Historic context

1956 > Creation of the CENG (Nuclear study center of Grenoble)

1960 > Installation of the ENSERG (Electronic engineering school)

1962 > Installation of the first CNRS (National scientific research center) research units

1992 > First use of the ESRF (European Synchrotron Research Facility)

1997 > End of the the Siloé reactor. The CENG quits nuclear research

2005 > Creation of Minatec : 45000 m² dedicated to nanotechnologies (numerous schools and research laboratories)

The Polygon used to be a military area

Given the Lisbon strategy, the “Presqu‘ile” (peninsula) has a tremendous importance.It combines research with firms and schools at three level (international, national and local ).This area welcomes more than 13,000 employees (of which 8,000 researchers) every day on 250 hectares. Yet it is not part of the city and only 800 people live there without any public facilities, shops or public spaces.

A scientific pole

The situation is evolving. Several projects will change the Peninsula image :

The Campus project (Grenoble receives public funds to change its campus into an international pole)The extension of the B tram laneThe future E tram laneThe North ringThe development of the Isère's quays (cycle lanes, pedestrian ways)The extension of the train stationThe enlargement of the Martyrs street which will become an urban avenue

An evolving area

On-going projects

Giant (Grenoble Isère Alps NanoTechnologies) project was born in 2006. It is part of the Campus project.Its goal is to associate the research field, the private sector and the universities to create a MIT « a la française »

The GIANT projectMore than 800 millions euros of investment by 2014

The next 15 years :

200 000 m² of services buildings200 000 m² of scientific buildings100 000 m² of academic buildings50 000 m² of shops, hotels and public services3000 student home2000 family home