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
