University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté
UBFC is a French public federal university coordinating 7 member institutions across Burgundy-Franche-Comté, delivering integrated MSc/PhD education and operating 7 internationally recognized research laboratories with unique national-level platforms in photonics, metrology, microtechnology, and hydrogen energy, primarily serving students, research partners, and government stakeholders.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2016
- HeadquartersBesançon, France
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté does
University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté (UBFC) is a French public higher education institution headquartered in Besançon, operating as a federal university that coordinates 7 member institutions: Université de Bourgogne, Université de Franche-Comté, ENSMM, UTBM, AgroSup Dijon, Burgundy School of Business, and ENSAM Cluny. Established in 2016 as a COMUE and reclassified as an Établissement Public Expérimental (EPE) on January 1, 2025, UBFC delivers integrated higher education and research across multiple campuses in Dijon, Besançon, Belfort, and Montbéliard, with 16 English-taught Master programs anchored by the EIPHI Graduate School and 7 internationally recognized research laboratories (FEMTO-ST, ICB, IMB, LmB, ImViA, UTINAM, ICMUB).
UBFC's core technology infrastructure comprises unique national-level platforms, including the MIMENTO clean room (RENATECH network member), SMARTLIGHT photonics platform supporting 120+ scientists, REFIMEVE+ metrological fiber network, FCLAB and HYDROGENE-ENERGIE fuel cell testing platforms, and the National Platform for End-of-Life Research coordinating 340+ researchers and clinicians. These platforms underpin research excellence across photonics, microtechnology, time-frequency metrology, hydrogen energy, materials science, and biomedical engineering.
UBFC's business model is structured as a publicly funded institution rather than a revenue-generating entity. Funding streams comprise French government allocations, PIA/ANR research grants, European project funding (Horizon 2020 MSCA networks such as LIMQUET €3.8M and ENHANCE €3.4M), regional council support, and modest regulated tuition fees (€250/year for Master programs plus €105 CVEC, with merit scholarships up to €8,000/year). The go-to-market motion combines centralized French application platforms (Etudes en France, e-Candidat) for student recruitment, 57 Erasmus+ partnerships for international mobility, and the PEPITE-BFC student entrepreneurship center for innovation transfer. Primary customer segments are domestic and international students across bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, with secondary research partnerships spanning industry, healthcare (CHU Dijon, CHRU Besançon), and government ministries.
University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté
- Legal name
- COMUE Université Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
- Website
- https://ubfc.fr
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2016
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- UBFC is a French public federal university coordinating 7 member institutions across Burgundy-Franche-Comté, delivering integrated MSc/PhD education and operating 7 internationally recognized research laboratories with unique national-level platforms in photonics, metrology, microtechnology, and hydrogen energy, primarily serving students, research partners, and government stakeholders.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Higher Education
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Scientific Research and Development Services (5417)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Public Research Universities with National Laboratories/Big Science Facilities (EDAHAAAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Comprehensive Doctoral Research Universities (Multi-Disciplinary) (EDAHABAA), Degree-Level Scholarships (Undergrad/Masters/PhD/Postdoc) (EDAIAOAE), Research Administration & Compliance (Sponsored Programs, IRB/REB) (EDADAKAH)
Keywords
Where University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Besançon
- HQ country
- France
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices4 records
Markets served
University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Public Higher Education Funding: Government-funded public university receiving state funding for education and research activities as part of the French higher education system.
- Tuition and Registration Fees: Annual tuition fees of €250 for Master programs plus €105 student life contribution fee, with scholarships available for high-quality international students.
- Research Grants and Project Funding: Funding from government investment programs including PIA (Programme d'Investissements d'Avenir), ANR (National Research Agency), European projects, and regional council support for research excellence initiatives.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Master Degree Tuition - Standard |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté product offering
Product offeringCore offering
UBFC is a French federal public university that delivers higher education programs from undergraduate to doctoral level and conducts scientific research across seven member institutions. It operates graduate schools (EIPHI, TRANSBIO, INTHERAPI), supports student entrepreneurship through PEPITE-BFC, and manages unique national-level research platforms in photonics, microfabrication, hydrogen energy, and metrology for academic and industry partners.
Product overview
University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté (UBFC) is a federal university structure comprising multiple higher education institutions in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of France. Its educational offerings are organized primarily through three Graduate Schools (EIPHI, TRANSBIO, INTHERAPI), each offering integrated MSc and PhD programs across specialized scientific domains. EIPHI Graduate School provides multidisciplinary training in Physics, Sciences, and Engineering with 16 Master degrees. The university also operates research platforms including the National Platform for End-of-Life Research, open science platform dat@UBFC, and student entrepreneurship program PEPITE-BFC. Excellence initiatives like ISITE-BFC organize research around three strategic axes: Advanced Materials/Waves/Smart Systems, Territories/Environment/Food, and Individualized/Integrated Care.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- ISITE-BFC: Excellence initiative project for research and innovation in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté (2016-2021)
- INTEGRATE
- PEPITE-BFC
- RITM-BFC
- Polytechnicum
- LabEx LipSTIC
- SMARTLIGHT Platform
Products and services
- EIPHI Graduate School International integrated MSc/PhD program providing multidisciplinary training in Physics, Sciences and Engineering focused on innovation and research. Offers 16 Master degrees taught in English across 5 domains including Physics, Smart Systems, Energy, Material Science, and Computer Science, with integrated 5-year MSc/PhD curriculum and personal mentorship.
- Graduate Schools Network France
Quantifiable outcome
- 120 doctoral graduates in 2024 ceremony
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- Ministry of Higher Education, Research and InnovationcoreGovernment ministry providing support for national platform for end-of-life research; Co-supporter with Ministry of Health and Solidarités
- Ministry of Health and SolidaritéscoreGovernment ministry supporting the national platform for end-of-life research
- Fondation de FrancecoreMajor French charitable foundation supporting the national platform for end-of-life research
- FEMTO-ST LaboratorycoreInternationally renowned research laboratory; Partner in EIPHI Graduate School and multiple research projects including SMARTLIGHT, hydrogen energy, and microtechnology platforms
- ICB Laboratory (Institut Carnot de Bourgogne)coreMajor research laboratory in chemistry and physics; Partner in EIPHI Graduate School offering photonics, nanotechnology, and materials science programs
- IMB (Institut de Mathématiques de Bourgogne)coreMathematics research institute; Partner in EIPHI Graduate School for physics and mathematics programs
- Université de Bourgogne and Université de Franche-ComtéflagshipTwo main founding universities of the federal UBFC system; Primary institutions delivering education and research across all programs
- Bourgogne-Franche-Comté RegioncoreRegional council supporting EIPHI research projects, graduate school operations, and multiple excellence initiatives (ISITE-BFC, RITM-BFC)
- CROUS Bourgogne-Franche-ComtécoreStudent welfare organization providing housing, dining services, and student life support across UBFC campuses
- 57 European University Partners (Erasmus+)coreErasmus+ cooperation agreements with universities across Europe including EPFL Lausanne, TU Munich, University of Bologna, and 50+ others for student and faculty exchange
- Université Grenoble AlpesminorPartner in Quantum Technologies and Engineering (QuanTEEM) Erasmus Mundus Master program
- Rheinland Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU)minorPartner in Erasmus Mundus QuanTEEM program for Physics double degree
- LIMQUET (MSCA-ITN)coreEU Horizon 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie network with €3.8M budget focusing on Light-Matter Interfaces for Quantum Enhanced Technology; 10 beneficiaries
- ENHANCE (MSCA-ITN)coreEU Horizon 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie network with €3.4M budget for Piezoelectric Energy Harvesters for Self-Powered Automotive Sensors; 7 beneficiaries
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Nantes Université: French public research university formed as a federal structure of multiple institutions. Comparable to UBFC in federation model, graduate school strategy, and emphasis on interdisciplinary research clusters.
- CY Cergy Paris Université: Newer French public experimental institution (EPE status) with a federal structure similar to UBFC. Comparable as a recently reorganized public research university pursuing graduate school and industry partnership strategies.
- Aix-Marseille Université: Large French public research university formed as a merger of multiple institutions. Comparable to UBFC as a multi-institution federal research university with national-level platforms and similar funding model through PIA/ANR programs.
- Université de Strasbourg: French public research university with strong STEM and cross-border research profile. Comparable to UBFC in size, research intensity, and multi-disciplinary scope including photonics, chemistry, and life sciences.
- Université de Lorraine: French public research university formed through merger with multi-campus structure across eastern France. Comparable to UBFC in geographic positioning, federal structure, and research portfolio in materials, energy, and engineering.
- Université de Lille: French public research university formed by merger of three universities. Comparable to UBFC as a recently restructured federal public university focused on research excellence, graduate schools, and industry partnerships.
- Université Grenoble Alpes: Major French public research university with a multi-campus federation structure across the Grenoble region. Comparable to UBFC in scope of STEM research, graduate schools, and Erasmus Mundus partnerships (including QuanTEEM co-delivered with UBFC).
- Université de Montpellier: French public research university with strong STEM and life sciences research. Comparable to UBFC as a multi-campus public university with national-level research platforms and similar funding structure through PIA programs.
Broad incumbents
- Université Paris-Saclay: Large French public research-intensive university encompassing multiple grandes écoles and research organizations. Comparable as a public research university with national-level platforms and STEM graduate programs, though operating at significantly greater scale.
- Sorbonne Université: Major Paris-based French public research university. Comparable in offering multi-disciplinary doctoral and graduate programs, though operating at a larger scale with broader international visibility than UBFC.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks4 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté social profiles
Digital presenceUniversity of Burgundy-Franche-Comté compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries9 records
University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté
What does University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté do?
UBFC is a French federal public university that delivers higher education programs from undergraduate to doctoral level and conducts scientific research across seven member institutions. It operates graduate schools (EIPHI, TRANSBIO, INTHERAPI), supports student entrepreneurship through PEPITE-BFC, and manages unique national-level research platforms in photonics, microfabrication, hydrogen energy, and metrology for academic and industry partners.
Is University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté a public or private company?
University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté founded?
University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté was founded in 2016. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté based?
University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté is headquartered in Besançon, France, in the Europe region.
How does University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Public Higher Education Funding is the primary driver. The others are tuition and Registration Fees and research Grants and Project Funding.
Who are University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Nantes Université, CY Cergy Paris Université, Aix-Marseille Université, Université de Strasbourg, Université de Lorraine, Université de Lille, Université Grenoble Alpes and Université de Montpellier. Broad incumbents are Université Paris-Saclay and Sorbonne Université.
Does University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté have an API?
No public API is recorded for University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté.
What industry is University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté in?
University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté's product category is Higher Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHAAAJ, Public Research Universities with National Laboratories/Big Science Facilities, with a secondary code of EDAHABAA, Comprehensive Doctoral Research Universities (Multi-Disciplinary). Its NAICS code is 6113 and its SIC code is 8200.