Digital Industry / IT
FRENCH TECH: MAKING FRANCE A STARTUP NATION
Dunkirk, a pioneer in private 5G
Private 5G: Infrastructure Supporting Industry and the Port
Unlike public networks, private 5G meets the specific needs of an industrial region. In Dunkirk, where heavy industry, port logistics, and the energy transition are concentrated, the need for secure, high-performance connectivity has become strategic.
To address this, the Dunkirk Urban Community and Altitude Infra will deploy a private 5G community network accessible to the local business community starting in 2026—a first in France.
Its main applications include:
• industrial automation
• predictive maintenance
• real-time port management
• autonomous vehicles
• securing sensitive facilities
In a region structured around the port and major industrial hubs, this infrastructure serves as a major driver of transformation and competitiveness.
A driver of competitiveness and appeal
Private 5G acts as a catalyst for economic performance through:
• productivity gains
• reduced operating costs
• improved security
• optimized logistics flows
For Dunkirk, these benefits also enhance the region’s appeal to investors and manufacturers, in line with a strategy of sustainable reindustrialization.
The technology also enables:
• control over infrastructure
• securing sensitive data
• ensuring business continuity
In a context of increased dependence on major international platforms, this digital sovereignty is becoming a major strategic issue.
Challenges we must address together
Through this initiative led by Altitude Infra and its partners, Dunkirk is reaffirming its role as a testing ground for industrial and digital transformation.
The momentum gained here foreshadows what connected regions will look like in the future: ecosystems capable of combining economic performance, technological innovation, and digital sovereignty.
Private 5G is a strategic infrastructure on par with energy and transportation.
The example of Dunkirk demonstrates that it is now up to local governments to fully embrace these challenges by developing ambitious, collaborative projects rooted in local realities.
How does ÉCOSYSTÈMED support digital development?
Supporting the region in the area of infrastructure
ÉcosystèmeD helps foster digital projects that benefit the industrial and port region, in collaboration with public, industrial, and economic stakeholders. Its role includes facilitating dialogue, identifying the region’s needs, and promoting the implementation of projects focused on topics such as 5G, data centers, artificial intelligence, and data management.
Support for business transition and transformation
ÉcosystèmeD supports businesses in their digital transition and transformation by raising awareness of the challenges involved and promoting practical applications tailored to their needs—including industrial performance, logistics, automation, maintenance, cybersecurity, and data management—in alignment with the region’s transition initiatives (DKHARBO).
This approach aims to engage SMEs, mid-sized companies, and subcontractors so that digital technology becomes a driver of transition, competitiveness, and adaptation for the entire local economic fabric.
Have a question? Contact the Engineering team for assistance.
Digital technology has become essential to the growth, autonomy, sustainability, and cybersecurity of businesses
Digital technology is becoming a key driver of business competitiveness, sustainability, and autonomy. Through collaborative initiatives, feedback, and innovation projects, ÉcosystèmeD helps prepare economic stakeholders to address challenges related to data management, cybersecurity, and adapting to new technologies.
The ArcelorMittal Digital Lab
The ArcelorMittal Digital Lab is a hub dedicated to the digital transformation of industry and the advancement of the regional ecosystem. As a true innovation platform, it supports not only ArcelorMittal but also local businesses and stakeholders in adopting digital technologies to enhance business performance. The Digital Lab leads and facilitates several strategic programs aimed at:
🔹 Accelerate innovation by developing collaborations with a broad network of partners—startups, SMEs, mid-sized companies, and large corporations—and fostering the emergence of innovative and practical solutions for the industry of tomorrow.
🔹 Develop digital skills by supporting employee upskilling through the training organization Défi 4, offering courses dedicated to Industry 4.0, new digital applications, and emerging technologies.
🔹 Raising awareness and uniting the regional ecosystem by regularly organizing conferences, after-work events, tours, technology days, and themed events to share digital challenges and inspire local businesses.
Finally, the ArcelorMittal Digital Lab leads the Digital Transformation and 5G Campus, an initiative dedicated to industry, ports, and local regions, designed to accelerate innovation, experiment with future technologies, and support companies in understanding and adopting 5G-based solutions.
PROJECTS AND KEY PLAYERS DRIVING THIS DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
Dunkirk at the Heart of SoftBank’s Landmark Investment Project
Read testimonials from startups
DISCOVER SOME OF THE INITIATIVES AND KEY PLAYERS DRIVING THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN THE DUNKERQUE REGION
Digitization of production and processes
Digital transformation involves helping companies implement Industry 4.0 technologies to digitize their production lines or processes
Baron Groupe and NCA Géoloc are among the leading providers of digital transformation services for businesses in the Dunkirk area. But there are many others !
3D Modeling and Digital Twins
3D modeling of industrial sites, buildings, or construction sites, as well as the creation of digital twins, offers a wide range of applications in industry. Companies such as WISE TWIN and Estadieu Geometre, for example, support businesses in Dunkirk seeking these types of solutions. There are other providers in the market as well who could assist you.
Digital services for industry
Digital tools enable many other industrial applications, such as Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)—which allows for the inspection of structures or materials without damaging them—and the location of underground utilities. Companies such as COFICE and NCA Géoloc, among others, offer these types of advanced technical services in the region. Need more contacts? Give us a call !
