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50 leading Think Tanks companies in France

Tamtam tracks 52 Think Tanks companies headquartered in France. This list ranks the 50 largest by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by ENGIE Research & Innovation, Ifri - Institut français des relations internationales and Women in AI. Their median headcount is 35. Half of them were founded in 2011 or later. The most common headquarters are Paris (15), Villeurbanne (3) and Courbevoie (2).

🇫🇷 France50 companiesUpdated Nov 14, 2026

These French think tanks include a mix of public and private research organizations, many of which focus on international relations, strategic analysis, and scientific research. Companies such as Ifri and IRIS specialize in geopolitical research and policy analysis, while institutions like Lyon Neuroscience Research Center and Institut de Recherches sur la Catalyse et l'Environnement de Lyon conduct scientific studies in their respective fields. CEA Tech focuses on developing advanced technologies across various sectors, and Women in AI is dedicated to promoting gender diversity in artificial intelligence.

A notable pattern among these organizations is their geographic distribution, with a significant cluster of think tanks located in Paris. Other major research hubs include Grenoble, Lyon, and Marseille, indicating a nationwide presence of specialized research institutions. The founding dates range from established entities like Ifri (1979) to more recent ones such as Women in AI (2016) and IRDL (2016), reflecting a continuous evolution in the French research landscape.

#CompanyIndustryHeadquarters EmployeesFounded
1
ENGIE Research & Innovationinnovation.engie.com

An innovation-focused company seeking collaborations with startups in Biogas, Energy communities, Energy efficiency, Hydrogen, and Energy storage projects

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Courbevoie 686 n/a
2
Ifri - Institut français des relations internationalesifri.org

Leading independent research institute in France, specializing in international affairs and global governance Conducts policy-oriented research, hosts debates, and publishes influential publications

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Paris 275 1979
3
Women in AIwomeninai.co

A global community empowering women in AI, working to close the gender gap and raise awareness about gender diversity in the field

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Paris 262 2016
4
CHU DE NICE - CENTRE DE RECHERCHE CLINIQUEchu-nice.fr

The Clinical Research Center (CRC) at CHU de Nice supports clinical investigations to improve trial quality, patient recruitment, safety, and research optimization

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Nice 243 2011
5
IRIS - Institut de Relations Internationales et Stratégiquesiris-france.org

Independent think tank providing geopolitical research, strategic analysis, publications, training, and events for public and private organizations.

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Paris 201 1991
6
Lyon Neuroscience Research Center - CRNLcrnl.fr

Established in 2011 by INSERM, CNRS, and two universities, this center focuses on understanding brain function and disorders through multidisciplinary research and technological platforms

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Bron 195 2011
7
CEA Techcea-tech.fr

technology research unit developing ICT, energy, healthcare technologies, bridging research and business, providing access to key enabling technologies

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Grenoble 192 n/a
8
IM2NP CNRS UMR 7334im2np.fr

Established in 2008, IM2NP is a multidisciplinary research institute specializing in advanced materials, integrated electronics, and nanoscience with 300 staff members

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Marseille 118 n/a
9
LATMOS Laboratoire Atmosphères, Observations Spatialeslatmos.ipsl.fr

Studying fundamental physico-chemical processes governing terrestrial and planetary atmospheres and their interfaces, developing innovative instruments and numerical atmospheric models.

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Guyancourt 106 2009
10
IRDL - UMR CNRS 6027/UBS/ENSTA/INP UBO/UBOirdl.fr

Leading marine mechanical systems research institute in France and Europe, specializing in material mechanics and structures, supporting maritime economy in Brittany

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Lorient 104 2016
11
Institut de Recherches sur la Catalyse et l'Environnement de Lyon (IRCELYON)ircelyon.univ-lyon1.fr

The IRCELYON is a leading research unit in heterogeneous catalysis, focusing on sustainable development in energy, environment, and green chemistry

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Villeurbanne 104 2007
12
TIMC Labtimc.fr

The company is at the forefront of the healthcare revolution, leveraging information to personalize medicine and drive innovation in collaboration with healthcare professionals

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 La Tronche 102 1993
13
CEMEF Mines Paris - PSL - CNRS UMR7635cemef.minesparis.psl.eu

A global leader in materials research and modeling, partnering with industry and training experts, focusing on all material types and industrial processes

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Sophia Antipolis cedex 100 1974
14
Institut de Physique et de Chimie des Matériaux de Strasbourg - IPCMSipcms.fr

An internationally recognized research center in materials and nanosciences with strong expertise in quantum sciences, biophotonics, advanced materials, and more

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Strasbourg Campus Cronenbourg 89 1987
15
FRS | Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégiquefrstrategie.org

Independent French think tank specializing in strategic, defense, and security issues, providing analysis and insights for policy and decision-making.

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Levallois-Perret 87 n/a
16
institut de Biologie Valrose - iBVibv.unice.fr

International research institute focusing on developmental biology, cell signaling, and human pathologies with state-of-the-art facilities, diverse research groups, and prestigious scientific awards

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Nice 83 1973
17
MoHomoho.co

Building a global community of changemakers addressing 21st-century challenges through innovation, summits, and local embassies worldwide.

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Caen 74 2017
18
CarMeN Laboratory INRAE UMR1397-INSERM U1060carmen.univ-lyon1.fr

A biomedical research laboratory in Lyon focusing on metabolic diseases, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular complications, renal failure, and dyslipidemia ISO 9001:2015 certified

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Pierre-Bénite 66 2011
19
IEGA - Institut d'études de géopolitique appliquéeinstitut-ega.org

Founded in 2015, the Institute of Applied Geopolitical Studies analyzes international relations, provides public insight, and offers training and consultation services

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Paris 64 2015
20
LGP2lgp2.grenoble-inp.fr

Conducts innovative research meeting economic, societal expectations in sustainable development, green chemistry, biorefinery, bio-sourced materials, traceability, security, smart packaging, printed electronics.

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Saint-Martin-d'Hères 60 n/a
21
elanovaelanova.fr

Unique European competence center offering research, training, and foundation services to companies within the industry sector on one site.

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Vitry-sur-Seine 51 1863
22
CEISAMceisam.univ-nantes.fr

This institute in Nantes focuses on molecular chemistry research, including synthesis, analysis, and modeling, conducted on the University of Nantes science campus

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Nantes 49 2008
23
Institute for Future Technologies - IFTift.devinci.fr

A community of students and Maker supervisors passionate about multidisciplinary learning through making, utilizing advanced technologies for innovation in various fields

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Courbevoie 48 2018
24
Université Henri Poincaré, Nancy 1uhp-nancy.fr

University Institute of Technology offers high-level education in 8 key fields including engineering, health, logistics, and network technology

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Nancy 39 n/a
25
SCAI (Sorbonne Cluster for Artificial Intelligence)sorbonne-universite.fr

The company specializes in artificial intelligence research and education, aiming to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation among researchers, students, and industry

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Paris 35 2019

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26
HumanFabhumanfab.com

This center offers sport performance, health, and industry support through a multidisciplinary team, personalized training, and product validation, just like pros.

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Aix-en-Provence 34 2008
27
CAREP Pariscarep-paris.org

A Paris-based center of expertise in social sciences enhancing the scientific debate on Arab countries, promoting original research, dialogue, and cultural events

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Paris 27 2018
28
LCTS - Laboratoire des Composites ThermoStructuraux UMR 5801lcts.cnrs.fr

A joint lab specializing in basic science research on refractory composites for aerospace, energy, and industrial applications, with strong industry relationships

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Pessac 27 1988
29
Institut de la Gestion Déléguée (IGD)fondation-igd.org

A non-profit foundation established in 1996 promoting quality and performance improvement of public services, particularly when managed through delegation, through reliable analysis, balanced solutions, and stakeholder dialogue

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Paris 19 1996
30
Institut de Chimie de Lyon

ICL is a federation of 14 chemistry research labs in Lyon, promoting synergies between academia and industry to address societal challenges

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Villeurbanne 19 2007
31
Conversation Geo Ecotaplink.cc

Conversation Geo Eco is a media platform focused on giving voice to players in geoeconomics through podcasts, interviews, and analysis, promoting awareness and expertise

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Paris 17 2024
32
Fondation FARMfondation-farm.org

Think-tank providing expertise on global agricultural and food issues, focusing on food security, supply chains, and rural resilience.

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Montrouge 13 2005
33
Mêtismetis-lab.com

Mêtis facilitates connections between research and field, bridging academia with museum professionals through consultancy, research, and events in various cultural sectors

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Paris 12 2017
34
Institut Enterritoiresinstitutenterritoires.com

Facilitates collective reflection and collaboration among diverse stakeholders to support sustainable development and transformation of French territories.

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Bordeaux 11 2024
35
Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgininrae.fr

A leading European research center in plant biology, combining multidisciplinary expertise in biology, chemistry, and mathematics, recognized for groundbreaking research in France

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Versailles 11 n/a
36
Ecological Accounting Chairchaire-comptabilite-ecologique.fr

A partnership between education institutions and companies promoting sustainability accounting for ecological transition, developing, modeling, and experimenting with new accounting systems

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Paris 8 2019
37
CKP Engineeringckp-engineering.fr

CKP Engineering is a French SME providing global solutions in classic and decarbonized energy for mobility, defense, and competition sectors through in-house industrial capabilities

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Paris 8 2017
38
Business & Legal Forumsfr.blforums.com

A participatory and independent Think Tank focusing on enhancing alignment between business models and norms for ethical and high-performance outcomes

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Paris 7 2008
39
institut Carnot Ingénierie@Lyoningenierie-at-lyon.org

Engineering firm in Lyon specializing in innovative materials, mechanical expertise, and experimental approaches for industries advancing in transportation, green energy, healthcare, and sports

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Villeurbanne 7 2007
40
IPANEMA Labipanema.cnrs.fr

A joint laboratory specializing in advanced material characterization methodologies for archaeology, paleo-environments, paleontology, and cultural heritage, supporting synchrotron-based research

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Gif-sur-Yvette 7 n/a
41
Programme Objectif Océan, navire Esprit de VELOXespritdevelox.org

Promoting multi-disciplinary collaboration to find a sustainable equilibrium between humanity and the environment, focusing on ocean exploration and innovation

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 La Rochelle 6 2014
42
Centre de valorisation des agroressources - CVAcva-ctt19.fr

The company specializes in eco-extraction processes, analyzing plant materials, and developing innovative extraction and analysis equipment for cosmetic and health food applications

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Brive-la-Gaillarde 6 2013
43
European Magnetism Associationmagnetism.eu

The European Magnetism Association promotes research, education, and networking in magnetism and magnetic materials, organizing conferences, schools, and online resources for the community

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Mulhouse 5 2016
44
MICADOafmicado.com

MICADO is a research center focused on digital engineering, facilitating collaboration, data centralization, R&D, training, and certifications for companies in the field

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Sisteron 5 1974
45
ESTER Technopoleester-technopole.org

A technology park supported by the Limoges Métropole community, ESTER Technopole houses 186 companies, labs, and resources, specializing in industrial excellence and innovation

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Limoges 5 1993
46
Académie Internationale de la Paixaisp.fr

The International Academy of Peace is dedicated to educating and promoting peace values worldwide through training programs and expert platforms

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Lyon 4 n/a
47
Chaire Agricultures Urbaines AgroParisTechchaire-agricultures-urbaines.org

A partnership aiming to innovate and advance urban agriculture, producing knowledge and tools to support sustainable forms of urban farming

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Paris 4 2018
48
Veolia Instituteinstitut.veolia.org

An independent institute focused on exploring the future at the interface between society and the environment through discussions on various thematic areas

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Aubervilliers 3 2001
49
Digital New Dealthedigitalnewdeal.org

The think-tank aims to build a European "Enlightenment digital" to protect humanistic values and combat foreign platform centralization for digital sovereignty

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Paris 3 2016
50
DELEX CONSORTIUMdelex-consortium.org

An independent think tank in Paris committed to fostering innovation, addressing legal and ethical challenges, and shaping public policy debates in France and Europe

Think Tanks 🇫🇷 Paris 3 2022

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How this list is built

Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 14, 2026.

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