Project-based learning is a core component of the training for ITECH engineering students.
Starting midway through their second year, engineering students work in teams of 3 to 5 members on projects that address real industrial challenges. Each project runs part-time over a 12-month period and is supervised by a faculty advisor. Project topics may originate from any field related to ITECH majors (Formulation Chemistry, Leather Technology, or Textile Materials), provided they meet academic objectives and can be developed using the equipment and resources available in the school’s laboratories.
There are many advantages to submitting a project topic from your company, including:
- Gaining an external perspective on your technical challenges
- Connecting with experts in formulation, leather, or textile technologies
- Expanding your research capabilities
- Playing an active role in training future talent and potential employees
Technical solutions developed during a research project (PDR) may be further explored during an internship or through a dedicated service or consulting engagement.
Companies wishing to submit project topics must do so before the end of December (topic approval takes place in early January).
ITECH Lyon is committed to supporting the successful execution of each project by providing ongoing student supervision and access to its academic platforms and technical facilities. ITECH’s responsibility is limited to a best-efforts obligation, not guaranteed results. The school also ensures that students maintain the level of confidentiality requested by the company (a non-disclosure agreement may be offered). However, as these projects are conducted within an academic framework, they cannot be subject to absolute confidentiality.
Objective for Engineering Students
Experience all phases of a team-based scientific project while applying a rigorous research methodology.
Depending on the topic, students may undertake:
- Requirements and scope definition
- Literature review
- Raw material sourcing
- Formulation design
- Manufacturing and processing
- Test protocol development and execution
- Performance evaluation
- Results analysis and presentation
Timeline and Duration
From February of the second academic year to February of the third academic year: 150 scheduled project hours, integrated into the academic curriculum and class timetable.
Participation Fees
A €2,000 contribution toward project costs is required from the company, billed in two installments:
- 50% at project initiation,
- 50% upon project completion.
This fee is not subject to VAT and covers faculty supervision, standard equipment access, and common laboratory consumables. ITECH is also CIR-certified (French Research Tax Credit eligible).
Examples of Past Industrial Project Topics
Formulation Chemistry
- Development of an industrial water-based marker to replace existing solvent-based alternatives
- Design of a hydrodilutable “grip-effect” coating to give a second life to used sports balls
- Reactivatable adhesives for specialized substrates
- TiO₂-free foundations for cosmetics
- Impact study of fillers and fragrance compounds on solid perfume stability
Leather Technology
- Metal-free tanning processes
- Development of tannins derived from food waste
- Bio-based leather finishing solutions
- Optimization of traditional, ethical tanning processes in Senegal
- Identification and characterization of leather alternatives
Textile Materials
- Flax/hemp degumming via eco-friendly treatments
- Development of wool- and hemp-based felt structures
- Formulation of alginate and plant-extract inks for textile printing on wool substrates
- Design and characterization of flexible biosensing textiles (ECG, PPG, oxygenation, etc.)
- Chemical recycling studies for complex textiles
Project Process
- Literature research and test plan proposal: from February to May
- Experimental phase: from September to January
- Company representatives agree to maintain active communication with the student team and the ITECH project advisor (regular meetings on-site or virtual, email communication, etc.)
Deliverables
- Meeting summaries
- Bibliographic report
- Final technical report
- Project logbook
- Oral presentation
- Samples, prototypes, mockups, models, and other technical outputs
Testimonials
These companies entrusted us with their projects:
The BioKoume project aims to develop new natural extracts derived from the largely untapped forest resources of the Congo Basin, which remain underutilized in the cosmetics industry. Entrusting the study of our Burseraceae resin extract to ITECH students was an obvious choice: we were looking for scientific rigor, analytical ability, and formulation expertise.
Their commitment, professionalism, and access to the school’s technical resources allowed us to significantly accelerate our work. It was a true research partnership.
The project lasted nearly a year, with an initial in-depth literature review phase followed by experimental and formulation phases.
We particularly appreciated the students’ dedication, the quality of regular exchanges, and their continuous growth in professionalism throughout the project.
We plan to continue leveraging the results by conducting additional tests on the developed formulations, as well as user trials to strengthen the efficacy data. These steps will help further explore the cosmetic potential of the active ingredient studied.
This format helps align academic research with real business needs, while giving students meaningful exposure to an innovation project.
For a young company like BioKoume, it is a valuable driver of scientific acceleration.
It was a fascinating experience. Seeing the students’ engagement and energy on such an innovative topic was especially motivating.
The project enabled both parties to build their expertise. For a startup, benefiting from structured research and the expertise of a school like ITECH is a real asset. We would be delighted to renew this type of collaboration.
Anne-Sophie B – Co-founder / BioKoume
We proposed a topic to ITECH students as part of their supervised research project. This confidential subject was still in its early stages; we did not know whether the approach was viable or even of real interest, and we lacked the internal resources to explore it further. The “supervised project” format seemed both interesting and well-suited to this type of question.
We worked with students who were engaged, motivated, and interested in research.
To ensure the project remained focused, we set up regular meetings to review progress, validate certain directions, and rule out others.
Communication was frequent and very smooth, and requests were consistently addressed from one meeting to the next.
Over time, the students improved in how they reported test results. Their proposals became increasingly relevant and precise.
Thanks to the tests carried out in ITECH’s laboratories, the students demonstrated clear potential and showed that there was substance worth pursuing, even though much work remains. The deliverables (report, presentation, and test results) can therefore serve as a starting point for further testing.
The main advantage of this format is having a dedicated team with a fresh, enthusiastic perspective—something rare for exploratory topics; it can be particularly useful for proof-of-concept (POC) work.
In conclusion, we were satisfied with how the project unfolded and are ready to repeat the experience if a new topic arises. This system is a real time-saver for companies and an excellent way for students to learn and apply their knowledge and skills.
Stéphanie F – Product Developer / SIGVARIS
I entrusted ITECH students with a research project on formulating coatings with low toxicological impact. This project followed internal studies conducted in partnership with our raw material suppliers.
The two-phase structure of the project, including a literature review, was particularly valuable as it provided a broad perspective, a fresh outlook, and an unbiased approach to the subject. Solutions that were difficult to implement were eliminated during the second, experimental phase.
The project went very smoothly, with regular virtual meetings and a visit from me to ITECH. I would be happy to repeat the experience in the future if timing allows.
Laurent B – R&D Manager / Mondialisol IBBC
We entrusted ITECH students with a study on formulating an adhesive for the mobility sector as part of their research project. Their curriculum includes training in formulation, which is directly aligned with the topic of our study. ITECH also offers a wide range of equipment for conducting tests.
The project went well, and we are satisfied with both the collaboration and the work completed.
This format provides a different and constructive perspective, while leveraging the students’ skills and the available testing resources.
To continue the project, we offered one of the students in the group the opportunity to complete her final internship in our laboratory. This internship begins immediately after the research project, ensuring continuity without interruption.
In conclusion, we are fully willing to repeat the experience on another topic in the future.
Péroline O – Project Manager, Development & Innovation / Addev Materials
