Mission and Vision

Fondation Centrale Nantes supports the development of Centrale Nantes, one of France’s top engineering schools. Founded in 1919, Centrale Nantes is dedicated to developing highly skilled, versatile engineers with strong scientific, technical, and managerial expertise. The institution emphasizes environmental and societal awareness, preparing engineers who can apply scientific knowledge in a global context. Consistently ranked among the country’s top engineering institutions, Centrale Nantes is also France’s leading engineering school for environmental engagement. In 2023, it was recognized as the #1 school for positive social and environmental impact by Les Echos START, and ChangeNOW in partnership with Deloitte, and ranked 4th in L’Étudiant’s 2024 engineering school rankings.

Fondation Centrale Nantes fosters a spirit of exploration, entrepreneurship, and practical application. Students are encouraged to think critically about the world’s biggest challenges, particularly the energy transition, advanced manufacturing, and emerging healthcare needs. Each of the three core areas of research and education aligns with the expertise of the school’s advanced laboratories. These focus areas are the result of a forward-thinking approach and a deep understanding of global transformations, ensuring that Centrale Nantes stays at the forefront of innovation.

Actions Led

Centrale Nantes trains over 2,500 students annually, with 43% coming from 87 countries. The school prioritizes interdisciplinary learning, and two-thirds of its students pursue dual degree programs from over 93 options. With state-of-the-art research facilities, Centrale Nantes offers programs ranging from general engineering to specialized doctoral studies, all aligned with the school’s key focus areas: energy transition, future industries, and healthcare innovation.

Centrale Nantes also has a strong global footprint, with partnerships at 196 universities across 51 countries. Graduates often pursue international careers, supported by a global alumni network of 20,000 across 44 countries.

Projects that US Donors Can Support

US donors can directly support initiatives that are shaping the future of engineering through the Fondation Centrale Nantes. Key areas of support include providing scholarships to talented students with financial needs as well as funding research chairs, which drive pioneering work aligned with the school’s key focus areas.

Every gift helps fuel groundbreaking research, inspire future leaders, and build a more sustainable, equitable world. Join us in empowering the next generation of engineers to solve the most pressing global challenges.