From analytical chemistry to scientific entrepreneurship
The Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) – Science to Business: Your Chemistry Journey offers an innovative international learning experience at the interface of analytical chemistry, quality standards, and entrepreneurship. Hosted by the University of Orléans (Institute of Technology), this programme allows students to design their own scientific start-up while gaining hands-on experience in modern analytical chemistry laboratories.
By combining online learning with an intensive on-site session in France, the BIP provides a unique opportunity to transform scientific knowledge into a structured business project, closely aligned with real industrial challenges.
Programme objectives
This programme aims to enable students to:
-
Discover key techniques in modern analytical chemistry
-
Apply these techniques to real industrial case studies
-
Understand the challenges related to certification, standards, and quality control
-
Design and structure a scientific start-up project
-
Develop transversal skills such as teamwork, communication, and project management
Academic content
The programme is structured into five complementary modules:
-
Project Initiation
-
Chemical Analysis of the Product
-
Certification and Standards
-
Business Creation and Management
-
Commercial Strategy and Communication
Students will work on advanced analytical techniques and concepts including chromatography, electrophoresis, active compound extraction, mass spectrometry (structural and quantitative analysis), atomic spectroscopy (ICP-OES, AAS), as well as market analysis, marketing, and business strategy.
Application fields
The developed projects address a wide range of application sectors:
-
Agri-food: quality control and ingredient characterisation
-
Biotechnology: microalgae cultivation and evaluation of bioactive compounds
-
Cosmetics: ingredients and quality control
-
Environment: contaminant analysis
-
Pharmaceuticals: active ingredient analysis and formulation
Programme structure
Online phase
-
Period: May / June
-
Workload: 25 hours
-
Format: online lectures (chemistry, artificial intelligence, marketing) and autonomous group work
On-site phase in Orléans (France)
-
Dates: Monday 29 June – Friday 3 July 2026
Highlights include:
-
20 hours of hands-on laboratory work (five half-day sessions) in analytical chemistry laboratories and computer rooms
-
One half-day scientific visit
-
One half-day cultural visit
-
One half-day welcome session and final debriefing
Target audience
The programme is primarily intended for undergraduate students (2nd or 3rd year) and is also open to Master’s and Doctoral students with a background in chemistry, experimental sciences, or related fields.
Language of instruction
-
English (minimum level B2 required)
-
Some informal exchanges may take place in French
ECTS credits
-
4 ECTS
Application process
Application period
From 12 January to 1 March 2025
Required documents
-
CV in English
-
Motivation letter in English outlining expectations and reasons for applying
Application form
https://uorleans.moveonfr.com/form/695f6709665fd9d2420b3479/eng
Contact
International Relations Office (BRI) – IUT Orléans
Email: international.iut45@univ-orleans.fr
Phone: +33 2 38 49 44 21 / +33 2 38 49 44 72
