The Fondation Sophia Antipolis is one of the main drivers of the development of the Sophia Antipolis Science and Technology Park, which is one of the first in Europe and an internationally recognised reference site.
The Fondation Sophia Antipolis was created in 1984 by Pierre Laffitte and declared to be of public benefit, it fulfils a fundamental mission on the Sophia Antipolis site: scientific and cultural leadership within the Park. Its objective is to facilitate an exchange of information and future studies in France and also at a European and international level, in the fields of science, industry and culture.
In 2004, the Fondation Sophia Antipolis amended its articles to become a Sheltered Research Fondation Sophia Antipolis. Its new status authorises it to create sheltered foundations and allow French and/or foreign research teams to benefit from laws on sponsorship (66% tax exemption for donors). Sheltered foundations are a simple and flexible way of encouraging public / private partnerships particularly in the funding of research or innovative projects. Similarly, this legal facility can help develop the dissemination of scientific and technical culture.
