What Icam - Institut Catholique d'Arts et Métiers does

Icam (Institut Catholique d'Arts et Métiers) is a French private non-profit higher education institution founded in 1899 by industrialists from the North of France and operating under the Jesuit educational tradition. It is qualified as an EESPIG (Établissement d'Enseignement Supérieur Privé d'Intérêt Général) since 2016, accredited by the Commission des Titres d'Ingénieur (CTI), and holds the EUR-ACE European label, conferring master's degree equivalence to its engineering diplomas. The institution operates 7 campuses across France (Lille, Grand Paris Sud, Nantes, Bretagne/Vannes, Vendée/La Roche-sur-Yon, Toulouse, Strasbourg-Europe) and 8 international campuses spanning Brazil, Cameroon, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Ecuador, India, the Philippines, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The core offering is a five-year generalist engineering degree (Formation Ingénieur Icam) available under either student or apprentice status, supplemented by integrated preparatory cycles (Prépa Scientifique, Prépa Professionnalisante, Bachelor International, Prépa Immersion Internationale), a specialized engineering track in Industrial Digital Systems, three Mastères Spécialisés (Éco-Innovation & New Energy Technologies, Industrie 5.0, Data Scientist), continuing education pathways, and vocational Écoles de Production serving 15-18-year-olds including school dropouts. Pedagogy centers on the proprietary "Expérimenter-Relire-Discerner" (ERD) method, supported by FabLab networks and research platforms (LIFE for ecological logistics and industry of the future; CarMa for materials characterization). Research activity spans AI/ML, energy systems, materials, and Industry 4.0/5.0.

The business model is a hybrid of tuition-driven subscription revenue (Prépa fees at €4,500/year + €620 contribution; engineering program tuition accessible relative to French private engineering schools), professional services revenue from continuing education, R&D projects, and Lean training (École du Lean 5.0), and enterprise partnership revenue (83 Entreprises Grands Partenaires contributing to apprentice recruitment, jury participation, R&D collaboration, and training). The customer base spans high school graduates (primary segment), working professionals seeking engineering qualifications, at-risk youth in production schools, and industrial enterprises (PMEs, ETIs, large groups). Total enrollment reached 9,727 students worldwide in the most recent disclosure, with 1,210 new graduates in 2023 and a 29,153-member alumni network driving referrals and recruitment.

Name

Icam - Institut Catholique d'Arts et Métiers

Legal name

Icam - Institut Catholique d'Arts et Métiers

Website

https://icam.fr

Company type

Private

Founded year

1899

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Icam is a French non-profit Catholic engineering school founded in 1899, delivering CTI-accredited generalist engineering degrees, specialized master's programs, vocational training, and enterprise R&D services across 7 French and 8 international campuses serving 9,727 students.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Engineering Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Project, Quality & Operations (PMP PDUs, Six Sigma, Quality CE) (EDAAALAM)

Keywords

• Engineering education
• Higher education
• Professional training
• Technical vocational training
• Research and development

Headquarters

HQ city

Paris

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices16 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition Fees - Engineering Programs: Annual tuition fees from engineering degree programs under student and apprentice status. Prepa scientifique costs 4500€ per year plus 620€ collective contribution.
2. Continuing Education and Professional Training: Revenue from professional training programs, Lean schools, and specialized mastères for working professionals and companies.
3. Enterprise Services and R&D Projects: Companies pay for R&D collaboration, industrial innovation projects, and customized training through the Services aux Entreprises pole. 269 innovative projects completed.
4. Production Schools: Training programs for young people aged 15-18 in production schools, offering technical diplomas from CAP to Bac+2 levels.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Icam is a non-profit Catholic engineering grande école that delivers generalist engineering degrees (5-year bac+5) and preparatory cycles (Bachelor International, Prépa Scientifique, Prépa Professionnalisante, Prépa Immersion Internationale) under student or apprentice status. It also offers specialized Master's programs (Éco-Innovation, Industrie 5.0, Data Scientist), continuing education for working professionals, vocational production schools for youth aged 15-18, and enterprise services including R&D projects and Lean training. Programs are delivered across 7 French campuses and 8 international sites, with CTI accreditation and EUR-ACE label.

Product overview

Icam is a generalist engineering school offering a comprehensive portfolio of educational programs from vocational training (CAP) to doctoral levels, with 15 campuses across France and 8 international sites. The core offering centers on the five-year engineering degree (Formation Ingénieur) available under student or apprentice status, supplemented by integrated preparatory cycles (Bachelor International, Prépa Scientifique, Prépa Professionnalisante, Prépa Immersion Internationale). Specialized engineering tracks include the Systèmes Numériques Industriels program, while three Specialized Master's programs (Éco-Innovation et Nouvelles Technologies de l'Énergie, Industrie 5.0, Data Scientist) provide advanced expertise. Vocational pathways include Écoles de Production for youth training and the École du Lean 5.0 for professional development. Research platforms (LIFE, CarMa) and enterprise innovation services support industry partnerships. All programs follow the 'Expérimenter, Relire, Discerner' pedagogy rooted in Jesuit educational principles.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Écoles de Production Icam: Production schools for young people aged 15-18, including those who have dropped out of school, offering training in industrial trades
• École du Lean 5.0
• Icam Alumni
• Fondation Féron-Vrau
• Icam Alumni

Products and services

• Formation Ingénieur Icam (Cycle Ingénieur Généraliste) Five-year engineering degree program (bac+5) forming generalist engineers with multidisciplinary skills in mechanics, electronics, computer science, and human sciences. Available under student or apprentice status across all French campuses.
• Bachelor International Four-year integrated preparatory cycle (bac+4) combining generalist engineering preparation with international exposure. Includes mandatory international year on French campus and minimum six-month professional placement.
• Prépa Scientifique (Cycle Préparatoire Scientifique) Two-year scientific preparatory cycle (CPGE) associated with partner high schools. Follows PTSI/PT or PCSI/PSI programs with Icam-specific supplements including individual coaching and internships.
• Prépa Professionnalisante Integrated professional preparatory cycle combined with BTS or IUT partner programs. Available at Lille, Grand Paris Sud, Bretagne, Vendée, Toulouse, and Strasbourg-Europe campuses.
• Prépa Immersion Internationale Integrated international immersion preparatory cycle at Strasbourg-Europe campus, offering accelerated international experience and cultural exposure.
• Ingénieur Spécialisé Systèmes Numériques Industriels Five-year specialized engineering degree focused on industrial digital systems, including automation, robotics, IoT, and digital transformation. Available at Strasbourg-Europe campus under apprentice status.
• Mastère Spécialisé Éco-Innovation et Nouvelles Technologies de l'Énergie Specialized Master's program (bac+6) dedicated to eco-innovation and new energy technologies. Available at Nantes campus since 2010, focusing on renewable energy and environmental engineering.
• Mastère Spécialisé Industrie 5.0 Specialized Master's program focused on Industry 5.0 concepts combining digital transformation with sustainable and human-centered manufacturing approaches.
• Mastère Spécialisé Data Scientist Specialized Master's program in data science, covering advanced analytics, machine learning, AI, and big data processing for industrial applications.
• Formation Ingénieur Icam par la Formation Continue Continuing education pathway for professionals seeking engineering degree. Designed for employees in career evolution or reconversion, with flexible scheduling for working adults.
• Écoles de Production Icam Production schools offering CAP to Bac+2 level technical training for young people aged 15-18, including those facing school dropout. Available at Lille, Grand Paris Sud, Nantes, Vendée, and Toulouse campuses.
• École du Lean 5.0 Professional training programs in Lean methodology (versions 5.0) for enterprises, offered at Lille, Grand Paris Sud, and Strasbourg campuses. Includes Lean management, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Services aux Entreprises / Innovation Industrial services including R&D projects, product innovation, process automation, Lean consulting, and data management. Includes CIR/CII funding support for innovation projects.

Quantifiable outcome

• 269 innovative projects completed for enterprise partners
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability16 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Ateneo de Manila University (Philippines)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 200025+ year partnership offering BS Innovation Design Engineering, first generalist engineering program in Philippines. Over 25 years of student and faculty mobility, joint research in renewable energy, robotics, and IoT 4.0.
• Dassault SystèmescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation agreement signed June 2, 2026 between Director General Gilles Vandecaveye and EUROWEST Managing Director Stéphane Degraeve for developing digital competencies in industry.
• PUCE (Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFacultad Internacional de Innovación PUCE-Icam offers integrated engineering with double diplomation after 9 semesters license and 3 semesters master.
• Université Catholique d'Afrique Centrale (UCAC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitut Ucac-Icam at Douala and Pointe-Noire campuses offers generalist engineering, computer engineering, and Bachelor International programs.
• Université Jésuite d'Abidjan (UJA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUJA-Icam launching 2026-2027 with two engineering diplomas: Industrial Engineering and Management, and Process Engineering, addressing Ivorian industry needs.
• Loyola College Society (India)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLoyola Icam College of Engineering and Technology (LICET) at Chennai offers high-level engineering programs with emphasis on innovation, research, and international collaboration.
• Unicap (Université Catholique de Pernambuco, Brazil)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnicap-Icam International School focuses on complexity engineering with practical projects, international exchanges, and close enterprise collaboration.
• ULC (Université Libre de Kinshasa, DRC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFaculté d'ingénierie ULC-Icam offers three engineering profiles: Maintenance/Industrial Engineering, General Polytechnic, and Computer Science.
• 83 Entreprises Grands PartenairescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor enterprise partners providing jury participation, courses, visits, conferences, recruitment offers, and collaboration on professional training aligned with their recruitment needs.
• 156 University Partners WorldwideminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational university network across all continents enabling semester exchanges, double degrees, and doctoral programs.
• Compagnie de Jésus (Jesuit Order)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrong partner providing Jesuit values, humanistic approach, small cohort sizes, experiential pedagogy, and commitment to integral ecology. Jesuit representative sits on board.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves3 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Arts et Métiers ParisTech (ENSAM): France's premier generalist engineering school network sharing the historical 'Arts et Métiers' heritage with Icam. Operates multiple campuses across France with comparable generalist engineering curriculum, apprenticeship programs, and industrial partnerships.
• INSA (Institut National des Sciences Appliquées): Network of French public engineering schools (INSA Lyon, Toulouse, Rennes, etc.) offering generalist engineering degrees with similar multi-campus structure. Direct competitor for the same Parcoursup-recruited bac+2 cohorts and enterprise apprenticeships.
• Polytech network: Network of public engineering schools within French universities offering CTI-accredited engineering degrees in similar multi-disciplinary domains. Competes directly with Icam for bac+2 students and enterprise training budgets.
• Centrale Lyon: Top-tier French engineering school (Groupe Centrale) offering generalist engineering program with strong industry partnerships and research platforms. Competes with Icam for top students and corporate R&D engagements.
• CESI: Private French engineering school network with 25 campuses offering apprenticeship-based engineering degrees. Closest direct competitor to Icam's apprenticeship model, sharing the same enterprise partnership flywheel and multi-campus structure.
• ECAM Lyon: Catholic engineering school (Ecole Catholique d'Arts et Métiers) with similar Jesuit-inspired pedagogical philosophy. Closest spiritual and structural peer to Icam within the French engineering grande école landscape.
• ESIGELEC: Private French engineering school in Rouen offering CTI-accredited programs with strong apprenticeship focus and enterprise partnerships. Comparable in scale and positioning to Icam's generalist engineering programs.
• Junia (HEI / ISA / ISEN): Network of private Catholic engineering schools (HEI Lille, ISA, ISEN) offering generalist and specialized engineering programs. Direct competitor particularly in the Lille and Hauts-de-France regions where Icam also operates.
• Université de Technologie de Compiègne (UTC): Public French engineering university with innovative pedagogy similar to Icam's experiential learning approach. Competes for students interested in industry-integrated engineering education and applied research.

Broad incumbents

• Mines ParisTech: Elite French engineering school (PSL University) with broader portfolio including management and applied mathematics. Competes with Icam at the high end of the French grande école market and for corporate R&D partnerships.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/GroupeIcam
• Facebookfacebook.com/Icam.fr
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/icam-institut-catholique-d'arts-et-metiers
• Instagraminstagram.com/Icam_fr
• TikToktiktok.com/@icam_fr
• Xx.com/icam_fr

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Icam - Institut Catholique d'Arts et Métiers