Saint-Etienne

The Institut d'Optique Graduate School has been present in the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region, in Saint-Etienne, since 2003 where it carries out teaching, research and innovation activities, focusing on local and regional makeup.

At the end of their first year at Palaiseau, SupOptique students can choose to study in Saint-Etienne and follow an original course, specialized in the field of applied optics:

• design of complex optical systems (in astronomy),
• measurement and control of appearance (especially for art restoration, cosmetics or health),
• optics for solar energy, 
• Students obtain the same degree and opportunities as at the other sites; such as the possibility of integrating joint degree programs (HEC Paris, ESPCI Paris, Science Po etc ...) in their third year. The only differences are the content of the training and the environment.

The Faculty conduct their research activities in the Hubert Curien laboratory, a joint research unit between the Jean Monnet University of Saint-Etienne and the CNRS.

The laboratory has a long tradition of excellence in the fields of computer science and photonics, as demonstrated by its award of an equipex (Manutech USD), then a labex (Manutech SISE), and most recently a university graduate school award (SLEIGHT) in the mastery of the physical properties of manufactured surfaces.

Innovation is a key theme of the creative district; where the Institut d'Optique is located in Saint-Etienne.

Bringing together researchers, designers, and entrepreneurs this district is rich in meetings and opportunities for innovators.

As stakeholders in this creative environment, student entrepreneurs develop projects in partnership with all actors, particularly:

• the Institut d'Administration des Entreprises (where they attend classes),
• the fablab Openfactory (where they create prototypes)
• various innovation support systems ( Beelys, Le Mixer, the Winter Innovation Lab, etc.).