On the occasion of the 7th Innovation Afterwork, held on July 1, 2026, at the Jardin des Plantes and organized by the University of Montpellier, the 2026 Innovation Awards recognized seven outstanding projects showcasing the scientific excellence and entrepreneurial dynamism of the Montpellier region.
ICGM is particularly proud that two projects involving its researchers were among this year’s award winners, highlighting the institute’s ability to transform fundamental research into innovations with significant societal impact.
The “Innovation Jury’s Special Award” was presented to Benjamin Delprat for SITERA Pharma, a startup developing novel therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases. The project builds on research carried out in collaboration with several ICGM researchers: Tahar Ayad, Jean-Luc Pirat, and David Virieux. This collaboration highlights ICGM’s expertise in supporting the development of innovative therapeutic solutions, with an initial program focused on Wolfram syndrome, a rare pediatric disease for which no curative treatment currently exists.
The Montpellier Méditerranée Metropolis Award was presented to Ian Soulairol for MB Therapeutics, further illustrating the strong links between academic research and the creation of innovative companies. The I3M2P project, led by academic and hospital teams, is revolutionizing the production of personalized medicines through 3D printing technology, enabling treatments tailored to children and patients suffering from rare diseases. This project led to the creation of MB Therapeutics.
With two of the seven award-winning projects involving its researchers, ICGM reaffirms its role as a major contributor to innovation within the University of Montpellier. These achievements reflect the institute’s commitment to interdisciplinary and collaborative research that promotes the transfer of scientific knowledge into practical applications for the benefit of society.