The optics and photonics industry is witnessing remarkable growth in France. Right now, the Provence region is emerging as the epicentre of innovation and we’re seeing rapid expansion of the companies based there. Given how crucial optical components have become for multiple industries—aerospace, defense, telecommunications and healthcare—it makes sense for this high-tech sector to find stable ground in France, which has launched wide-reaching initiatives to remain competitive on the global stage. Provence, particularly the Aix-Marseille region, has become the favoured destination for optics and photonics businesses. The region’s ideal location, combined with a network of renowned research institutions, has created a vibrant ecosystem for startups and pioneers. Companies operating in this space have traditionally focused on high-tech applications in aeronautics, space, security, and telecommunications. However, the increasing versatility of optical technologies is enabling expansion into new sectors like automotive, medical devices, and consumer electronics. France’s optics industry benefits significantly from the presence of global giants such as Airbus Helicopters, Dassault Aviation, and Thales Alenia Space. These corporations, along with highly specialized small and medium-sized enterprises, are driving forward research and industrial applications. The region is home to some of the country’s most advanced optics research and development projects, which account for 25% of France’s national R&D investments in optics and photonics. A defining feature of the optics sector in Provence is its close collaboration between academia and private enterprise. Engineers make up 80% of the workforce. A major force behind this synergy is the OPTITEC competitiveness cluster, which fosters collaboration between research institutions and industry players. One of OPTITEC’s flagship initiatives, the Opti’Pass program, is dedicated to accelerating the transfer of cutting-edge optical research into commercial applications. This initiative ensures that businesses can remain at the forefront of global innovation by continuously integrating the latest advancements in optics and photonics.