Program Overview

Centrale Digital Lab

The Centrale Digital Lab is a 1-year program that aims to train professionals in the digital transformation of companies, preparing them for roles such as Chief Digital Officer (CDO). This program is validated by a diploma from the École Centrale de Lyon.

Objectives

The objectives of the Centrale Digital Lab curriculum include:

• Acquiring digital skills and innovation methods, such as big data, machine learning, IoT, web, and mobile apps.
• Training through practice in the principles of design thinking and agile project management.
• Understanding the economic, organizational, and human challenges of digital transformation in contact with companies.
• Creating value in the digital field and developing a professional network by participating in three full-time projects in companies of different sizes.

Program

The Centrale Digital Lab curriculum offers an innovative program that blends theoretical training with projects in conjunction with companies.

Education

Students follow 3 intensive weeks of training in the fields of:

• Artificial intelligence
• Mobile application
• Customer interface
• Big data
• Connected object
• Web platform
• Machine learning
• Chatbot

Projects

• 3 projects
• 4 to 7 weeks per project
• 3 to 5 students per project
• 260 hours per project and per student

During the course, students work on three full-time projects, all carried out in direct collaboration with sponsoring companies on topics involving IoT, Big Data, artificial intelligence, the web, and more. These projects are conducted in groups of 3 to 5 students, with support from specialists in design thinking and agile project management (Scrum method).

Examples of Projects

• Improving the customer experience by implementing digital tools on smartphones: machine learning, pattern recognition, image processing.
• Optimizing industrial processes using machine learning and sensor data analysis techniques.
• Participation in the design and facilitation of the "Public Artificial Intelligences" workshop for the Metropole of Lyon, bringing together designers, developers, and engineers to prototype AI solutions to public utility issues.
• Cybersecurity: study, adaptation, and implementation of a simple "end-to-end encryption" solution for secure messaging.

Internship

The course culminates in a 6-month development internship in the digital sector, in France or abroad.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Centrale Digital Lab can pursue careers as:

• Chief Digital Officer
• Data Scientist/Data Analyst
• Business Intelligence Manager
• Web and Mobile Developer
• IoT Engineer

Focus

The program focuses on:

• Advanced training in design thinking, the agile approach, and IT development (AI, Big Data, Internet of Things).
• Projects linked to companies and carried out in small groups of 3 to 5 students.
• Coaching by Centrale Lyon scientific leaders and professionals from partner companies.

Admission Requirements and Application

Requirements

• Student engineers on a gap year or after graduation.
• Holders of a validated scientific bac +4 (or in the process of validation).
• Professionals with a higher-level diploma and experience in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics.

Application

Applications are examined on the basis of a portfolio via the dedicated platform.

Recruitment Timetable

• Phase 1: Closing date for applications - 11 March 2025, deadline for responses to applicants - 28 March 2025.
• Phase 2: Closing date for applications - 14 April 2025, deadline for responses to applicants - 25 April 2025.
• Phase 3: Closing date for applications - 10 June 2025, deadline for replies to applicants - 24 June 2025.