What IPSA does

IPSA (Institut Polytechnique des Sciences Avancées) is a private French grande école founded in 1961, specializing in aeronautical and space engineering education from Bac to Bac+5. It operates three campuses in Paris-Ivry, Toulouse and Lyon — the principal French aerospace industry clusters — and delivers a CTI-accredited five-year Ingénieur programme, a three-year Bachelor in aeronautics, four MSc specializations (Autonomous Aerospace Systems, Space Data & Engineering, Aéro IA & Cybersécurité, Aerospace Propulsion), and a double-degree MBA with ISG. Nine engineering-cycle majors cover propulsion, airframes, space systems, embedded systems, autonomous systems, cyber/data/AI, industrial project management and integrated logistics.

Teaching is practitioner-led (80% of faculty are active aerospace and defense professionals), supported by four applied-research laboratories (2MFE, PAP, STIA, COD) covering aerodynamics/CFD, astrophysics, AI/signal processing and control/optimization. Revenue is generated primarily through tuition across the Ingénieur, Bachelor, MSc and MBA programmes (full-time and apprenticeship tracks), complemented by applied-research contracts — many eligible for the French Research Tax Credit (CIR) — with industrial partners and by doctoral supervision. The go-to-market mixes direct recruitment of French post-bac students via the Concours Advance joint entrance examination, parallel-admission pathways for transfer students, and a dedicated JobTeaser-powered Career Center used by enterprises to source interns, apprentices and graduates.

The institution sits within the IONIS Education Group, the largest private higher-education group in France, and is operationally anchored to a deep industrial network — Airbus, Safran, Thales, Dassault Aviation, ArianeGroup, CNES, ONERA, DGA, Naval Group, Eutelsat and Air France, alongside engineering consultancies (ALTEN, Capgemini Engineering, Akkodis) and startups such as Ascendance Flight Technologies, Unistellar and Drone Volt. Outcomes are tightly tracked: 100% of graduates in employment within two months, median starting salary of €42,350 (Class of 2023), 85% placed in aeronautics/space/new mobility, 10% starting careers abroad, and a 5,800-strong alumni network reaching NASA and ESA.

Name

IPSA

Legal name

Association IPSA – Institut Polytechnique des Sciences Avancées

Website

https://ipsa.fr

Company type

Private

Founded year

1961

Operating status

Operating

Short description

IPSA is a private French grande école founded in 1961, delivering CTI-accredited aeronautics and space engineering programmes from Bac to Bac+5 across Paris-Ivry, Toulouse and Lyon campuses, serving post-bac, parallel-admission, Bachelor, MSc and MBA students for placement into European aerospace and defense employers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education Engineering (Aeronautics and Space)

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Emerging Aviation Maintenance (UAS/Drone, eVTOL & Advanced Air Mobility) (EDAOAFAO)

Keywords

• Aeronautical engineering education
• Space engineering programs
• Grande ecole engineering
• Aerospace graduate programs
• Drone and AI engineering

Headquarters

HQ city

Ivry-sur-Seine (Paris)

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Engineering Education Programs: IPSA generates revenue primarily through tuition fees for its engineering programs including the 5-year engineer program, Bachelor programs, MSc programs, and MBA. Programs are offered at campuses in Paris-Ivry, Toulouse, and Lyon with both full-time and apprenticeship tracks available.
2. Corporate Training and Research Services: Revenue generated through applied research services for companies, funded collaborative projects with public funding (Region, ANR, Europe), doctoral student supervision, and access to technology platforms. Companies can also benefit from Research Tax Credit (CIR) for eligible projects.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

IPSA is a French grande ecole that delivers aeronautical and space engineering education from Bac to Bac+5 level. Its core offering is the CTI-accredited 5-year engineering program, complemented by a 3-year Bachelor in aeronautics, four specialized MSc programs (Aero IA & Cyber, Space Data & Engineering, Aerospace Propulsion, Autonomous Aerospace Systems), and an MBA in aeronautical business engineering delivered jointly with ISG. Programs are taught across three campuses in Paris-Ivry, Toulouse, and Lyon, and combine academic coursework with industry-supervised projects, work-study tracks, and applied research in four in-house laboratories.

Product overview

IPSA (Institut Polytechnique des Sciences Avancées) is a French grande école specializing in aeronautical and space engineering education. The institution offers a comprehensive portfolio spanning from Bac to Bac+5 level: a 5-year CTI-accredited engineering program as the core offering, complemented by a 3-year Bachelor in aeronautics, multiple MSc programs (Aéro IA & Cybersécurité, Space Data & Engineering, Aerospace Propulsion, Autonomous Aerospace Systems), and an MBA in aeronautical business engineering in partnership with ISG. The engineering program features 9 major specialization tracks covering propulsion, airframes, space systems, embedded systems, autonomous systems, cybersecurity/AI, project management, and logistics. IPSA operates across three campuses (Paris, Toulouse, Lyon) and maintains research laboratories focused on materials/mechanics, physics/astrophysics, signals/AI, and control/optimization. The institution also supports student entrepreneurship through IPSTARTUP and provides applied research services for industry partners.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• IPSTARTUP: Student entrepreneur program supporting IPSA students in launching their own startups
• IPSA Alumni
• IPSA Prim
• Concours Advance

Products and services

• Cycle Ingénieur (5-year Engineering Program) CTI-accredited five-year engineering degree program in aeronautical and space engineering, integrating a two-year preparatory cycle with a three-year engineering cycle and major specialization tracks. Designed for post-Bac students admitted via Concours Advance and leads to the title of Engineer.
• Bachelor Aéronautique (3-year) Three-year Bachelor program in aeronautics with specialization tracks in Drone and AI, providing foundational engineering education for students entering higher education.
• MSc Aéro, IA & Cybersécurité Two-year work-study Master of Science program combining aerospace engineering with artificial intelligence and cybersecurity for embedded aerospace systems.
• MSc Space Data & Engineering Master of Science program focused on space data analysis, satellite systems, and space engineering applications.
• MSc Aerospace Propulsion Master of Science program in aerospace propulsion, available at M1 or M2 entry level, covering jet engines, rocket motors, and hybrid propulsion systems.
• MSc Autonomous Aerospace Systems Master of Science program focused on autonomous aerospace systems, drone technology, and autonomous aircraft engineering.
• MBA Ingénieur d'affaires en aéronautique et spatial Two-year work-study MBA program delivered in partnership with ISG business school, training business engineers for the aeronautics and space sectors.
• Applied Research Services for Companies Industry-facing R&D services leveraging IPSA's four research laboratories (2MFE, PAP, STIA, COD), technology platforms including flight simulators and test benches, and doctoral supervision. Eligible projects can benefit from the French Research Tax Credit (CIR).
• IPSA Alumni Network Alumni association with over 5,800 engineers worldwide, offering mentoring, job offers, events, and ongoing career support to IPSA graduates.
• IPSTARTUP Student Entrepreneurship Program Entrepreneurship program providing resources, mentoring, and incubation services for IPSA students launching startups in aeronautics, space, and new mobility sectors.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% professional integration rate within 2 months of graduation
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers19 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability6 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Groupe IONIScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIPSA is a member of the IONIS Education Group, a leading French private higher education group. This affiliation provides access to shared resources, cross-school programs, and the collective reputation of France's largest private engineering and business school group.
• Concours AdvancecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJoint admission examination with EPITA, ESME, and IPEG schools, providing access to 4 grandes ecoles across 13 campuses in France. IPSA benefits from centralized student recruitment through this partnership.
• AirbusflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor aerospace manufacturer and flagship recruiter of IPSA graduates. Airbus hosts internships, participates in campus recruitment events, and provides industrial project opportunities for students.
• SafranflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading aerospace engine manufacturer and key employer of IPSA graduates. Safran collaborates on propulsion-related specializations and recruitment.
• ThalesflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerDefense and aerospace electronics group recruiting IPSA graduates. Alumni work at Thales Alenia Space in Italy on space programs including NASA's Lunar Gateway.
• Dassault AviationflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor business jet manufacturer hosting IPSA interns at facilities like Dassault Falcon Service for methods and tooling engineering experience.
• ArianeGroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean launch vehicle manufacturer and space sector partner recruiting IPSA graduates for launcher and space programs.
• CNES (Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench space agency collaborating with IPSA on space research projects, hosting interns, and providing guest lectures from experts like Eric Lorigny on Mars exploration.
• DGA (Direction Generale de l'Armement)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench defense procurement agency providing student immersion experiences at facilities like DGA Saclay for propulsion studies.
• ONERAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench aerospace research center collaborating with IPSA on applied research projects in aerodynamics, propulsion, and aerospace structures.
• ISGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBusiness school partner offering a double-degree MBA program in aeronautical business engineering, combining IPSA's technical expertise with ISG's business education.
• JobTeasercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCareer platform partnership providing IPSA with a dedicated career center for managing internship, work-study, and job postings, with direct visibility to students across all three campuses.
• GIFAS (Groupement des Industries Francaises Aeronautiques et Spatiales)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerFrench aerospace industries association providing networking, industry visibility, and connection to the broader aerospace ecosystem in France.
• Aerospace ValleycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCompetitiveness cluster in the Toulouse area connecting IPSA with the aerospace industry ecosystem, research labs, and SME companies.
• Erasmus+coreGTM or Marketing PartnerEuropean mobility program enabling student exchanges and international experience at partner universities across Europe.
• Campus FrancecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAgency promoting French higher education internationally and supporting international students, helping IPSA recruit students from around the world.
• ALTENcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEngineering consulting firm and major recruiter of IPSA graduates for aerospace and defense engineering projects.
• Naval GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDefense and marine engineering group with space-related activities and submarine systems, partner in aerospace defense sector.
• EutelsatcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSatellite operator company collaborating with IPSA on space systems education and recruiting graduates for satellite-related roles.
• SAFE PolecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAerospace, space, and defense excellence cluster partnering with IPSA to strengthen industry connections and support student integration.
• Dedienne AerospaceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAerospace equipment supplier partnering with IPSA for student projects and recruitment in specialized aerospace manufacturing.
• Marine Nationale (French Navy)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench Navy partnering with IPSA for defense sector recruitment and student immersion experiences in naval aviation.
• SOPEMEAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAerospace testing and expertise group opening laboratories to IPSA students for practical experience in aerospace testing.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• ISAE-SUPAERO: ISAE-SUPAERO is France's leading aerospace engineering grande école based in Toulouse, offering engineering programs, MSc, and advanced research degrees in aeronautics and space. It is the most direct comparable to IPSA in mission, target market, and curriculum scope, with a stronger research reputation and public-institution positioning.
• ISG: ISG is a French business school within IONIS Education Group that partners with IPSA to deliver the MBA Ingénieur d'affaires en aéronautique et spatial. It is a direct peer within the same group ecosystem and shares students via double-degree pathways.
• EPITA: EPITA is a sister grande école within IONIS Education Group, specializing in computer science and engineering. It shares the same parent organization, Concours Advance admissions platform, and target student demographic (post-bac engineers), making it a structurally close peer.
• ESTACA: ESTACA is a French private engineering school specializing in aeronautics, automotive, space, and rail. Like IPSA, it offers post-bac engineering programs with industry partnerships and strong placement in transportation sectors, making it a close private-school peer.
• ENAC: ENAC (École Nationale de l'Aviation Civile) is the French civil aviation school providing engineering training, pilot training, and air traffic control education. It overlaps with IPSA in aeronautical engineering and aerospace education, though ENAC is public and more focused on civil aviation operations.

Broad incumbents

• CentraleSupélec: CentraleSupélec is a top-ranked French public engineering school with strong industry partnerships across aerospace, energy, and defense. It overlaps IPSA in producing engineering talent for major French employers and competes for the same high-achieving post-bac students.
• École Polytechnique: École Polytechnique is France's most prestigious engineering school, offering top-tier multidisciplinary engineering education with significant aerospace research output. It is a broader incumbent whose graduates compete with IPSA alumni for elite engineering roles in aerospace and defense.
• Arts et Métiers ParisTech: Arts et Métiers ParisTech is one of France's largest and oldest engineering grandes écoles, with mechanical, industrial, and energy specializations that overlap IPSA's propulsion and airframes tracks. It is a broader incumbent with significantly larger scale and public-institution status.

Regional players

• Cranfield University: Cranfield University is a UK-based postgraduate institution with a strong aerospace engineering program including propulsion and aircraft design. It is a comparable peer in mission and curriculum, though geographically focused on the UK and predominantly postgraduate.
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: Embry-Riddle is the leading US-based aeronautical university offering aviation, aerospace, and engineering programs. It is a comparable peer in specialization and industry connections, but serves primarily the North American market.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/ipsa
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/ipsaOfficiel
• Facebookfacebook.com/ecole.ipsa
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ipsa-ecole-d-ingenieurs-de-l-air-et-de-l-espace
• Instagraminstagram.com/ipsa.aero

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 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 IPSA