What Bordeaux Technowest does

Bordeaux Technowest is a non-profit association (association déclarée) operating as the territorial technopole of Bordeaux Métropole. Founded in 2004 as an outgrowth of an earlier 1989 structure, it runs a structured three-phase startup accompaniment program — Incubation (Idéation, from €150/month), Amorçage (bootstrapping, €215/m²/year with access to the Techno'Start seed fund of €30,000–€100,000), and Acceleration (2-year program for mature post-incubation companies) — alongside the B'Inc honor loan + bursary scheme (up to €1,000/month for 6 months, capped at €12,000). Its offering is delivered through 10 thematic physical sites covering 8 verticals: Cockpit (Aeronautics, Space, Defense at Mérignac, the headquarters and 6,500 m² flagship), Greentech/ECOPARC (Blanquefort), Énergies/La Place (Bordeaux), Innogaronne (Bassens, decarbonation/circular economy), Bordeaux TechnoPorts (Les Bassins à Flots, opened October 2022 with Grand Port Maritime), L'E-Choppe Commerce Connecté (Le Bouscat), Copernic (Saint-Médard-en-Jalles, opened 2017), and the Libourne Foodtech/Winetech/Agritech site (opened 2021). The organization's business model combines recurring hosting fees, public co-financing from Bordeaux Métropole, Région Nouvelle-Aquitaine, FEDER and ADEME, and private partner contributions from a 39+ corporate open-innovation network (Airbus, Thales, Dassault Aviation, ArianeGroup, TotalEnergies/Saft, EDF, CNES, Bouygues Construction, Vinci, Capgemini, CGI, SCALIAN, Pratt & Whitney, Saint-Gobain, Omnitech Security, Dassault Systèmes and others).

Since 2004, Bordeaux Technowest has supported 350+ startups, accompanied 91 in 2024 alone, and the portfolio is credited with 500+ jobs generated since 2021. The organization also runs the ZIRI industrial and territorial ecology network (60 companies, 3,000 employees, launched 2014), the JONCTION open-innovation program, the flagship annual Bordeaux Tech'Day (8th edition in 2026, featuring 48 startups, 22 large-group exhibitors, and 38 investment funds via Fund Connect), and the UAV SHOW European Drone & Autonomous Systems trade show (9th edition in October 2026, 4,000+ professionals, 110+ exhibitors, 50% attendance growth in 2025, now annual). In 2023 it became the first French technopole to hold the Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE Lab label. The GTM motion is event-driven and ecosystem-mediated: startups enter via the Candidater online platform, are routed through a chargé d'affaires, and progress through sector-specific calls for projects, while large corporate partners access the startup pipeline through JONCTION, calls for projects, and the ZIRI network. Key recent moves include the March 2026 addition of six new strategic partners (SCALIAN, Pratt & Whitney, CGI, Saft, Saint-Gobain, Omnitech Security), operational responsibility for the Digital Valley incubator in Périgueux (Dordogne), and the 2025 launches of the SPRINT, GARAGE PITCH, and CONNECT accompaniment formats. Subsidiaries include CESA Drones (drone testing/experimentation center) and ZIRI (industrial ecology network).

Name

Bordeaux Technowest

Legal name

Bordeaux Technowest

Website

https://technowest.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Bordeaux Technowest is a French non-profit technopole and startup incubator operating 10 thematic sites across Bordeaux Métropole and Libourne, running a 3-phase incubation-to-acceleration program with seed funding and open-innovation access for 350+ startups.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Startup Incubation and Acceleration Services

akta.pro primary industry

Corporate Venture Studios & Incubators (Build/launch ventures) (FSANAHAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Business Planning, Pitching & Competitions (Pitch Decks, Demo Days) (EDAMAHAB), Makerspaces & Fab Labs (Open Build Studios) (EDAMADAC), Technical Universities with Entrepreneurship & Incubation Focus (EDAHAEAH)

Keywords

• Startup incubation services
• Technopole programs
• Open innovation networking
• Seed funding programs
• Business acceleration support

Headquarters

HQ city

Mérignac

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Incubation/Amorçage hosting fees: Bordeaux Technowest generates revenue by charging startups for physical incubation space and office rental across its thematic sites. Fees are quoted per square meter per year (e.g., Amorçage phase at 215 euros HT/m²/year). Additional revenue is derived from event services (venue rental at the Cockpit site) and co-financing from public and private partners for program delivery.
2. Public and private co-funding: The technopole receives structural funding from Bordeaux Métropole, the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, and European FEDER funds, supplemented by private partner contributions. This multi-source financing model supports operations and subsidizes startup programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Bordeaux Technowest is a startup incubator and technopole operating 10 thematic sites across Bordeaux Métropole. It provides a structured 3-phase program (Incubation/Ideation, Amorçage/Bootstrapping, Acceleration) offering office space, mentoring, financing access (Techno'Start seed fund, B'Inc bursary), open innovation matchmaking via JONCTION, and international development support for startups in sectors including aerospace, defense, energy, greentech, food/wine tech, maritime, and digital commerce.

Product overview

Bordeaux Technowest is a startup technopole and business incubator operating across 10 thematic sites in Bordeaux Métropole. The portfolio consists of three main program phases (Incubation/Ideation, Acceleration/Amorçage, and Scale-up Acceleration) delivering structured business support, plus dedicated physical sites offering co-working, offices, and specialized facilities. The thematic sites include Cockpit (Aerospace/Space/Defense), Greentech, Commerce Connecté (E-Choppe), Énergies (La Place), Innogaronne (Decarbonation/Circular Economy), Libourne (Food-Wine-Tech), Copernic (Innovative Building), and Bordeaux TechnoPorts (Maritime/Port). Complementary services include JONCTION open innovation networking (39+ corporate partners), Techno'Start seed fund (30K-100K euros), B'Inc bursary/loan program, and flagship events Bordeaux Tech'Day and UAV SHOW. The ZIRI Industrial Ecology network and CESA Drones testing center extend ecosystem services. New accompaniment formats (SPRINT, GARAGE PITCH) and CONNECT mentorship program complete the offering.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Cockpit: Incubator/accelerator for Aeronautics, Space and Defense sector, located at 58 Av Marcel Dassault, Mérignac (headquarters of the technopole).
• Innogaronne
• Bordeaux TechnoPorts
• Greentech
• Energies
• Commerce Connecté (L'E-Choppe)
• Copernic
• Libourne
• ZIRI
• UAV SHOW
• B'Inc (Bourse de l'incubé)

Products and services

• Programme d'Incubation (Idéation) Initial 1-year entrepreneurship training program for validating innovative project ideas and developing a complete, quantified business plan with clear financial needs expression. Includes bootcamp, workshops, financing search support, mentor network access, and the B'inc bursary. Priced from €150 HT/month.
• Programme d'Amorçage Intensive growth program focused on commercial launch, production management, R&D continuation, and preparation for scaling phases. Includes market validation, 4 masterclass sessions, open innovation access, financing strategy support, and privileged access to Techno'Start seed fund (€30,000–€100,000). Priced at €215 HT/m²/year.
• Programme d'Accélération 2-year acceleration program for transforming startups into scale-ups, covering management, fundraising, recruitment, land development, export, industrialization, and commercial performance support. Reserved for companies that completed incubation and are more than 5 years old.
• Techno'Start Seed Fund Seed fund providing €30,000 to €100,000 in financing for startups in the acceleration phase. Available to qualifying Amorçage-phase startups.
• B'Inc - Bourse de l'Incubé Combined honor loan and bursary program for incubated startups. Bursary up to €1,000/month for 6 months (renewable once, max €12,000). Honor loan at €500/month for 6 months.
• JONCTION Open Innovation Program Open innovation program connecting startups with 39+ corporate partners for collaborative projects, POC development, and business opportunities through structured clubs and afterworks.
• Cockpit - Aéro-Espace-Défense (ASD) Thematic incubator/accelerator for aerospace, space, and defense startups. Houses 10 startups, 45 companies, and nearly 400 jobs with 6,500 m² of dedicated business and innovation spaces including offices, workshops, collaborative spaces, event venues, and rooftop.
• Bordeaux TechnoPorts 9th innovation pole dedicated to reindustrialization, decarbonation, retrofits, space applications, and port/maritime/river innovations. Operated in partnership with Grand Port Maritime de Bordeaux. Includes offices, shared spaces, and coworking.
• Greentech (ECOPARC) Green tech incubator site at ECOPARC in Blanquefort hosting eco-activity startups focused on resource optimization, environmental impact reduction, and deployment of ecological/green solutions. Part of the ZIRI industrial ecology network.
• Innogaronne Incubation site dedicated to decarbonation and circular economy projects, located at former Lafont site near Bassens train station. Features large workshop areas for experimentation and business center facilities.
• Énergies (La Place) 100% energy-themed site partnered with Bordeaux Métropole Énergies. Dedicated to supporting energy transition through energy-intensive solutions and innovative energy savings economy approaches.
• Commerce Connecté (L'E-Choppe) Connected commerce incubator at L'E-CHOPPE in Le Bouscat. Focuses on online commerce projects, value chain optimization, and digital services for retail reinvention.
• Libourne (Food-Wine-Tech) Multi-thematic site opened 2021 in partnership with La CALI (Communauté d'agglomération du Libournais). Regional relay for Foodtech, Winetech, Agritech ecosystem, equipped with a professional shared-use kitchen managed by Coloc' 2 Chefs.
• Copernic (Bâtiment Innovant) 4th incubator-nursery opened April 2017 at Espace Copernic in Saint-Médard-en-Jalles. Features offices, shared spaces, coworking area, and Fab Lab. Multi-thematic focus.
• UAV SHOW European drone and autonomous systems trade show, the largest professional drone event covering the entire value chain. Became annual starting 2025. Co-organized with Bordeaux Events and More (BEAM). Attracts 4,000+ professionals and 100+ exhibitors.
• Bordeaux Tech'Day Annual flagship event bringing together the Technowest ecosystem. Features 48+ startup exhibitors, 22+ large group exhibitors, 38 investment funds at Fund Connect. 8th edition in 2026 dedicated to sovereignty.
• ZIRI - Réseau d'Écologie Industrielle Industrial and Territorial Ecology network launched 2014. Includes 60 companies representing 3,000 jobs in Bordeaux Métropole. Detects and implements synergies for ecological transition of activity zones.
• CESA Drones Drone testing and experimentation center, wholly-owned subsidiary of Bordeaux Technowest. Supports professional drone sector development and serves as Demo Day venue for UAV SHOW.

Quantifiable outcome

• 350+ startups supported since 2004; 91 startups accompanied in 2024 alone
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

28 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.

• SCALIANmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026SCALIAN, an expert in critical digital systems, strengthens the technology axis of the technopole. Key partner for startups with high industrial requirements in the ASD sector.
• Pratt & WhitneymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026Global leader in aircraft engine manufacturing. Anchors the Bordeaux ASD sector internationally. Major opportunity for propulsion and maintenance startups.
• CGImajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026Global IT services giant (90,000 employees). Connects Bordeaux startups to large-scale digital transformation projects and enterprise-level engagements.
• Saint-GobainmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026Pioneer in sustainable materials. Looking for disruptive innovations. Key partner for the Innovative Building sector, opening opportunities for construction and materials startups.
• Omnitech SecuritymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026Cybersecurity specialist for sensitive systems. Brings an essential security dimension to the Technowest ecosystem, particularly for ASD and critical infrastructure startups.
• Digital Valley (Périgueux)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026Bordeaux Technowest is the operational partner for the Digital Valley incubator in Périgueux (Dordogne). Four axes of intervention: project structuring, development strategy, training/workshops, and access to financing. First startups entered in Spring 2026.
• Saft (TotalEnergies subsidiary)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026Global expert in battery storage solutions. Ideal partner for startups in the Energy and Greentech sectors, providing technology collaboration and open innovation access.
• Bordeaux MétropolecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBordeaux Métropole is a primary public funder and co-governance partner of Bordeaux Technowest. It provides structural financing and supports the technopole's territorial development mission across the metropolitan area.
• Région Nouvelle-AquitainecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Nouvelle-Aquitaine region provides structural European funding (FEDER) and co-financing for startup programs, innovation events, and territorial economic development initiatives.
• AirbuscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAirbus is a key industrial partner of the ASD (Aéronautique, Spatial, Défense) sector. Airbus co-organizes sector-specific calls for projects with Bordeaux Technowest and provides open innovation access for startups, contributing to the cockpit site's ecosystem.
• ThalescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThales is a founding industrial partner in the ASD sector. It co-organizes the annual ASD call for projects with Bordeaux Technowest and provides open innovation opportunities, mentoring, and business development access for startups.
• Dassault AviationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDassault Aviation is a key partner in the ASD sector, participating in joint calls for projects and providing startup access to the aeronautical innovation ecosystem.
• ArianeGroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArianeGroup is a founding partner in the ASD sector, co-organizing sector calls for projects and providing open innovation channels for startups in the space and defense sectors.
• TotalEnergies (incl. Saft)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTotalEnergies is a strategic energy sector partner. Its subsidiary Saft (energy storage) joined as a new partner in 2026. TotalEnergies provides open innovation and energy transition collaboration opportunities for startups.
• EDFcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEDF is a core energy sector partner. It co-launches calls for projects (e.g., ÉLEC' – Innogaronne) with Bordeaux Technowest, providing startups with energy transition collaboration and pilot project opportunities.
• CNES (Centre National d'Études Spatiales)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench national space studies centre. Partner in the ASD sector ecosystem, supporting space innovation and satellite-related startup development.
• CapgeminimajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal consulting and IT services firm. Animates workshops for startups (e.g., AI agents) and provides digital transformation expertise through the JONCTION open innovation program.
• Bouygues ConstructionmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor construction and infrastructure group. Partners in the Innovative Building sector, providing open innovation opportunities and pilot project access for startups developing construction and real estate technologies.
• Grand Port Maritime de BordeauxcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrand Port Maritime de Bordeaux is the operating partner of the Bordeaux TechnoPorts site. Co-launches calls for projects and provides the port ecosystem for maritime, fluvial, and reindustrialization startups.
• Keolis Bordeaux MétropoleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic transport operator for Bordeaux Métropole. Provides open innovation collaboration opportunities for mobility and transport tech startups.
• Michelin (Michelin Développement)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMichelin's development arm supports innovative startups, particularly in materials, mobility, and sustainable technologies, through mentorship and open innovation.
• Dassault SystèmescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDassault Systèmes granted Bordeaux Technowest the exclusive 3DEXPERIENCE Lab label, making it the first technopole in France with this recognition. Provides startups with access to 3D design, simulation, and collaboration tools.
• Vinci LéonardmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVinci Group's innovation platform. Partners with Bordeaux Technowest through a formal partnership convention, providing startups with access to Vinci's construction, mobility, and energy innovation ecosystem.
• Thales (additional context)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThales Alenia Space (joint venture with Leonardo) participates in the aerospace innovation ecosystem alongside Bordeaux Technowest, providing open innovation access and sector-specific mentorship.
• CS GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigh-tech engineering group. Provides technical expertise and open innovation collaboration for defense and security technology startups.
• CESA DronescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCESA Drones is a subsidiary of Bordeaux Technowest — the centre for drone testing and experimentation. It operates the UAV SHOW, the largest professional drone trade fair in France, and hosts outdoor demonstration days for drone startups.
• Aerospace Valley (Pôle de compétitivité)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAerospace Valley is the competitiveness cluster for aeronautics, space, and embedded systems in Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Occitanie. Bordeaux Technowest is a member of its strategic committee for the Drone and New Uses pillar and contributes to its programs.
• La French Tech BordeauxmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLa French Tech Bordeaux is a partner in joint calls for projects (e.g., COBAS startup call) and provides national and international visibility for startups in the Bordeaux Technowest ecosystem.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Le Cargo: Normandy-based startup accelerator in Caen. Comparable as a French regional innovation hub with public-private funding, structured programs, and corporate partner access.
• Station F: World's largest startup campus located in Paris. Comparable as a French multi-site/multi-program startup campus with corporate partner network and sector-specific programming, though it operates at a significantly larger national and international scale.
• Aerospace Valley: French competitiveness cluster for aeronautics, space, and embedded systems across Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Occitanie. Bordeaux Technowest is a member of its Drone and New Uses pillar; directly comparable as an ASD sector innovation orchestrator.
• Agoranov: Paris-based deep-tech incubator supporting early-stage science and technology startups. Comparable in incubation methodology, public-funded structure, and program phasing from ideation through acceleration.
• SEMIA: Alsatian startup incubator based in Strasbourg. Comparable as a French regional incubator offering multi-phase startup programs, sector specialization, and connections to public-private funding sources.
• Technopôle de l'Aube en Champagne: French regional technopole supporting startups and innovative companies in the Aube department. Highly comparable as a publicly-funded French technopole with structured incubation programs and corporate partnerships.
• Euratechnologies: Tech park and startup incubator in Lille (Hauts-de-France). Highly comparable as a regional French technopole with public-private funding, structured startup programs, and corporate partner access across multiple thematic verticals.

Others

• Grand Port Maritime de Bordeaux: Operating partner of the Bordeaux TechnoPorts site. Comparable as a partner rather than peer — GPMB is the port authority co-developing the maritime innovation pole with Bordeaux Technowest.

Broad incumbents

• BPI France: French national public investment bank. Comparable as a national-level French public innovation funder; Bordeaux Technowest and Bpifrance co-finance regional startup support programs and share startup pipelines.

Regional players

• La French Tech Bordeaux: Bordeaux chapter of the French Tech ecosystem movement. Directly comparable as an innovation ecosystem orchestrator in the same Bordeaux Métropole territory, with which Bordeaux Technowest co-organizes startup calls for projects (e.g., COBAS).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/bdx_technowest
• Facebookfacebook.com/BordeauxTechnowest
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bordeaux-technowest

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments2 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bordeaux Technowest