Digital: an overview of Atlantic France’s thriving tech landscape

Atlantic France is at the forefront of digital transformation. With a dynamic ecosystem and a robust network of innovation partners, the region is an ideal location to set up a digital business. Download our guide now to learn more. 

An attractive region for digital companies, Atlantic France is leading the way in the sector: between 2019 and 2021, the number of businesses increased by 11.8% and the workforce by 7%. 

The digital ecosystem is dynamic throughout the whole region, and within each of its departments an area has been awarded recognition by the French Tech network:

• Nantes is a French Tech Capital
• Saint-Nazaire / La Baule has a Blue Tech label 
• Angers is identified as an IoT hub
• Laval stands out in virtual and augmented reality
• Le Mans is labelled for its focus on tomorrow’s mobility and cleantech  
• Vendée is recognised for Smart grids

A diversified ecosystem with promising startups

The digital expertise in Atlantic France covers many fields: cybersecurity, AI, big data, blockchain, IoT, immersive reality, no-code, etc. Labelled as a European Digital Innovation Hub, the region has launched the DIVA project to promote  ethical development in AI and data. This initiative supports companies that are willing to use these technologies.

Digital service companies represent nearly half of the businesses in the sector located in Atlantic France, with the presence of major groups such as Capgemini, CGI, Sopra Steria, and Accenture. The other main IT activities represented are telecommunications and software publishing. 

Two of the region’s most high-profile startups are SaaS publishers: Akeneo and iAdvize are both part of Next40/120, the programme certifying the most promising technology companies in France. Additionally, other Next40 startups have recently set up subsidiaries in Nantes: Alan (online insurance) and Doctolib (online medical appointments) in 2020, and Lydia (mobile financial services) in 2022.

It is worth noting that 3 Atlantic France startups were included in the first French Tech DeepNum20 programme: Lexistems (AI solutions), Qarnot (harnessing technology heat), and Clever Cloud (IT automation). 

Efficient collaborative networks to boost innovation

Atlantic France is home to several associations, business clusters, and innovation platforms open to digital players:

• Images & Réseaux
• We Network
• Atlangames
• La Cantine Numérique
• ADN Ouest
• Proxinnov
• IRT Jules Verne
• Technocampus Electronics & IoT
• Laval Virtual
• CLARTE

Companies setting up here therefore have no difficulty in meeting potential customers and service providers, becoming part of a network, and improving their product through innovation.

Top-quality talent available

One of the major challenges in the digital sector is recruiting qualified staff. The Atlantic France region stands out in this field thanks to a large number of dedicated training courses from A-Levels to engineering degrees. Over 2019 and 2020, nearly 5,900 people were trained.

The region is also home to 5 laboratories specialised in IT and digital technology, bringing together 330 teachers and researchers.

Are you looking for the best location to set up your digital business?
Download our guide on the digital sector in Atlantic France to find out everything you need to know.