October 4th, 2024, marks an important milestone for the technological ecosystem of Limoges with the laying of the foundation stone of the future innovation center for Digital Electronics, Photonics and RF & Microwave. Located at the heart of the ESTER Technopole and supported by Limoges Métropole, this project aims at gathering and consolidating several technological resource centers under one roof, thereby enhancing the economic and technological attrativeness of the area.

An expanding ecosystem of excellence

The Digital Electronics, Photonics, and RF & Microwave sectors, established at the ESTER Technopole, has quickly become a vector of regional excellence. Structured around a research institute, research and technology organization (RTO), a competitiveness cluster ALPHA-RLH, and state-of-the-art companies, this ecosystem deploys a cutting-edge expertise in electronics, photonics and RF & Microwave technologies.

This new building project, covering over more than 2,700 m², will bring together several stakeholders:

• The RTO CISTEME
• The RTO CATIE
• The RTO ALPhANOV
• The training center PYLA
• The ALPHA-RLH competitiveness cluster
• Some activities from the XLIM laboratory

With the active participation of industry stakeholders, the goal is to create a unique space that fosters innovation and intersectoral collaborations. Among the major projects, NEXTFAB, a multi-technology tool dedicated to the manufacturing of hybrid electronic components, perfectly illustrates this commitment to collaboration.

A sustainable and innovative building by 2026

Designed by the architecture firm Chaix and Morel in collaboration with Spirale Architecture, this eco-friendly building aims to be at the forefront of technology while combining ecology and innovation.

The construction is divided into two parts. For the first part, about 300 m² of wood and 27 tons of straw will be used, along with 2,000 m² of wooden cladding. The second part will feature a canopy equipped with 1,800 m² of photovoltaic panels, enabling the building to become a selft-sufficient, with the potential to supply neighboring businesses.

In addition to its environmental qualities, the building will house a technological showroom and a visitor pathway for partners, clients, or students. This innovation hub will accomodate nearly a hundred people and will serve as a technological hub fostering the emergence of inter-industry projects.

Finally, this project represents an investment of over 10 million euros for Limoges Métropole and has already received the bronze medal of the "Sustainable Buildings Nouvelle-Aquitaine" label. Its delivery is scheduled for 2026.