The Current Ecosystem: Creative Tech in Action

Today, Nantes hosts over 1,300 creative and digital companies employing 25,000 people. The sector grows 10% annually, outpacing traditional industries. But numbers miss the point. Nantes has created something unique: a tech ecosystem where artistic vision drives technological innovation.

Digital Arts and Entertainment

Ubisoft established a major studio focusing on narrative-driven games. Unlike action-oriented Lyon, Nantes specializes in emotional storytelling. "The city's artistic culture influences our games," notes Creative Director Sophie Martin. "Our developers attend theater, visit galleries. It shows in our work."

Supinfogame Rubika, one of Europe's top game design schools, draws students worldwide. The emphasis on narrative and aesthetics, not just coding, creates distinctive graduates. "We train auteurs, not just programmers," states Director Paul Leclerc.

Motion Twin, creators of the hit game Dead Cells, exemplifies Nantes' indie spirit. The worker cooperative structure—all eight members earn equally—reflects local values. "Nantes encourages experimentation, even in business models," explains member Thomas Vasseur.

Design Technology

Nantes leads France in design tech—tools and platforms that democratize creativity.

Klaxoon, developing collaborative workspace software, grew from Nantes startup to international player with €50 million funding. The visual, intuitive interfaces reflect local design sensibilities. "Our developers think like designers," notes CTO Marie Dubois. "That's pure Nantes."

Akeneo, a product information management platform, helps brands tell product stories across channels. The focus on narrative commerce over pure transaction embodies Nantes' approach. "Every product has a story," insists founder Frédéric de Gombert. "Technology should help tell it."

Cultural Tech Innovation

Where Nantes truly distinguishes itself is applying technology to cultural experiences.

Stereolux, a cultural venue for digital arts, isn't just a concert hall but a laboratory. Artists experiment with AI-generated music, interactive installations, and augmented reality performances. "We're prototyping the future of cultural experience," explains Director Olympe Caro.

La Cantine Numérique brings together artists, developers, and entrepreneurs. The co-working space hosts "creative tech" meetups where VR developers demonstrate to choreographers, and musicians collaborate with data scientists.

Transfert, a temporary cultural urbanism project, uses technology to transform abandoned spaces. QR codes trigger site-specific stories. AR reveals invisible histories. "Technology makes the invisible visible," states Artistic Director Caty Olive. "That's very Nantes."