Sophia Antipolis: Half a century of innovation and future ambitions

Sophia Antipolis, Europe’s first science and technology park, marks more than 50 years of growth and innovation. During the Evertiq Expo 2025, Sylvain Rouget and Valérie Gooris from the Sophia Antipolis Foundation reflected on the park’s past achievements and its outlook for the future.

Rouget began, looking back at the evolution of Sophia Antipolis. Founded over five decades ago by Senator Pierre Laffitte, the park was designed with the aim of staying ahead in both technological development and environmental sustainability. “Fifty years later, we are the first science and tech park in Europe,” Rouget said.

The initial goal was not only to foster innovation but also to lead in sustainable development, and as Rouget says, “I think this accomplishment 50 years later is remarkable because we have companies like your company, we have major assets in microelectronics, in many, many other fields of activity.” Today, Sophia Antipolis hosts more than 2,500 companies, ranging from small startups to global technology leaders. Looking toward the future, Rouget remains optimistic about Sophia Antipolis’ continued evolution.

He also mentioned the region's ongoing efforts in the development of quantum technologies and AI. As it celebrates its 50th anniversary, Sophia Antipolis continues to play a key role in Europe’s innovation landscape, with a focus on sustainability, collaboration, and emerging technologies..