Rustam Minnikhanov visits the oldest technopark in Europe Sophia Antipolis Science Park

On June 25, during his visit to France, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov invited the founder of Sophia Antipolis Science Park Pierre Laffitte to Tatarstan.

Founded in 1970s, Sophia Antipolis Science Park was the first technopark in Europe. It occupies the area of 3, 000 hectares. There are five golf fields, 2 million square metres of residential and commercial premises, and 32, 000 jobs created in technopark. More than 1,500 small and medium-size enterprises work there.

Sophia Antipolis is one of the top technoparks in Europe.

Its famous founder Mr Pierre Laffitte said that cooperation between Tatarstan and French regions is an important area, and noted that economic potential of Tatarstan deserves respect and is the example of efficient work.

President of Sophia Antipolis Foundation Dominique Fache presented activity of the technopark, and reminded that the Memorandum of understanding was signed between Innopoils City (Kazan) and Sophia Antipolis Foundation in 2013.

“We need partners in realization of Innopolis project. It is very important to study your experience and activity, especially in development of such major technology platform as Sophia Antipolis,” Rustam Minnikhanov said.

Mr Ulrich Finger, who took part in the meeting, presented Eurecom higher engineering school and research centre. He told about training, diplomas, and international cooperation realized at Sophia Antipolis.

Director General of Alabuga Special Economic Zone Igor Nosov made presentation about “Innopolis” innovation satellite town and special economic zone.
Later on, a Memorandum of understanding was signed between Eurecom and Innopolis University.