# 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).

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.

🇫🇷 France · 50 companies · Updated Nov 14, 2026

| # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [ENGIE Research & Innovation](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/engie-research-and-innovation) (innovation.engie.com)<br>An innovation-focused company seeking collaborations with startups in Biogas, Energy communities, Energy efficiency, Hydrogen, and Energy storage projects | Think Tanks | 🇫🇷 Courbevoie | 686 |  |
| 2 | [Ifri - Institut français des relations internationales](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ifri-institut-francais-des-relations-internationales) (ifri.org)<br>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 AI](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/women-in-ai) (womeninai.co)<br>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 CLINIQUE](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/chu-de-nice-centre-de-recherche-clinique) (chu-nice.fr)<br>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 Stratégiques](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/iris-institut-de-relations-internationales-et-strategiques) (iris-france.org)<br>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 - CRNL](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/lyon-neuroscience-research-center-crnl) (crnl.fr)<br>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 Tech](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/cea-tech) (cea-tech.fr)<br>technology research unit developing ICT, energy, healthcare technologies, bridging research and business, providing access to key enabling technologies | Think Tanks | 🇫🇷 Grenoble | 192 |  |
| 8 | [IM2NP CNRS UMR 7334](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/im2np-cnrs-umr-7334) (im2np.fr)<br>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 |  |
| 9 | [LATMOS Laboratoire Atmosphères, Observations Spatiales](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/latmos-laboratoire-atmospheres-observations-spatiales) (latmos.ipsl.fr)<br>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/UBO](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/irdl-umr-cnrs-6027-ubs-ensta-inp-ubo-ubo) (irdl.fr)<br>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)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/institut-de-recherches-sur-la-catalyse-et-l-environnement-de-lyon-ircelyon) (ircelyon.univ-lyon1.fr)<br>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 Lab](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/timc-lab) (timc.fr)<br>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 UMR7635](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/cemef-mines-paris-psl-cnrs-umr7635) (cemef.minesparis.psl.eu)<br>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 - IPCMS](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/institut-de-physique-et-de-chimie-des-materiaux-de-strasbourg-ipcms) (ipcms.fr)<br>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 Stratégique](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/frs-fondation-pour-la-recherche-strategique) (frstrategie.org)<br>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 |  |
| 16 | [institut de Biologie Valrose - iBV](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/institut-de-biologie-valrose-ibv) (ibv.unice.fr)<br>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 | [MoHo](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/moho) (moho.co)<br>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 U1060](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/carmen-laboratory-inrae-umr1397-inserm-u1060) (carmen.univ-lyon1.fr)<br>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 appliquée](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/iega-institut-d-etudes-de-geopolitique-appliquee) (institut-ega.org)<br>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 | [LGP2](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/lgp2) (lgp2.grenoble-inp.fr)<br>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 |  |
| 21 | [elanova](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/elanova) (elanova.fr)<br>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 | [CEISAM](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ceisam) (ceisam.univ-nantes.fr)<br>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 - IFT](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/institute-for-future-technologies-ift) (ift.devinci.fr)<br>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 1](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universite-henri-poincare-nancy-1) (uhp-nancy.fr)<br>University Institute of Technology offers high-level education in 8 key fields including engineering, health, logistics, and network technology | Think Tanks | 🇫🇷 Nancy | 39 |  |
| 25 | [SCAI (Sorbonne Cluster for Artificial Intelligence)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/scai-sorbonne-cluster-for-artificial-intelligence) (sorbonne-universite.fr)<br>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 |
| 26 | [HumanFab](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/humanfab) (humanfab.com)<br>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 Paris](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/carep-paris) (carep-paris.org)<br>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 5801](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/lcts-laboratoire-des-composites-thermostructuraux-umr-5801) (lcts.cnrs.fr)<br>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)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/institut-de-la-gestion-deleguee-igd) (fondation-igd.org)<br>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](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/institut-de-chimie-de-lyon)<br>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 Eco](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/conversation-geo-eco) (taplink.cc)<br>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 FARM](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/fondation-farm) (fondation-farm.org)<br>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 | [Mêtis](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/metis) (metis-lab.com)<br>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 Enterritoires](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/institut-enterritoires) (institutenterritoires.com)<br>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 Bourgin](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/institut-jean-pierre-bourgin) (inrae.fr)<br>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 |  |
| 36 | [Ecological Accounting Chair](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ecological-accounting-chair) (chaire-comptabilite-ecologique.fr)<br>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 Engineering](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ckp-engineering) (ckp-engineering.fr)<br>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 Forums](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/business-and-legal-forums) (fr.blforums.com)<br>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@Lyon](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/institut-carnot-ingenierie-lyon) (ingenierie-at-lyon.org)<br>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 Lab](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ipanema-lab) (ipanema.cnrs.fr)<br>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 |  |
| 41 | [Programme Objectif Océan, navire Esprit de VELOX](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/programme-objectif-ocean-navire-esprit-de-velox) (espritdevelox.org)<br>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 - CVA](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/centre-de-valorisation-des-agroressources-cva) (cva-ctt19.fr)<br>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 Association](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/european-magnetism-association) (magnetism.eu)<br>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 | [MICADO](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/micado) (afmicado.com)<br>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 Technopole](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ester-technopole) (ester-technopole.org)<br>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 Paix](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/academie-internationale-de-la-paix) (aisp.fr)<br>The International Academy of Peace is dedicated to educating and promoting peace values worldwide through training programs and expert platforms | Think Tanks | 🇫🇷 Lyon | 4 |  |
| 47 | [Chaire Agricultures Urbaines AgroParisTech](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/chaire-agricultures-urbaines-agroparistech) (chaire-agricultures-urbaines.org)<br>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 Institute](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/veolia-institute) (institut.veolia.org)<br>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 Deal](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/digital-new-deal) (thedigitalnewdeal.org)<br>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 CONSORTIUM](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/delex-consortium) (delex-consortium.org)<br>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 |

## 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.

## More company lists in France

- [The largest companies in France](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/largest-companies-france) (90,785)
- [Multinational companies in France](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/multinational-companies-france) (11,860)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in France](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-france) (8,747)
- [Retail chains in France](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-chains-france) (7,524)
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- [Professional services firms in France](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/professional-services-firms-france) (6,608)
- [IT services companies in France](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-companies-france) (5,000)
- [IT Services and IT Consulting companies in France](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-and-it-consulting-companies-france) (4,943)
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## The same list elsewhere

- [Think Tanks companies in the world](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/think-tanks-companies-in-the-world) (191)
- [Think Tanks companies in Europe](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/think-tanks-companies-in-europe) (104)

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Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/think-tanks-companies-france