Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2022, the Isère-based company DATE, located in La Motte d’Aveillans, boasts a unique expertise in the design of complex and innovative thermal exchangers, particularly appealing to the defense sector. This sector represents up to 70% of its four million euros in revenue.
“The international context means there is a lot of investment everywhere,” says Romain Vinot, the general manager since July 2025 of the company, which has 33 employees.
Companies providing services for the war economy do not need specific certifications to enter the national defense market. However, there are security and information processing rules to follow. DATE is planning to move to new premises in Susville to have a higher level of security.
Another constraint is meeting the standards and other requirements set by the defense sector. For example, the company was recently certified ISO 9001. While not certified in ISO 9100, they still follow many standards and are in discussions with the nuclear sector. DATE works with clients like Thales, Hensoldt, and Leonardo, mainly in France and to a lesser extent in Europe, with potential sales outside of Europe.
DATE is part of an ecosystem of French SMEs addressing the needs of the army, navy, and aerospace sectors, as well as defense industrial and technological bases.
In its growth plan, DATE aims to shift its focus from defense to deeptech by 2030.
/2026/03/04/000-8up7w7-69a7f2bd71379952407348.jpg "Defense: The attack nuclear submarine De Grasse began its sea trials off the coast of Cherbourg, in preparation for delivery to the French Navy in 2026.")
