Benkei’s consultants

Amel Terras

High-Performance Materials Engineer (SIGMA Clermont), PhD Material Sciences (IMP Laboratory, INSA Lyon)

I joined Benkei in 2022, with the aim of supporting research and innovation in a way other than through experimental practice. This has given me the opportunity to help set up a few collaborative projects, both national and European, in a variety of fields, from the materials sector to space industry, including chemistry and process engineering.

After 4 years of R&D experience in the composite materials sector, mainly as part of a national collaborative project, a PhD in material engineering, and a chemical engineering degree, it seemed natural to embrace this career of consultant. This profession allows me to build on my skills, while combining adaptability, curiosity, and a human touch, in the service of innovative projects.

Arnaud Rondelet

Engineer PhD in Biology (INSA) 

I joined Benkei in 2021. I assist international consortia in preparing collaborative projects on a European scale (HE, Innovation Fund). I also assist various academic and industrial entities in obtaining funding from national agencies (ANR, Bpifrance).

I rely on skills acquired over 11 years of experience, in defining, leading and managing research projects (Oxford University, CNRS, Max Planck Institute). During my post-doctorate at the Max Planck Institute in Dortmund, I led a few research projects and collaborations that involved animating interdisciplinary and international teams. This experience has given me a good understanding of research stakes and a broad scientific culture. Since 2020, I have been working as an innovation funding consultant, supporting projects in a variety of fields: renewable energies, food safety and microelectronics.

Aurélie Grenier

Intern student in Bachelor Finance (ESAM)

I am a part-time student in my 3rd year towards a bachelor’s degree in finance at ESAM. Previously, I did a TQM (Quantitative Techniques and Management) degree specializing in auditing at IAE Lyon 3. At Benkei, I am involved in the management control and the administrative management of the company.

Elodie Sollier

Physics Engineer (INPG), PhD in Instrumentations for Biotechnologies (CEA-Leti, UGA)

At Benkei since 2019, I support start-ups and ETIs in leading the key phases of their innovation strategy, from their search for funding to commercial marketing.

After 6 years in public research in France (CEA Leti, France) and in the USA (UC Los Angeles), I co-founded a start-up in the USA (San Francisco) in microfluidics applied to personalized medicine for oncology. As co-founder and scientific director, I took part in the technological iterations (consumables and instruments), set up collaborations with KOLs for the use of the technology for different cancers and various applications, took part in the construction of the business plan, fund-raising, initial sales, managed a portfolio of patents and was responsible for scientific publications.

Fabienne Brutin

Process Engineer (Polytech Annecy Chambéry)

Facilitating collaborations and managing research and innovation projects has been my profession for over 20 years. Working alongside dozens of consortia, I am proud to have been able to support researchers and entrepreneurs from various countries and backgrounds in achieving their shared projects and objectives.

As a process engineer, I have been involved in collaborative R&D projects for over 20 years, in both European and national contexts, and in all areas of research. PMP® certified since 2016, I have helped to professionalize the approach to supporting and managing collaborative projects using tools and methods specially adapted to these projects, which are generally complex due to their multicultural, multidisciplinary and multisectoral nature.

Grégoire Rebeyre

Materials, Technology and Economics Engineer (UTT)

I joined Benkei early 2022, with the aim of helping innovative companies to define and implement their funding strategy. I quickly got involved in putting together applications for both national (CIR, CII) and European (EIC Accelerator, setting up collaborative projects) funding schemes.

I trained as a material science engineer at the Université de Technologie de Troyes (UTT), specializing in energy and environment, and initially went into research: a fundamental research internship at the Aimé Coton Laboratory, followed by a final-year internship studying new materials for the design of perovskite solar cells at the Institut National de l'Energie Solaire (INES). These two experiences enabled me to explore the world of innovation and made me aware of the economic constraints encountered in this field. I turned to innovation funding and strategy consulting to satisfy my desire to help develop and finance new technologies.

Guadalupe Vinado

Materials Engineer (INSA)

As soon as I joined Benkei early 2021, I was able to help various clients with their funding strategies through national and European schemes, as well as with setting up European collaborative projects. I have also developed a particular interest in integrating social (e.g. gender) and environmental issues into innovative projects.

During my training as materials engineer at INSA Lyon, I specialized in polymer science and environmental studies. This gave me the opportunity to take part in several projects with companies in these two fields, including a 6-month research project on biopolymers for cosmetics with the IMP Lyon and Gattefossé laboratories. Besides, my experience in associative projects and grants has given me a taste for project coaching and management.

Ines Chaabani

Master 2 in Biology (UCBL), Master 2 in Business Management (IAE)

I joined Benkei in March 2022 and was responsible for designing tools for European projects. Since then, I have helped a number of companies set up national and European projects in a wide variety of fields (medical devices, underwater robotics, renewable energies, space, etc.), with particular expertise in the EIC Accelerator. I also had the opportunity to assist companies with the implementation of their research tax credit.

With a degree in molecular and cellular biology from the Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, I took part in several academic research projects, mainly in oncology and virology. I completed my studies with a course in business management and administration at IAE Lyon, with the aim of moving into innovation financing.

Jean Herisson

PhD in Structure and Materials

At Benkei since 2021, I assist collaborative European and national research projects, in a wide range of sectors including geothermal energy, materials development and recyclability (alternatives to traditional cement, new plastic materials, intelligent materials), alternatives to fossil fuels. My role generally involves supporting the coordinators of these projects in their management as well as their communication, dissemination and exploitation.

My multidisciplinary scientific background, combining chemistry, biology, materials and environment, led me to work as an R&D engineer for a specialist cement manufacturer. Within this company, I carried out a multidisciplinary PhD on the biodeterioration of cementitious materials in sewer networks and I got involved in national collaborative projects (RILEM, FUI) as well as in European standardization groups.

Laurence Naiglin

Engineer (INSA), PhD in Molecular Biology and Human Genetics

At Benkei since 2021, I have been in charge of coordinating national and European research projects. Besides the project management and its administrative and financial aspects, I also manage scientific dissemination and communication activities and the exploitation of research results.

I have over 15 years’ experience in scientific research. I started my career as a researcher in an academic laboratory and then in a biotechnology start-up (Entomed SA). I then worked at the interface between public laboratories and industry as a technology marketing and communication officer in the technology transfer department of the University of Lyon. Following this experience, I supported the management of the ECOFECT Laboratory of Excellence, a collaborative research project in infectiology, for 4 years. I then joined the LYSARC (Lymphoma Clinical Research Association) and the Carnot CALYM institute as Communication Officer. From 2019 to 2021, I worked as a consultant coordinating European research projects at AYMING.

Léa Zamoum

General Engineer (Grenoble INP-ENSE3)

After a research experience at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, then in the Innovation Departments of EDF Hydro and Alten, I joined Benkei in 2023. I am now involved in setting up national and European projects.

I have a general engineering degree from Grenoble INP - ENSE3, where I specialized in intelligent systems. I then completed my training with a final year focusing on the management of technological innovation.

Luc Ragon

Industrial Engineer (INSA Lyon)

After graduating in industrial engineering over 25 years ago, I specialized in supporting collaborative R&D projects, innovative companies and innovators.

In particular, I have supported more than 200 collaborative projects at French and European levels, in fields as varied as telecommunications, health, energy, nanomaterials, etc. I have also assisted a number of companies and entrepreneurs in the definition and implementation of their innovation strategy.

I have created Benkei with the ambition of bringing together finance and strategy consulting and deploying an original innovation consulting offering.

Passionate about R&I, I'm also involved in a few related initiatives. I chaired and developed ACI for 5 years, and I am a director and co-founder of EAIC. I have been Chairman since my election in June 2023.

Manon Perrodin

Master 2 in Sciences, Technology, and Health (UCBL), Professional certification of Biotechnology Project Management (ESTBB)

I joined Benkei early 2019 with the aim of supporting companies in their development strategy by working on the design of tools for European projects (financial modelling, Business Plan, Business Model). Since then, I have been involved in supporting European collaborative projects (RIA, IA, FED, cascade fundings) and single-partner projects on both a European (EIC, EMFF) and national (Bpifrance, ADEME, etc.) scale.

Trained in Biology, in particular Physiology and Neurosciences, I quickly had the opportunity to apply my skills in research laboratories and hospitals. Stimulated by the project dynamics, I then completed this training with a professional certification in project management, which culminated the same year with my team winning the creativity prize in the Campus Création entrepreneurship competition.

Marjory Wachtel

General Engineer (INSA), Executive MBA (EM Lyon)

As a general engineer from INSA Lyon, I have been working with collaborative R&D projects, innovative companies and innovation players for 25 years. I have been involved in more than 200 collaborative projects at French and European levels, in a variety of technological fields (materials, NICT, health) and for different schemes (FPRTD, BPI, Region). I am a reviewer for Eurostars and an independent expert for the European Commission (I took part in the evaluation of R&D projects in the materials and NICT fields, as well as the SME instrument and Fast Track to Innovation programs). Thanks to my experience in NGOs and my involvement on the boards of several associations as well as on the scientific committee of Team for the Planet, I am aware of current environmental issues and want to push technological innovation to maximize its positive impact on the planet. Thus, I specialized in green deals and transformational environmental projects.

I joined Benkei for its values and its desire to make a positive contribution to tomorrow's world.

Maud Bossard

Biotechnology Engineer (ESIL), PhD in Biology (Queen Mary University, UK), Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification

Since 2012, I have acquired experience in innovative collaborative projects engineering, negotiation and management on behalf of companies/entities of all sizes and in a variety of technological fields (materials, microelectronics, photovoltaics, health, energy, environment). My experience has enabled me to engineer several collaborative projects and to coordinate complex assignments for major accounts in France and abroad, involving up to 53 public and private organizations with budgets of up to €45M. I was also able to develop in-depth knowledge of the procedures and mechanisms for public co-financing of R&D projects at national and European levels.

Nadège Boccon

Chemical Engineer (ENSCP)

After my chemical engineering degree, I joined the R&D team of an international packaging company, where I initially worked on the synthesis of innovative polymers for inks (incorporation of plant-based raw materials, development of new functionalities). I then moved on to become Industrial Property Manager, instilling a strategic IP vision and boosting the company's IP monitoring processes.

Since I joined Benkei in 2018, I have developed a range of new skills to best support my clients in their innovation strategy. I have used my technical and scientific culture to take charge of a wide range of topics, from food sciences to medical devices, not forgetting artificial intelligence applied to the arts! Above all, my clients appreciate my ability to quickly understand their problems and to participate in their projects by being a source of proposals at all levels.

Philippe Lenain

DUT in Physical Measurements (Université du Mans), Master in Project Management and Innovation (Polytech Angers)

At Benkei, I help consortia of companies to manage their R&D projects at European and national levels. This support covers all aspects of project monitoring (leading the consortium, strategic orientation, budget and risks, exploitation, communication, operations, etc.) to ensure that objectives are met, while complying with the obligations of the funding agency.

After a Master degree in the management of innovative projects, I worked for various organizations (SME, Ministry of Transport, Chamber of Commerce and Industry) focusing on project management and international scale-up. I then worked for more than 10 years in innovation funding consulting (collaborative R&D projects at national and European levels and fiscal advantages). This enabled me to support consortia of various sizes (from 1 to 20 partners) and budgets, covering different technological fields (nanomaterials, rail transport, chemical industry, energy etc.).

Pierre Alfonsi

IEP Grenoble

I joined Benkei in 2017 as a Partner and Managing Director, to participate in the convergence of two professions that I had previously practiced separately: the financing and innovation strategy consulting.

I have carried out dozens of Open Innovation strategy consultancy assignments as well as animated multiple ideation and creativity sessions for very large companies, ETIs and SMEs alike.

I have extensive experience of the Research Tax Credit, having helped more than a hundred companies to implement this fiscal scheme and assisted some of them in audits by the authorities, in collaboration with tax attorneys.

I began my career in public policy evaluation before turning to business consulting, a profession I have practiced for the past 30 years.

Simon Brenet

PhD in Chemistry (UGA)

At Benkei, I have supported projects in a wide range of fields: food packaging, plastic materials, business intelligence, microelectronics, space, circular economy and major research infrastructures. Specifically, I gained experience in setting up European projects, from fundamental research to market entry, as well as in setting up Innovation Hubs or even applying to the European Defense Fund in the military sector. Finally, relying on a number of recognized successes, I have extensive expertise in the EIC Accelerator program, enabling me to help start-ups integrate this flagship instrument into their market and financial strategy.

I have worked in high-tech fields: bio and nanotechnologies (pathology detection, synthesis of nanocages for molecule storage), green chemistry and organic chemistry (design of organocatalysts for asymmetric oxidation), in French and foreign laboratories, before joining Benkei in 2014.

Stéphane Gamez

PhD in Chemistry (UCBL)

At Benkei, I help innovative companies and innovation players (research centres, competitiveness clusters, etc.) with their innovation and funding strategies. I also lead training workshops on European research programmes, with a particular focus on "cascade fundings".

First, I worked for 15 years in an innovation funding consulting agency, where I was able to work on the various levers of innovation financing for my clients (collaborative R&D projects on a national and European scale, investment financing, Research Tax Credit, Innovation Tax Credit, Young Innovative Companies, European Investment Bank, etc.).

I then played a direct role in the development of Biom'up for 2 years, as Head of Innovation Financing, in particular by seeking funding (over €2M/year) and managing a portfolio of 7 patent families.

Sylvain Noureau

Industrial Engineer (Grenoble INP & Karlsruhe Institute of Technology)

After graduating in Industrial Engineering in 2007, I entered the world of strategy consulting and innovation financing at Ayming. I acquired expertise in numerous French (ANR, ADEME, BPI France, CIR, JEI, etc.) and European (FP7, H2020, Horizon Europe, Eureka, etc.) research and innovation funding programmes. In 2017, I joined Akkodis (formerly AKKA Technologies), a global leader in engineering services and digital transformation in industry and mobility, as European Funding Manager. I was able to support Akkodis' innovation strategy through the Akkodis Research structure and represent the structure within clusters and associations (CARA, ERTICO, UNIFE, UITP, etc.). As a multidisciplinary engineer with an inquisitive nature, I have worked with a number of consortia in a variety of technology areas: Smart and low-carbon mobility; smart grids and renewable energies; Industries of the Future (electronics, bio-based production, recycling, etc.); Digital Transformation (data sovereignty, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, etc.).

Tania Langon

PhD in Biology (UCBL)

Since 2006, I have been helping my clients (academics, major groups, SMEs and start-ups) in the MedTech, Biotech, Digital Health and Innovative Materials sectors to secure public funding. I am involved in various aspects of the engineering and implementation of their innovative projects: maturation, strategy and objectives, partnerships, exploitation of results, business model, management and contractual monitoring. I have acquired in-depth knowledge of European projects, both collaborative and single-partner, from fundamental research to industrial development. I have recently developed a particular interest in Open Research Data Management and Open Science. I have a background in research, supplemented by a Master degree in Economic Intelligence and more than 15 years of experience in innovation strategy. After being a postdoctoral researcher at the Welcome/CRC Institute, Cambridge, UK, I worked as an information specialist for BioMérieux and Sanofi Pasteur.

Thibaut Vitte

Engineer PhD in Energy Engineering (INSA)

I joined Benkei in 2018. I support all innovative project leaders in the structuring and development of their innovation projects: collaborative R&D projects on a national scale, European funding (Horizon Europe, EIC Accelerator) and tax schemes (CIR, CII, JEI).

Following my thesis in collaboration with EDF R&D in the field of building thermal engineering, in 2008 I joined a start-up specializing in the energy performance of buildings, neighbourhoods and networks. As Head of Innovation, I helped create the company's innovative offerings (smart grids, performance contracting, etc.) and managed the implementation of assignments by my team to meet our customers’ needs. I have submitted, won, and led several innovative projects (ANR, ADEME) combining energy performance and digital technology.