ALPHA-RLH

ALPHA-RLH is a deep tech competitiveness cluster in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. It helps companies and laboratories set up, assess and fund innovative projects. It has worked in the region since 2005 and is chaired by CEA. It runs sites in Bordeaux, Limoges, La Rochelle and Pau.

The cluster focuses on three areas of expertise. They are photonics and lasers, materials, and electronics and microwave. It also covers a cross-cutting area that joins digital technology, the industry of the future and cultural and creative industries. These skills serve four markets: aeronautics, space and defence, communication and security, energy and intelligent buildings, and healthcare.

The cluster reports 302 members for 2025, 53 supported projects, 18 financed projects and 48 events. Members can search a directory and share their news on the cluster's pages.

Innovation support is a main service. The cluster spots new project ideas and offers innovation checks, technical days and contacts with laboratories and technology transfer centres. It helps members build consortia and look for funding. It can also award a label to innovative projects. Projects go before a committee of experts from business, research and technology centres. A label is recognised in the region and is recommended for France 2030 calls for projects. Projects can be research or industrial, and can be single or shared. Funding sources include France 2030, Bpifrance, ADEME, the defence innovation agency and the regional government.

The cluster also helps members work in Europe. It watches for European funding, helps build the right consortium and explains calls for projects. It reviews proposals to improve their chances and provides letters of support. It also offers lobbying and visibility work, and it has produced a ten-episode web series to encourage companies to take part in European projects.

Other services cover international markets, events and networking. Members can attend trade fairs and international missions, join workshops and conferences, and get introductions to expand their network. The cluster also offers visibility services for its members. Its website is available in French and English.

Services

• Innovation project support
• Project labelling
• Consortium building
• European project support
• International market support
• Events
• Networking
• Member visibility
• Member directory