The Cluster
The Route des Lasers competitiveness cluster received its seal of approval in July 2005. The ALPhA association - Aquitaine Lasers Photonique & Applications, created in 2004, made up of companies and research and training centers in optics and lasers, presented the application for the seal of approval, with the support of 2ADI, Aquitaine’s regional development agency. Once approval was granted, ALPhA was the logical choice for the cluster’s governance and management.
The Cluster's Objectives
To become :
• The cluster of reference for the development and dissemination of innovative technologies in optics and lasers -- laser systems and applications, metrology, imagery, innovative physics -- in industrial sectors such as aeronautics, embedded systems, health-care, vision, chemicals, agribusiness and electronics,
• A research cluster of excellence in its specialties -- intense lasers, fiber lasers, ultrashort lasers, ultra-rapid optical instrumentation,
• The leading cluster in training for lasers and optics to stimulate the emergence of a new, major economic sector in Aquitaine, to create jobs and attract industrialists and researchers in the field.
The Place To Be
The cluster's actions rely on :
• A rapidly growing industrial network of small and medium-sized companies -– Amplitude Systèmes, i2S, Eolite Systems, and corporate groups – Sagem / Safran, Thales, driving forces of industry in this region,
• One of Europe's highest concentrations of specialists in optics and lasers, with 600 research workers – CEA CESTA, CPMOH, CELIA,
• Laser Megajoule (LMJ), becoming a recognized global scientific leader, with one of the world's two largest laser instruments,
• Specialized commercial real estate, offering a wide range of services through SEML Route des Lasers (dedicated industrial zones on the LMJ site, and a new technical zone, in collaboration with Bordeaux Unitec, the “Cité de la Photonique," near the university campus),
• The ALPhANOV optics and lasers technological center, one-of-a-kind on the national level for technology transfer between academic laboratories and companies,
• The PYLA center, a unique training facility in laser professions,
• Project to create the Institut d'Optique d'Aquitaine, in association with the Institut d'Optique Graduate School of Palaiseau, a pivotal project in undergraduate education,
• Communications projects targeting the general public, such as “Terre des Lasers”, a scientific and artistic exhibition devoted to light,
• The Institut Lasers et Plasmas (ILP), the national federation of large laser power instruments.
• One of Europe's highest concentrations of specialists in optics and lasers, with 600 research workers – CEA CESTA, CPMOH, CELIA,
• Laser Megajoule (LMJ), becoming a recognized global scientific leader, with one of the world's two largest laser instruments,
• Specialized commercial real estate, offering a wide range of services through SEML Route des Lasers (dedicated industrial zones on the LMJ site, and a new technical zone, in collaboration with Bordeaux Unitec, the “Cité de la Photonique," near the university campus),
• The ALPhANOV optics and lasers technological center, one-of-a-kind on the national level for technology transfer between academic laboratories and companies,
• The PYLA center, a unique training facility in laser professions,
• Project to create the Institut d'Optique d'Aquitaine, in association with the Institut d'Optique Graduate School of Palaiseau, a pivotal project in undergraduate education,
• Communications projects targeting the general public, such as “Terre des Lasers”, a scientific and artistic exhibition devoted to light,
• The Institut Lasers et Plasmas (ILP), the national federation of large laser power instruments.
The ALPHA association
In its role of governance and administration of the Route des Lasers competitiveness cluster, ALPhA takes concrete actions in the following fields:
• Elaboration of the cluster’s industrial, scientific and training strategy,
• Identification of innovative industrial R&D, collaborative or pivotal projects, implementation of selection and quality label mechanisms, guidance concerning the specific programs of regional, national and European financing,
• Capitalizing on the results of projects in research, industry and service,
• Guiding collective actions on behalf of members, participating in the development of the cluster’s SMEs,
• Implementation of the cluster’s policy to extend its international reputation and attractiveness,
• Collective representation of cluster members,
• Relations with other competitiveness clusters in France and abroad involved in the optics and lasers sector, and/or having skills of interest to cluster projects,
• One-of-a-kind missions involving studies or representation entrusted by the government, local authorities, national or regional agencies and organizations,
• Actions to promote the cluster’s image.
• Identification of innovative industrial R&D, collaborative or pivotal projects, implementation of selection and quality label mechanisms, guidance concerning the specific programs of regional, national and European financing,
• Capitalizing on the results of projects in research, industry and service,
• Guiding collective actions on behalf of members, participating in the development of the cluster’s SMEs,
• Implementation of the cluster’s policy to extend its international reputation and attractiveness,
• Collective representation of cluster members,
• Relations with other competitiveness clusters in France and abroad involved in the optics and lasers sector, and/or having skills of interest to cluster projects,
• One-of-a-kind missions involving studies or representation entrusted by the government, local authorities, national or regional agencies and organizations,
• Actions to promote the cluster’s image.