Benkei’s consultants

Amel Terras

High-Performance Materials Engineer (SIGMA Clermont), PhD Material Sciences (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 several collaborative projects, both national and European, in a variety of fields, from the materials sector to the space industry, including renewable energy, chemistry and circularity. 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 as a 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 MSc1 Business Finance (INSEEC Lyon)

I am a part-time student Benkei in my first year of master's degree in business finance at INSEEC Lyon.

Previously, I obtained a bachelor’s degree in finance and a DEUG in TQM (Technique Quantitative Management) at IAE Lyon.

At Benkei, I am the administrative and financial manager.

Chloé Richard

Docteure en Neurosciences (Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1)

After a PhD in Neurosciences, with a specialization in neuroimmunology from University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, I started in 2020 a carrier as consultant in innovation funding at Ayming. I support many projects in various domains such as human and animal health, renewable energies (biofuels, hydrogen etc.), agri-food. I recently supported the setting-up of DelHyVEHR project led by ENGIE for the development of hydrogen refueling stations for heavy-duty transport with a focus on aviation and maritime applications which was funded by Horizon Europe Clean Hydrogen joint undertaking program. I find particular interest in transforming innovative ideas into mature and competitive project and leading these initiatives towards a successful financing ! I joined Benkei to participate to the setting-up and coordination of european projects by proposing support offers to our academic, industrial and associative customers.

 

Eleonora Sartori

Master Urban Planning and Policy Design (Politecnico di Milano), Master Urban Planning, Housing & International Cooperation (IUG)

Since 2017, I have managed research and innovation actions funded by European or French programs, on various subjects such as fuel cells, biofuels and processes, circular economy, aerospace, fusion energy, and HTS magnets. I began as a consultant in strategy and innovation financing in Grenoble, gaining experience with Horizon2020, Interreg Alcotra, ADEME, BPI programs. In 2021, I joined the High Magnetic Field Laboratory (LNCMI) at CNRS as project manager for SuperEMFL project. In 2023, I joined Renaissance Fusion as Grant Editor, to help secure funding for fusion energy (France2030, BPI). At Benkei since 2025, I work closely with project coordinators, helping them with setting up proposals and coordinating European and national projects in diverse fields of study.

 

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.

Emma Balayre

Material Sciences Engineer (EEIGM)

After an engineer degree in material sciences from EEIGM, I did a year of research in nanotribology at the Fraunhofer IZFP Institute and Ohio State University. I then joined Ayming in 1999, where I implemented over 300 collaborative projects in various fields, such as Energy, Transport, Industrial Technologies, and Environment. From 2014 to 2018, I was in charge of the "Collaborative Projects Commission" think tank within the French professional Association of Innovation Consultancies (ACI), working to raise awareness of the innovation consultancy profession among public and private innovation players. On a personal note, I have been an expert evaluator for the European Commission in various fields and have evaluated over 200 project proposals. At Benkei, I will be in charge of developing our service offering and client base for setting up of European collaborative projects.

Esperanza Sedano Varo

PhD in Physics (Technical University Denmark)

After a Master degree in Material Chemistry from École Normale Supérieure with the Ampere Excellence Scholarship, I began my career as a consultant in innovation and funding at Ayming, working on the setup of collaborative research initiatives. Then, I continued with a PhD in Physics in 2024 at Technical University of Denmark, supported by the MSCA-DN CATCHY project. My research focused on the development and characterization of bimetallic nanoclusters as electrocatalysts for CO₂ reduction, contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions. After one year of experience as a researcher in Solid State Batteries, managing the Horizon Europe-funded SOLVE project, at CIDETEC Energy storage, I joined Benkei in October 2025. I now support the setup and coordination of European research projects, combining my technical know-how with a strong foundation in project management.

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.

Fanny Cahue

PhD in Organic Chemistry (ICBMS)

After a PhD at ICBMS, Lyon 1 in 2021, I joined Ayming to support customers from all sectors in setting up European projects (in the Horizon Europe program). I have been lucky enough to work with major innovation players in various fields (batteries, photovoltaic panels, biofuels, etc.). This diversity and privileged access to tomorrow's technologies are a real driving force in my day-to-day work, feeding my inquisitive nature and critical mind.

I joined Benkei in 2024 with the desire to continue this support and share my expertise with my customers, enabling them to pursue their research and contribute to the economic and ecological challenges of the future.

Guadalupe Vinado

Materials Engineer (INSA)

Since joining Benkei in 2021, I have helped various clients with their funding strategies through national and European schemes, as well as with setting up European collaborative projects in several fields such as green chemistry, bio-based materials, the circular economy and renewable energies. 

As a PRINCE2 certified project manager, I also support several European consortia in the management of collaborative projects and in their communication, dissemination and exploitation activities.  

During my training as a materials engineer at INSA Lyon, I specialized in polymer science and environmental studies. This gave me the opportunity to participate in a 6-month research project on biopolymers for cosmetics with the IMP Lyon Laboratory.  

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.

Jessy Abou Nakad

PhD in Surface Chemistry and Catalysis (UCBL)

I joined Benkei in 2024 to support clients in setting up ambitious and multisectoral European projects (chemistry, biotechnology, steel – RFCS) and to contribute to their coordination alongside technical coordinators and consortia, ensuring rigorous and efficient project management. As a PRINCE2‑certified project manager, I bring strengthened expertise in managing collaborative European projects. I hold a PhD in Surface Chemistry and Catalysis from UCBL, funded by the European project BiZeolCat. This experience played a key role in steering my career towards the management of innovative research and development projects. I began my career at Monte Cristo as an innovation consultant, working on national funding schemes and tax incentives. I then joined Ayming as a consultant and project manager, specializing in European grants across various fields and clusters.

Laurence Naiglin

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

At Benkei since 2021, I have been supporting the implementation of national and European research collaborative projects, in a wide range of sectors (agro, microelectronics, energy, cleantech…). Besides the project’s management and its administrative and financial aspects, I have also been supporting scientific dissemination, communication activities and 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.

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 the setting-up and implementation of European collaborative projects (RIA, IA, MSCA, FED, Eurostars, IHI, cascade fundings) and single-partner projects on both a European (EIC, EMFF, LIFE) and national (Bpifrance, ADEME, etc.) scale. These projects span a wide range of sectors such as health, sport, materials, robotics, textiles etc.

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.

Manon Rampon

PhD in Neurosciences (Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University)

After a PhD in Neurosciences, with a specialization in sleep neurophysiology and neuropathology, I naturally turned to a career of innovation financing consultant, which enables me to combine my passion and curiosity for various scientific fields, while giving me the opportunity to interact with people of multiple educational backgrounds.

I began my career as a consultant with Ayming in 2022, to help collaborative projects to get off the ground, in a wide variety of fields: renewable energies (hydrogen, biofuels), aerospace, soil health, among others. I have already had the opportunity to work with major innovation players in these fields (Storengy, Engie, Air Liquide, Ariane Group, SINTEF, Ghent University). I joined Benkei in November 2024.

Marine Pagliari

Master & PhD in Cognitive Sciences (ENS)

I received my PhD in Cognitive Sciences in 2023, conducting my research under the joint supervision of the École Normale Supérieure (ENS) and ONERA. My work focuses on the effects of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on human operator engagement, as well as issues related to the acceptability of these technologies in operational environments. I am also interested in the intrinsic properties of AI—such as the opacity, unpredictability, and complexity of its models—and the levers that can be used to mitigate these effects, particularly through explainability approaches.

After a year and a half of R&D dedicated to the integration of AI into society (human resources, public policy, environment, etc.), I joined Benkei in 2025 to put my methodological skills and technical expertise to work on research and innovation projects.  At Benkei, I contribute to the design and coordination of collaborative projects at the national and European levels.

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

Master in Project Management and Innovation (Polytech Angers)

At Benkei, I lead consortia of companies in managing their funded R&D projects at European and national level. This support covers all aspects of project management (consortium coordination, strategic direction, budget and risks), as well as implementing communication and dissemination activities, framing the exploitation of project results, preparing business plans….

After completing a Master's degree in innovative project management, I worked for various organisations (proGective, Ministry of Transport, Chamber of Commerce and Industry), with project management and international affairs as my main focus. I then joined the innovation financing consulting, allowing me to support consortia of various sizes (from one to 20 partners) and technological fields (chemistry, microelectronics, nanomaterials, rail transport, cobotics…).

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)

I joined Benkei in 2023 after two significant experiences in the field of innovation strategy and funding consulting, as well as serving as Head of European Funding at a global leader in engineering services and digital transformation in industry and mobility. With a multidisciplinary background and a curious nature, I have been supporting numerous consortia for over 15 years in various technological fields: 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.). I have a particular interest in efficiently, responsibly, and ethically transferring research results to industry, through various types of national (ANR, ADEME, BPI France, etc.) and European (Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, Eureka, etc.) public support. 

Tania Langon

PhD in Biology (UCBL)

I have a background in research, supplemented by a Master degree in Economic Intelligence and 20 years of experience in innovation strategy. I support my clients (academics, major groups, SMEs and start-ups) in the MedTech, Biotech, Digital health, agro-ecology and innovative materials sectors to secure public funding. I am involved in the engineering and implementation of their innovative projects: maturation, strategy and objectives, partnerships, exploitation of results, business model, management and contractual monitoring. I am expert in European projects, both collaborative and single-partner, and national funding from fundamental research to industrial development. I have developed a particular interest in research data management and open science. 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.