm wafer fab has opened in 2003 at STMicroelectronics Crolles.
SOITEC
is the world leader in the fabrication of SOI wafers (Smart-Cut process).
An
active network of public research laboratories reporting to CNRS, INP Grenoble
and UJF contributes to advanced
projects and new concepts.
MINATEC has
the ambition to become Europe's top centre for innovation and expertise
in micro and nanotechnology. It is one of the few sites in the world
to possess sufficient scientific, technological and industrial resources
to achieve this objective. MINATEC will take form by developing cooperation
networks and strategic alliances with complementary centres of excellence
in France and elsewhere in the world. Minatec’s inauguration: June 1st 2006.
On 12 July, 2005, the Interministerial Committee for Regional Development (CIADT), chaired by the prime minister, approved the Minalogic project, granting it world-class competitivity centre status. This will enhance the international visibility of the Grenoble area and increase its drawing power.
The Minalogic competitivity centre aims to become the top centre in Europe, and one of the top three centres worldwide, for smart miniaturized solutions. It will bring together and consolidate resources from industry, research and training in two key fields: micro and nanotechnology, and systems-on-chip (SoC).
MINATEC Center
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The reputation enjoyed by Grenoble and Rhone-Alpes for its quality of life is explained by the exceptional natural environment and the diversity of urban and cultural life in the region.
On account of Grenoble-Isère's central position in the French Alps, its population may easily go skiing, hiking, mountaineering, hang-gliding and so on. In 1968, Grenoble was host to the Winter Olympics. It is surrounded by three natural parks. The numerous mountain lakes and the proximity of the Mediterranean provide plenty of scope for sailing.
With a large number of students from abroad, city life is cosmopolitan and lively. Over 35 different nationalities are represented in the Grenoble area. Newcomers will find a pleasant environment and a choice of accommodation to suit their expectations and budget.
In addition to its own attractions, Grenoble-Isère is close to Lyon, Geneva, Italy and the French Riviera. Artistic life in the area is promoted by Musée de Grenoble and Lyon Opera House, Vienne Jazz Festival, Maison de la Culture, as well as numerous smaller facilities.
The quality of life and the reputation of Grenoble-Isère for science and technology make it a very attractive location for executives from all over the world.
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Ressources:
www.grenoble-isere.com
www.grenoble-isere-tourisme.com
www.isere-tourisme.com
www.ville-grenoble.fr
www.minatec.com
www.minalogic.com