MEETING
Could you tell us about your career path?
I spontaneously chose ISAE-SUPAERO because I liked the generalist dimension of the School with its strong aeronautical focus. After a few stints in finance, I worked for Airbus for more than 8 years in the marketing sector (technical sales), for the A350 XWB programme and then for the ACJ division (private jets). This experience really gave me an insight into large groups and the importance of processes and internal policy.
What is your current position? What do you do?
I am co-founder and chairman of Kyanos Biotechnologies. I believe that my role is to unite the teams and provide a vision to which all the stakeholders have subscribed.
Working at Airbus, I was lucky enough to discover biofuel from microalgae: I discovered the immense biodiversity of these organisms and their incredible potential.
Could you tell us about Kyanos biotechnologies?
Microalgae have been around for a very long time and invented photosynthesis. With 2 billion years of R&D, they have developed a highly efficient system for sequestering CO2 and producing proteins.
In the case of Kyanos (created in 2016), I was interested in a microalgae that has the rare property of directly assimilating nitrogen from the air. This avoids the production of nitrogen fertilisers and nitrogen protoxides (300 times worse than CO2).
What’s more, we’ve developed a patented cyclotrophy technology that enables us to produce microalgae using principles that mimic natural ecosystems.
Little by little, partners joined me (including the deputy director of a biotech laboratory), then investors and finally customers. We are currently building our new production unit and have also installed our first algal tree, which sequesters carbon and purifies the air of fine particles and NOx.
Watch the Kyanos presentation film produced by Toulouse Métropole.
How did you come up with the idea of setting up this company?
It started with curiosity, and ultimately a fundamental question: “Why hasn’t anyone done this before?”
I drew on my knowledge of “complex systems” and also contacted laboratories and specialists, which enabled me to refine my project.
Through this company, I’m really searching for meaning: producing sustainable food that doesn’t damage the planet, finding ways of sequestering carbon, purifying the air, etc. These are goals that give us a sense of purpose. These are goals that give us a reason to get up in the morning and keep going when the going gets tough, especially in times of crisis.
What are Kyanos' development prospects?
We plan to expand with an industrial production unit. These are time-consuming projects that don’t roll out as quickly as software or mobile applications. We are taking the time to secure our development and work on scaling up, which is crucial in biotechnology.
Of course, the ecological stakes are so high that our deployment ambitions extend beyond our borders!
What has training at ISAE-SUPAERO brought to your experience?
The philosophy of an engineer, as I came to know it at ISAE-SUPAERO, could be summed up as “being eager to learn and seeking to master matter in order to conquer space”.
My diploma, a true symbol of excellence, gives me real credibility, even in biotechnology, a field that is somewhat removed from aerospace.
The Institute has also trained me in techniques and tools that enable me to work quickly on a new subject, to understand the issues so that I can be responsive and operational.
Finally, ISAE-SUPAERO brought me friends that I still have 15 years after leaving the school!
“My diploma, which is a true symbol of excellence, gives me real credibility, even in biotechnology, a field that is a little far removed from aerospace.”
What has made the biggest impression on you at ISAE-SUPAERO?
ISAE-SUPAERO is a School of enthusiasts. Many come here because it’s the best aeronautical programme in Europe. Passion is something that makes you vibrate, and I still remember the campus vibrating with all the student potential.
It was the year we won Questions pour un champion, the E=m6 robotics cup, and we were still going to the hostel because the computer network had just arrived.
In short, anything was possible!
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