Laboratoire plasma et conversion d'énergie (Laplace )

What Laboratoire plasma et conversion d'énergie (Laplace ) does

LAPLACE (Laboratoire Plasma et Conversion d'énergie) is a French public research laboratory (Unité Mixte de Recherche UMR 5213) jointly operated by three parent institutions: the CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique), the Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse (INPT), and the Université de Toulouse. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Toulouse, France, the laboratory is structured around 12 research groups, each typically comprising approximately 10 permanent researchers or teacher-researchers and an equivalent number of doctoral students and post-doctoral researchers, supported by engineers and technicians. Total headcount is reported at 119 in some sources and ~240 across all categories in others.

The laboratory's research is organized around four scientific pillars — plasma science, thermal and electromagnetic phenomena, advanced materials, and complex systems — and is applied across four industrial verticals: energy and environment (smart grids, HVDC converters for offshore wind, power electronics), aeronautics and space (more-electric aircraft, plasma propulsion, satellite antennas), ground transportation (autonomous vehicle electronics, railway, marine), and health (non-thermal plasma medicine, biocompatible materials, sterilization). Notable technical capabilities include modular multilevel converters for HVDC, IGCT-based converter optimization, fuel cell aging and hydrogen testing, topological optimization software (Design Atop) for electromagnetic device design, plasma torches and plasma-based surface processing, and ALD coatings for battery cathode protection.

The lab's revenue model is built on four streams: (1) competitive public research funding (ANR grants — 46% success rate in 2021, European programs including the competitive CBHE MELINA award), (2) industry-funded collaborative research and contract work with EDF R&D, Hitachi Energy, Safran-Tech, Schneider Electric, and Air Liquide, (3) technology transfer via ~6 patents filed annually and 4 spin-off companies created since 2010 (notably Deeper Pulse, founded by Frédéric Messine, winner of the i-Lab Grand Prix 2021), and (4) doctoral and postgraduate education through its affiliation with INPT engineering schools. No commercial products are sold; research outputs are disseminated via open-access publication (HAL), patents, spin-offs, and PhD training.

Name

Laboratoire plasma et conversion d'énergie (Laplace )

Legal name

Laboratoire Plasma et Conversion d'Énergie

Website

https://laplace.univ-tlse.fr

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

LAPLACE is a French public research laboratory (UMR 5213) jointly operated by CNRS, INPT, and Université de Toulouse, conducting fundamental and applied research on plasma physics, electrical energy conversion, power electronics, and advanced materials for the energy, aerospace, transport, and health sectors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Toulouse

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Public Research Funding (ANR, EU, National Programs): The laboratory's primary revenue stream is public research funding from French national agencies (ANR – Agence Nationale de la Recherche) and European programs (e.g., European CBHE MELINA program). In 2021, LAPLACE achieved a 46% success rate on ANR proposals (12 projects selected out of 26 submitted), twice the target rate of the ANR.
2. Industry Collaboration and Contract Research: Collaborative research with industrial partners such as EDF R&D, Hitachi Energy (formerly ABB), Safran-Tech, Schneider Electric, and Air Liquide. These partnerships provide contract research funding and co-supervise PhDs. The LabCom SEMA joint laboratory focuses on control, diagnostic, and safety of embedded electronic devices for autonomous vehicles.
3. Technology Transfer and Licensing: The laboratory generates revenue through technology transfer activities including patent licensing (~6 patents filed per year) and spin-off company creation (4 start-ups created since 2010, including Deeper Pulse). Toulouse Tech Transfer (TTT) supports research valorization and the creation of spin-offs.
4. Higher Education and Research Training: As a joint unit of CNRS, INPT, and Université de Toulouse, LAPLACE participates in graduate and postgraduate education (engineering degrees, Master's, PhDs). While not directly revenue-generating, this positions it within the public higher education funding model of French universities.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

LAPLACE is a joint public research laboratory (Unité Mixte de Recherche UMR 5213) under CNRS, INPT, and Université de Toulouse that conducts fundamental and applied research in plasma physics, energy conversion, electromagnetics, thermal sciences, and advanced materials. It delivers research outcomes and innovation through patent filing (~6 per year), creation of spin-off companies (4 since 2010, including Deeper Pulse), and collaborative research with industry partners. Its output serves scientific, industrial, and academic communities across energy, aerospace, ground transportation, and healthcare sectors.

Product overview

LAPLACE is a research laboratory (Unité Mixte de Recherche - UMR 5213) affiliated with CNRS, INPT (Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse), and Université de Toulouse. It does not offer commercial products or services. The laboratory conducts fundamental and applied research in plasma physics, energy conversion, electromagnetics, materials science, and thermal sciences, with applications in energy and environment, aeronautics and space, ground transportation, and health. The symbiosis of fundamental and applied research has led to breakthrough devices including 4 start-ups created since 2010 and approximately 6 patents filed each year. The laboratory also contributes to education and training through doctoral programs and participates in multi-laboratory research platforms.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Collaborative Industrial Research Programs Contract research and PhD co-supervision engagements with industrial partners (EDF R&D, Hitachi Energy, Safran-Tech, Schneider Electric, Air Liquide, EMPA) on HVDC converters, power electronics, materials, and aerospace systems.
• LabCom SEMA Joint Laboratory Joint laboratory with industry focused on control, diagnostic, and safety of embedded electronic devices for autonomous vehicles, led by the CS group of LAPLACE and recognized by CNRS Occitanie Ouest as a 'Success Story'.
• Multi-laboratory Research Platforms Shared specialized testing and characterization platforms (e.g., hydrogen testing platform, ALD fluidized bed reactor) made available to industry and academic partners through multi-laboratory arrangements.
• Design Atop Topological Optimization Software Proprietary topological optimization software developed by Frédéric Messine for electromagnetic design of electric motors and satellite ion thrusters. Forms the basis of the Deeper Pulse spin-off company. Licensed through Toulouse Tech Transfer.

Quantifiable outcome

• 11 researchers ranked in TOP 2% Scientists Worldwide (2023 Stanford/Elsevier dataset)
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship, major and minor.

• CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)coreOthersCNRS is one of the three parent institutions of LAPLACE as a Joint Research Unit (UMR 5213). It provides institutional funding, administrative support, and research framework. The laboratory appears on the CNRS image gallery (images.cnrs.fr/laboratoire/umr5213). CNRS Occitanie Ouest featured LabCom SEMA as a 'Success Story' in May 2026.
• Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse (INPT)coreOthersINPT is one of the three parent institutions of LAPLACE as a Joint Research Unit (UMR 5213). It provides academic affiliation, student supervision, and engineering education support. LAPLACE is referenced as 'Toulouse INP' in various communications.
• Université de Toulouse (UT)coreOthersUniversité de Toulouse is one of the three parent institutions of LAPLACE as a Joint Research Unit (UMR 5213). Together with LAPLACE, UT received the competitive European CBHE 'MELINA' program (974 dossiers submitted, 78 funded across Europe).
• Université Toulouse III Paul SabatiercoreOthersThe UT Paul Sabatier campus (site UT, 118 route de Narbonne) hosts the main site of LAPLACE. Many PhD defenses and research activities take place at this campus.
• ENSEEIHT (École Nationale Supérieure d'Électrotechnique, d'Électronique, d'Informatique et d'Hydraulique de Toulouse)coreOthersENSEEIHT (2 rue Charles Camichel) hosts the second site of LAPLACE. Many PhD defenses, thesis defenses, and research group activities take place at this engineering campus.
• LabCom SEMA (Société d'Exploitation des Modules pour l'Automobile)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA joint laboratory (LabCom) between LAPLACE and industry focused on control, diagnostic, and safety of embedded electronic devices for autonomous vehicles. Described by CNRS Occitanie Ouest as a 'Success Story – Quand la science et l'industrie innovent ensemble!' (May 2026). Led by the CS group of LAPLACE, with application to ground transportation and terrestrial transport sectors.
• LAAS-CNRS (Laboratoire d'Analyse et d'Architecture des Systèmes)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLAPLACE co-organized the 6th Symposium of Electrical Engineering (SGE2025) with LAAS-CNRS. The symposium took place July 1–3, 2025 at the Pierre Baudis Congress Center in Toulouse, drawing researchers from across France and internationally.
• EDF R&DmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEDF R&D collaborated with LAPLACE on HVDC converter research for offshore wind farm connections (PhD thesis of Davin Guédon). The collaboration involved Hitachi ABB Power Grids Semiconductors and included electro-thermal modeling and experimental testing of IGCT-based converters.
• Hitachi Energy (formerly Hitachi ABB Power Grids Semiconductors)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHitachi Energy (formerly ABB) collaborated with LAPLACE and EDF R&D on evaluating IGCT components for HVDC converter optimization for offshore wind connections. Thomas Stiasny (Hitachi Energy) served on PhD thesis juries. Collaboration on MMC (modular multilevel converter) efficiency improvements.
• Safran-Tech (Paris-Saclay)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSafran-Tech collaborated with LAPLACE on thesis work by Mathis Picot-Digoix (CS group), which was recognized with the Prix des Sciences de l'Ingénieur from the Académie des Sciences, Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres de Toulouse in 2026. Research on power electronics for aerospace applications.
• Air LiquidemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAir Liquide developed novel ALD precursors used in LAPLACE's battery cathode protection research (Léo Lapeyre thesis). Christian Dussarrat (Air Liquide) served as examiner on the thesis jury. Collaboration on advanced materials for next-generation lithium-ion batteries.
• EMPA (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEMPA (Switzerland) co-supervised the PhD thesis of Léo Lapeyre with LAPLACE. Ivo Utke (EMPA) served as co-director of thesis. Collaboration on ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition) for battery cathode protection using LiNbO₃ coatings.
• Schneider ElectricminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchneider Electric hosted the thesis defense of Vinicius Kremer and has been involved in research on multiplexed inverters for medium voltage drives with the CS group of LAPLACE.
• Toulouse Tech Transfer (TTT)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerTTT is the technology transfer office supporting LAPLACE's research valorization. It organized the Trophées de la Valorisation de la Recherche, where Frédéric Messine won the Prix Marthe Condat 2021. TTT supported the creation of Deeper Pulse spin-off.
• CHU de Toulouse (University Hospital)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLAPLACE collaborates with Toulouse university hospitals for health-related plasma research, including non-thermal plasma medical treatments and biocompatible materials development.
• Université de Toulouse – UFTMIP (Explorateur)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLAPLACE research is featured on the UFTMIP Explorateur platform (exploreur.univ-toulouse.fr), which showcases research and innovation from Université de Toulouse to the public and industry.
• Université Toulouse III Paul SabatiercoreOthersPhD thesis defense venue and academic host institution. Multiple research activities and thesis defenses take place at the Université Paul Sabatier campus.
• CIRIMAT, IMFT, LGC (Toulouse-area laboratories)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLAPLACE collaborated with CIRIMAT, IMFT, and LGC for the Fête de la Science 2021 at the Aéroscopia museum, presenting research on hydrogen for future aviation. Joint public outreach events.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• GE Research: Industrial corporate R&D arm of GE focused on power electronics, electric machines, and energy conversion. Comparable to LAPLACE in power electronics, HVDC, and electric motor research, but operates as a corporate lab with broader commercial focus and resources compared to LAPLACE's academic research mission.
• Siemens Research (Siemens Technology): Corporate R&D division of Siemens conducting research on power systems, electrification, and industrial automation. Comparable in power electronics and energy systems research, though operates as a commercial entity with broader scope and direct industry integration.
• French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA): French public research organization conducting energy, defense, and technology research including plasma applications and hydrogen. Comparable to LAPLACE as a major French public research entity, though CEA operates at a much larger scale with broader scope across nuclear, renewables, and defense technologies.
• Schneider Electric Research and Technologies: Corporate R&D arm of Schneider Electric, an active LAPLACE industry partner. Comparable in power electronics, medium-voltage drives, and energy management research. Schneider Electric hosted LAPLACE thesis defenses, indicating direct research collaboration overlap.

Direct peers

• CNRS National Solar Energy Institute (INES): French public research institute under CEA and CNRS focused on solar energy and renewable integration. Comparable as a French public research lab addressing energy transition, though INES focuses on solar/PV while LAPLACE spans broader plasma and energy conversion domains.
• Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP): Germany's leading plasma physics research institute, conducting fundamental and applied plasma research for fusion energy. Comparable to LAPLACE in its plasma science focus and public research structure, though IPP is more fusion-oriented while LAPLACE spans broader energy conversion and propulsion applications.
• MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center: Leading university-affiliated plasma research center conducting research on plasma physics, fusion energy, and plasma applications. Comparable as a publicly funded multi-disciplinary plasma research lab with strong industry and government partnerships and a track record of technology transfer.
• Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory: US Department of Energy national laboratory for plasma physics and fusion energy research. Comparable as a publicly funded multi-disciplinary plasma research lab with strong industry collaboration and technology transfer focus, though PPPL is more fusion-oriented.
• LAAS-CNRS (Laboratoire d'Analyse et d'Architecture des Systèmes): Sister CNRS research laboratory in Toulouse operating as a UMR jointly with Université de Toulouse. Co-organized the 6th Symposium on Electrical Engineering (SGE2025) with LAPLACE, indicating closely aligned research scope in electrical engineering, systems, and energy. Most natural peer given shared geography, parent institution, and overlapping scientific domains.

Emerging players

• Deeper Pulse: Spin-off company created from LAPLACE's Design Atop topological optimization software, founded by Frédéric Messine. Winner of i-Lab Grand Prix 2021. Commercializes LAPLACE-developed electromagnetic design technology for electric motors and satellite ion thrusters, representing the lab's most direct commercialization pathway.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/LAPLACE_France
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCifPLFomBbB7FMYw1kzM5MA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/laplace-lab--toulouse

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

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 Laboratoire plasma et conversion d'énergie (Laplace )