Engineering Tomorrow’s Solutions: Discover how Fondation CentraleSupélec is Driving Global Innovation
Founded from the historic merger of École Centrale Paris and Supélec in 2015, CentraleSupélec has become one of France’s most prestigious Grandes Écoles, renowned for excellence in engineering, research, and innovation. As a core member of Université Paris-Saclay, the school stands at the forefront of scientific advancement and technological transformation, training the next generation of engineers to meet the world’s most pressing challenges.
The Fondation CentraleSupélec serves as the driving force behind this ambition, channeling philanthropic support toward research, education, and student opportunity. Through its initiatives, the Foundation advances pioneering work in engineering and systems sciences—fields central to addressing global issues such as energy transition, digital transformation, and sustainability.
With a community representing more than 70 nationalities and partnerships spanning Europe and Asia, CentraleSupélec embodies the collaborative spirit of modern engineering leadership. Together with Fondation de France Asia, the Foundation is propelling project CentraleSupélec 2032—an ambitious effort to double the number of graduates and elevate the school among the world’s leading research institutions by the end of the decade.
CentraleSupélec aims to be a leading engineering school in the area of higher education and research. How does the Fondation CentraleSupélec contribute to achieving this goal, and what are some specific examples of how the foundation’s support has strengthened the school’s programs or reputation?
The Fondation CentraleSupélec plays a key role in helping the school achieve its ambition of being a leader in engineering and research worldwide. It provides financial support for strategic projects, with over €50 million in funds, including €17 million allocated to specific initiatives, raised over 10 years.
Key Ways the Foundation Contributes:
- Financial Support for Students: Every year, the Foundation provides almost €1 million in grants and assistance, enabling more than 150 students to pursue their studies in good conditions, without financial constraints. This support aims to guarantee equal opportunities and promote social and gender diversity, which is an asset to the school and society.
- Research Funding: The Foundation funds innovative research projects on significant issues such as the energy transition, health, and artificial intelligence, enabling CentraleSupélec to remain at the cutting edge and strengthen its international reputation. For example, the Foundation has supported projects to develop more efficient and sustainable batteries for electric vehicles.
- Developing Entrepreneurship: The Foundation supports students and researchers in their entrepreneurial projects, particularly through dedicated grants and participation in international events such as CES in Las Vegas. It also supports programmes to accelerate the development of deep-tech start-ups, strengthening the school’s impact in technological innovation.
- Financing Infrastructure and New Courses: The Foundation has raised €25 million to finance the new Paris-Saclay campus and has supported the roll-out of the latest engineering curricula, such as Bachelors and Masters of Science.
- Support for Student and Community Life: The Foundation funds student clubs and sports activities, fostering a vibrant campus life and encouraging student engagement beyond academics.
The “CentraleSupélec 2032” project aims to double the number of graduates and enhance the research center. How does the scholarship program for Master’s and doctoral students contribute to these ambitious goals, and what specific outcomes do you hope to achieve through this investment in student support?
The scholarship program for Master’s and doctoral students is a cornerstone of the “CentraleSupélec 2032” project. This program aims to attract top talent and strengthen the research center by offering scholarships of up to HK$590,000 per PhD student over three years and HK$210,000 per Master’s student for one year. By providing financial support, the Foundation enables more students to pursue advanced studies, helping the school attract outstanding international students. Expected outcomes include producing highly skilled engineers equipped to tackle global challenges such as climate change and economic transformation.
To attract the best engineering talents worldwide, how does the Fondation CentraleSupélec identify and select scholarship recipients? What criteria ensure the scholarships reach those who demonstrate academic excellence and the potential to contribute to CentraleSupélec’s mission?
CentraleSupélec and its foundation identify scholarship recipients through rigorous criteria focused on academic excellence and their potential to contribute to the school’s mission. Students who demonstrate outstanding performance and a strong commitment to science and engineering are awarded scholarships. This selection process ensures that recipients embody CentraleSupélec’s values of innovation and global impact while supporting its goal of attracting the best engineering talent worldwide.
CentraleSupélec’s vision is clear: to educate the next generation of engineers who will drive innovation and shape solutions to global challenges. Fondation de France Asia is honoured to support this mission, helping to extend scholarships and opportunities to promising talents across Asia and beyond.
To learn more about CentraleSupélec and its mission, visit their website: https://www.fondation-centralesupelec.fr/en/.
Your contribution directly funds the scholarships and programs that will achieve the ambitious CentraleSupélec 2032 goals. Invest in the future of engineering and system sciences to shape solutions for a better world.
