UTBM

What UTBM does

UTBM (Université de technologie de Belfort Montbéliard) is a French public engineering university (établissement public) founded in 1999, operating across three campuses in Belfort, Sevenans, and Montbéliard in northern Franche-Comté. It is authorized by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research and accredited by the Commission des Titres d'Ingénieur (CTI) to deliver the Diplôme d'Ingénieur with the EUR-ACE quality label across 9 engineering specialties. The university also runs a Mastère Spécialisé® in Hydrogen Energy, doctoral programs, and continuing education, and is a member of the Conférence des Grandes Écoles. In 2025 it was integrated into Université Marie et Louis Pasteur and the UTTOP network of French Universities of Technology.

The institution operates applied-research laboratories including FEMTO-ST (energy systems, micro/nano science), CIAD (computer science and AI), and ICB (bioengineering, composites), with recognized specialization in hydrogen (fuel cells, solid-state storage, FPGA real-time models), autonomous vehicles, 4D printing, and energy systems. Eight teacher-researchers appear on Stanford University's top-2% most-cited scientists list. Flagship platforms include the Innovation Crunch Time hackathon (1,300-1,600 students, 130-160 industry challenges annually), the 2,000 m² CRUNCH Lab FabLab, the ESPERA Sbarro vehicle-design school, and the UTBM Éditions publishing house.

Revenue is structurally diversified across French Ministry allocations, regulated tuition, apprenticeship tax (taxe d'apprentissage), sponsored research chairs (ALSTOM, Enedis, EDF, HNFC), continuing education contracts, the Industrial Congress partner network approaching 10,000 companies, and an e-commerce publishing channel. International operations run through bilateral double-degree and exchange agreements spanning China (UTSEUS), Canada (UQAC), Brazil, Switzerland (HES-SO), Germany (RPTU), Angola, and Togo, with active model-replication projects in Africa.

Name

UTBM

Legal name

Université de technologie de Belfort Montbéliard

Website

https://utbm.fr

Company type

Public

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

UTBM is a French public engineering university operating across three campuses in Belfort, Sevenans, and Montbéliard. It delivers CTI-accredited Diplôme d'Ingénieur degrees across 9 specialties, conducts applied research in hydrogen energy, autonomous systems, and AI, and runs the Innovation Crunch Time student hackathon with a partner network approaching 10,000 companies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Engineering Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131), Educational Support Services (61171)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Technical Universities with Computing, Data & AI Focus (EDAHAEAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Engineering & Technology Institutes (Comprehensive) (EDAHAEAA), Technical Universities with Specialized Engineering Domains (EDAHAEAI), Technical Universities with Energy, Materials & Sustainability Focus (EDAHAEAL)

Keywords

• Engineering higher education
• Applied research services
• Continuing professional training
• Academic book publishing
• Doctoral research programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Belfort

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Public Higher Education Funding: As a French public university (établissement public), UTBM is primarily funded by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research. Tuition fees are regulated by the French government and are minimal for domestic and EU students.
2. Continuing Education (Formation Continue): UTBM offers professional development and continuing education programs for employees and companies, generating revenue through training contracts and professional services.
3. Apprenticeship Programs: Integrated apprenticeship programs (alternance) where companies host apprentices, with UTBM coordinating pedagogical delivery. Companies pay apprenticeship taxes (taxe d'apprentissage) to support these programs.
4. Publishing (Éditions UTBM): UTBM operates its own publishing house (Pôle éditorial) producing academic books, journals, and co-editions with partner institutions. Revenue generated through book sales via the UTBM shop.
5. Research Contracts and Chairs: Sponsored research chairs with corporate partners (ALSTOM, Enedis, HNFC) and publicly funded research projects contribute to research operations and infrastructure.
6. Innovation Crunch Time Partnership Fees: Companies and organizations pay to submit real-world challenges to student teams during the annual Crunch Time innovation event.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

UTBM is a French public University of Technology delivering CTI-accredited Diplôme d'Ingénieur programs across nine engineering specialties, plus specialised master's, doctoral, and continuing education (FTLV) programs. The university operates three campuses in Belfort, Sevenans, and Montbéliard, runs research laboratories (FEMTO-ST, CIAD, ICB), and operates the Innovation Crunch Time hackathon, the ESPERA Sbarro vehicle design school, the Innovation Crunch Lab FabLab, and its own academic publishing house (Éditions UTBM).

Product overview

UTBM (Université de technologie de Belfort Montbéliard) is a French public university of technology that functions as an educational institution rather than a commercial product company. Its portfolio consists of engineering degree programs (habilitated by CTI with EUR-ACE label), specialized professional degrees (Mastère Spécialisé® Hydrogène Énergie), doctoral programs, and continuing education. The institution operates specialized facilities including the École ESPERA Sbarro for vehicle design, the Innovation CRUNCH Lab (2000 m2 FabLab and startup incubator), and runs the Innovation CRUNCH Time program—one of Europe's largest student hackathons with 1,600+ participants annually. UTBM's research activities are organized through poles and laboratories (FEMTO-ST, CIAD, RECITS), and the university maintains an editorial publishing division producing academic works across multiple collections. The institution has three campuses (Belfort, Sevenans, Montbéliard) and is a member of the Groupe UT network of French technology universities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Innovation Crunch Time: Annual innovation hackathon event bringing together 1,300+ students and 160+ industry challenges
• UTBM Innovation CRUNCH Lab
• École ESPERA Sbarro
• Pôle éditorial UTBM

Products and services

• Diplôme d'Ingénieur (Engineering Degree Program) Multi-year undergraduate-to-graduate engineering degree program accredited by the Commission des Titres d'Ingénieur (CTI) with the EUR-ACE European quality label, offered across nine specialties (mechanical, electrical, energy, computer science, ergonomics, design, industrial systems, materials). Designed for French and international students seeking a top-tier engineering qualification.
• Mastère Spécialisé® Hydrogène Énergie Specialised professional graduate degree program focused on hydrogen energy technologies, covering production, storage, and applications of hydrogen in energy systems. Aimed at engineers and professionals seeking expertise in the hydrogen sector.
• Doctoral Programs (Doctorat) PhD-level research training conducted within UTBM's research laboratories (FEMTO-ST, CIAD, RECITS, ICB). Open to candidates seeking advanced research careers in mechanical engineering, energy, computer science, materials, and related fields.
• Continuing Education (Formation Continue / FTLV) Lifelong learning programs (Formation Tout au Long de la Vie) offering professional development, upskilling, and reskilling courses for employed individuals and corporate clients. Delivered through short courses, professional certifications, and bespoke company training contracts.
• Apprenticeship Programs (Alternance) Work-integrated learning track within engineering degree programs in which companies host apprentices alternating between academic study at UTBM and on-the-job work. Funded in part through the apprenticeship tax (taxe d'apprentissage).
• École ESPERA Sbarro Specialised vehicle design and prototyping school operating as an internal school of UTBM. Produces automotive concept vehicles and prototypes (including the S-121 model revealed in 2026 with Peugeot). For students specialising in transportation design.
• Innovation Crunch Time Annual flagship week-long innovation challenge where multidisciplinary student teams tackle real-world problems submitted by companies and socio-economic actors. Structured around Design Thinking methodology across five phases. Companies pay partnership fees to submit challenges and access student talent.
• Innovation Crunch Lab 2,000 m2 dedicated innovation laboratory and FabLab space on the Sevenans campus supporting student prototyping, project development, and company-collaborative innovation activities.
• Pôle Éditorial UTBM (Éditions UTBM) UTBM's own academic publishing division producing scholarly books and journals in collections covering humanities & technology, pedagogy & technology, engineering science & technology, and environment & technology. Books sold through shop.utbm.fr and major distributors, with print and digital editions.

Quantifiable outcome

• Top 6.3% of best universities in the world (CWUR 2026)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 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

Feature6 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Agostinho Neto University (Angola)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHistoric and active cooperation between UTBM and Agostinho Neto University in Luanda, Angola. Includes joint PhD programs, research projects, and engineering student exchanges. A delegation from Angola's Ministry of Higher Education visited UTBM to maximize the adoption of the French University of Technology model. Agostinho Neto University is a member of the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie.
• Université de Lomé (Togo)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation includes joint PhD theses, research projects, student exchanges, and the PEA IMPACT project creating a common master's program between UTBM and Université de Lomé with mobility and scientific exchanges. Togolese students are regularly welcomed at UTBM. The Centre d'Excellence Régional pour la Maîtrise de l'Électricité (CERME) is also part of this cooperation.
• Université de Technologie de Shanghai (China)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerActive partnership in research and student exchanges with the University of Technology of Shanghai. UTBM's Director Ghislain Montavon highlighted this cooperation during the visit of Lu Shaye, Chinese Ambassador to France. Chinese students represent the largest international student community at UTBM.
• Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC, Canada)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFranco-Québec cooperation with UQAC strengthened through joint activities. UTBM students participate in hackathons in Canada, and double-degree programs are available. A 'porte spatiale et temporelle' (spatial and temporal gateway) initiative connects France and Canada. The UTBM-UQAC relationship is regularly featured in news about student mobility and joint projects.
• Université Fédérale du Paraná (Brazil)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrengthened bilateral partnership with Brazil's Federal University of Paraná. UTBM participates in student admissions for double diplomas with Brazilian institutions. The partnership includes research collaboration and faculty/student exchanges.
• HES-SO (Switzerland)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew double-degree program announced between UTBM and HES-SO (Haute École Spécialisée de Suisse Occidentale). This represents a significant expansion of UTBM's Swiss partnership network.
• RPTU (Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität, Germany)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrengthened partnership with RPTU of Kaiserslautern-Landau, Germany. Cooperation focuses on hydrogen energy, innovation, and Franco-German collaboration. RPTU delegates visited UTBM for discussions on hydrogen energy research and collaborative projects.
• Université de Technologie de Tarbes (France)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration within the French University of Technology group (Groupe UT). The UT group includes UTBM, UTC (Compiègne), and UT Tarbes, working together on pedagogical and research initiatives.
• UTSEUS (University of Technology SYstème EUrope-Chine)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUTBM is a member of UTSEUS, the network of French and Chinese universities of technology facilitating academic exchanges and cooperation between France and China. UTBM hosts the UTSEUS office and the 3 Universities of Technology are regularly received at UTSEUS events.
• École Polytechnique de Lomé (Togo)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUTBM supports the new École Polytechnique de Lomé in Togo as part of its international cooperation strategy. UTBM is helping train faculty and develop curricula alongside the new institution.
• Université Hassan II de Casablanca (Morocco)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUTBM reinforced its ties with Université Hassan II de Casablanca, Morocco. Cooperation includes academic exchanges and potential joint research projects.
• ALSTOMcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerALSTOM and UTBM signed a dedicated research chair (chaire) focused on railway technology and innovation. ALSTOM Battle Robotique is also hosted at UTBM, where UTBM students won 2nd place in 2026. The chair supports research and student engagement in rail engineering.
• EnediscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnedis renewed its research chair with UTBM, focusing on energy efficiency, smart grids, and sustainable development. The partnership is part of the Belfort e-start project (autonomous energy consumption neighborhood) and involves collaboration on hydrogen and energy research.
• EDFcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership between EDF and the UT Group covering scientific careers, research, and talent development. EDF collaborates on energy sector career pathways and research projects with UTBM, opening fields of possibility for students in the energy sector.
• EFORcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEngineering consulting group EFOR, present in northern Franche-Comté since 2015, maintains a partnership with UTBM including participation in the Industrial Congress and student engagement. EFOR brings expertise in pharmaceutical and medical device domains. The partnership was renewed in 2022.
• MINCATEC EnergyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMINCATEC Energy, a French company and leader in hydrogen storage, presented the MHYTHIC hydrogen vehicle at the Hydrogen Business for Climate forum. UTBM collaborates with MINCATEC on solid hydrogen storage using intermetallic hydrides, demonstrating UTBM's expertise in hydrogen technology.
• GE (General Electric)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGE participated in UTBM's Festival of Ecological and Digital Transition and Open Days, showcasing industrial technologies and collaborating on exposure events for students.
• FruehaufminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrailer manufacturer Fruehauf exhibited electric and hydrogen vehicle technology alongside UTBM's ESPERA Sbarro program at UTBM events, supporting hands-on student learning in vehicle technology.
• Hôpital Nord Franche-Comté (HNFC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUTBM and HNFC signed a dedicated chair for technological innovation serving hospital practices in 2026. This chaire focuses on applying technological innovation to improve healthcare delivery and hospital operations.
• Université Paris 1 Panthéon-SorbonneminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUTBM's publishing house co-edits publications with Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, including 'Trajectoire des matériaux et des objets'. Collaboration on editorial and scholarly publishing projects.
• LISI (Groupe LISI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLISI participated in UTBM's scientific careers events alongside EDF, opening career paths for students in the industrial sector.
• The Shift ProjectminorOthersThe Shift Project, a French think tank focused on energy transition, participated in UTBM's Festival of Ecological and Digital Transition, contributing to academic discussions on decarbonation.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL): EPFL is a top-ranked European technical university with strong research output, industry partnerships, and innovation programs. It serves as an aspirational benchmark in European tech-university rankings (CWUR, QS, Shanghai) where UTBM also competes.
• Mines ParisTech (Mines Paris - PSL): Mines Paris is one of France's most prestigious engineering schools within PSL University, with strong research and industry partnerships in energy, materials, and applied sciences. It is a top-tier competitor for talent, sponsors, and research contracts that UTBM also targets.
• Technische Universität München (TUM): TUM is a top-ranked European technical university offering comprehensive engineering programs and applied research, with strong industry partnerships in automotive, energy, and manufacturing. It is comparable as a European peer in engineering research ranking and industrial R&D collaboration.
• Centrale Lyon (École Centrale de Lyon): Centrale Lyon is a top-tier French Grande École offering broad engineering education with strong industry links and research output. It competes with UTBM for engineering students and corporate research partnerships, particularly in energy and materials science.
• Arts et Métiers ParisTech: Arts et Métiers ParisTech is a leading French Grande École with a multi-campus network focused on mechanical, industrial, and energy engineering. It competes for top engineering applicants and corporate R&D partnerships in domains that overlap with UTBM's mechanical and energy specializations.
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT): KIT is a major German technical university combining university and large-scale research center functions, with strong programs in energy (including hydrogen), mechanical engineering, and mobility. It is a direct Franco-German peer given UTBM's RPTU hydrogen research partnership and competes in the same European ranking tier.
• INSA Lyon: INSA Lyon is one of France's largest and most established engineering schools, offering multi-disciplinary engineering degrees with strong industry integration. It competes with UTBM for French engineering applicants but at significantly larger scale and broader program scope.

Direct peers

• Université de technologie de Compiègne (UTC): UTC is the founding member of the French Universités de Technologie network and shares UTBM's exact pedagogical model: semester-based curriculum, personalized pathways, mandatory humanities, and tight industry coupling. It is the most directly comparable institution and a sister UT-group member under UTTOP.
• Université de technologie de Tarbes (UTT): UTT is the third member of the French UT-group alongside UTC and UTBM, with the same semester-based, humanities-integrated, industry-linked engineering pedagogy. It is a direct peer under the UTTOP network and shares research and program collaboration.
• INSA Strasbourg: INSA Strasbourg is a mid-sized French engineering school delivering multi-specialty Diplôme d'Ingénieur degrees with EUR-ACE accreditation and significant industry integration. It is closely comparable in scale, program structure, and geographic positioning (eastern France) to UTBM.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/myUTBM
• Facebookfacebook.com/MyUTBM
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/utbm
• Instagraminstagram.com/utbm
• Xx.com/utbm_fr

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 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 UTBM