Skip to main content

We are a team dedicated to tackling the energy crisis by accelerating the transition to renewable energy for industry. Our mission is to deliver innovative concentrated solar energy solutions that drive sustainability and efficiency.

Founders

CEO

Rafik Kheffache

Physicist with a Ph.D. from Paris University, I am passionate about solving the emerging energy crisis by driving the transition to renewable energy sources for industry. I have worked as an academic professor and served as an innovation consultant for corporations and startups
COO

Cecile Toussaint

I have 10 years of experience in human resources management, corporate legal affairs, and administration, and I hold an MSc in HR from Université Grenoble Alpes
CTO

Geoffrey Marino

With 7 years of experience in technology, specializing in mechanical design and electronics, I am a former engineer at EDF, where I contributed to nuclear power plant engineering, and a proud graduate of ENSAM Engineering School
CFO

Maxime Brun d'Arre

I bring 5 years of experience in financial management and corporate strategy, with expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis. Throughout my career, I have successfully managed financial operations, optimized resource allocation, and implemented strategic plans to drive business growth and sustainability. My experience includes working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure financial stability and support long-term corporate objectives

Engineering

Marketing & Communication

Optical Engineer

Paul Fays-Long

I bring 16 years of experience specializing in optics and mechanical design, with a strong background in developing complex mechanical systems. Throughout my career, I have contributed to innovative projects at companies like DELTA DRONE, Squadrone System, and Gallifrey Optics. I am also a proud graduate of IPSA, the School of Air and Space Engineers
Head of Certification

Benoit Laugier

I have 17 years of experience in international industrial project management for key accounts, including MasterCard, VISA, Thales, ST Micro, and various governments, working with companies such as IDEMIA, UL Solutions, and Arpège. I hold an engineering degree and an MSc in Research from Polytech Clermont
Head of Marketing

Marie Laloum

With 8 years of experience in marketing and strategic brand management, I specialize in driving growth and visibility for innovative technologies. As the Chief Marketing Officer, I focus on developing impactful campaigns, forging strategic partnerships, and positioning our solutions at the forefront of the renewable energy industry
Communication

Elise Romefort

I bring 10 years of experience in communication, specializing in graphic design, marketing strategies, and brand management. Throughout my career, I have developed and executed impactful communication campaigns, fostering strong brand identities and driving audience engagement. I have collaborated with diverse teams to enhance corporate communication strategies, ensuring consistent and effective messaging

Mentors & Investors

Mentor & Investor

Nigel Chanter

Nigel was one of the founding employees and Chief Operating Officer at Perforce Software and co-founded Meticulon, a social enterprise that employs neurodiverse people as technology consultants. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School
Mentor & Investor

Stéphane Lavallée

Stéphane Lavallée, PhD is an entrepreneur specializing in “Smart” Medical Devices (computer aided surgery, robotics, medical imaging, smart implants and instruments, etc.). Stéphane received the Bronze medal from the CNRS (French Centre for Scientific Research) in 1994, the Maurice Muller Award for Excellence in Computer Assisted Surgery in 2006 and the award from the Surgery Academy of Paris in 2011. He is also co-inventor of more than 60 independent patents
Mentor & Investor

Jordan Wolfe

Entrepreneur and angel investor. Prior to co-founding Town Partners, He founded several economic development programs in the city of Detroit. Prior to his work in Detroit, he was an investor at Mainsail Partners
Board Member for EIT RM

Nicolas Menou

Experienced Business and Innovation Manager with a demonstrated history of working in various sectors: Sustainable Energy, Circular Economy, Raw Materials, Nanoelectronics and Chemistry. Skilled in Innovation Management, Start-ups Acceleration and Coaching, Research and Development

Founders

CEO

Rafik Kheffache

Physicist with a Ph.D. from Paris University, I am passionate about solving the emerging energy crisis by driving the transition to renewable energy sources for industry. I have worked as an academic professor and served as an innovation consultant for corporations and startups
COO

Cecile Toussaint

I have 10 years of experience in human resources management, corporate legal affairs, and administration, and I hold an MSc in HR from Université Grenoble Alpes
CTO

Geoffrey Marino

With 7 years of experience in technology, specializing in mechanical design and electronics, I am a former engineer at EDF, where I contributed to nuclear power plant engineering, and a proud graduate of ENSAM Engineering School
CFO

Maxime Brun d'Arre

I bring 5 years of experience in financial management and corporate strategy, with expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis. Throughout my career, I have successfully managed financial operations, optimized resource allocation, and implemented strategic plans to drive business growth and sustainability. My experience includes working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure financial stability and support long-term corporate objectives

Engineering

Optical Engineer

Paul Fays-Long

I bring 16 years of experience specializing in optics and mechanical design, with a strong background in developing complex mechanical systems. Throughout my career, I have contributed to innovative projects at companies like DELTA DRONE, Squadrone System, and Gallifrey Optics. I am also a proud graduate of IPSA, the School of Air and Space Engineers
Head of Certification

Benoit Laugier

I have 17 years of experience in international industrial project management for key accounts, including MasterCard, VISA, Thales, ST Micro, and various governments, working with companies such as IDEMIA, UL Solutions, and Arpège. I hold an engineering degree and an MSc in Research from Polytech Clermont

Marketing & Communication

Head of Marketing

Marie Laloum

With 8 years of experience in marketing and strategic brand management, I specialize in driving growth and visibility for innovative technologies. As the Chief Marketing Officer, I focus on developing impactful campaigns, forging strategic partnerships, and positioning our solutions at the forefront of the renewable energy industry
Communication

Elise Romefort

I bring 10 years of experience in communication, specializing in graphic design, marketing strategies, and brand management. Throughout my career, I have developed and executed impactful communication campaigns, fostering strong brand identities and driving audience engagement. I have collaborated with diverse teams to enhance corporate communication strategies, ensuring consistent and effective messaging

Mentors & Investors

Mentor & Investor

Nigel Chanter

Nigel was one of the founding employees and Chief Operating Officer at Perforce Software and co-founded Meticulon, a social enterprise that employs neurodiverse people as technology consultants. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School
Mentor & Investor

Stéphane Lavallée

Stéphane Lavallée, PhD is an entrepreneur specializing in “Smart” Medical Devices (computer aided surgery, robotics, medical imaging, smart implants and instruments, etc.). Stéphane received the Bronze medal from the CNRS (French Centre for Scientific Research) in 1994, the Maurice Muller Award for Excellence in Computer Assisted Surgery in 2006 and the award from the Surgery Academy of Paris in 2011. He is also co-inventor of more than 60 independent patents
Mentor & Investor

Jordan Wolfe

Entrepreneur and angel investor. Prior to co-founding Town Partners, He founded several economic development programs in the city of Detroit. Prior to his work in Detroit, he was an investor at Mainsail Partners
Board Member for EIT RM

Nicolas Menou

Experienced Business and Innovation Manager with a demonstrated history of working in various sectors: Sustainable Energy, Circular Economy, Raw Materials, Nanoelectronics and Chemistry. Skilled in Innovation Management, Start-ups Acceleration and Coaching, Research and Development
The number one objective of HELIOSAND is to decarbonise industry.

Achievements &

Next steps

Proof of Concept

Lab Experiments 1st Patent

2020

1st Fundraising

€100K (BA) / 1st Prototype

2021

2nd & 3rd Prototypes

Tech Improvement

2022

2nd Fundraising

€400K (BA + EIT) / 1st Market Fit Recycling

2023

MVP & Market Research

Feasibility Study / Process Validation

2024

Pilot Project

Industrial Scaling

2025

Check what they say

We’re dedicated to build a better future

HELIOSAND actively contributes to 14 out of the 17 European Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on 4 of them.

Evolen

Prix de l'innovation
2024

French tech Miami

Capital Day
2024

Bref Eco

Trophée de l'innovation
2023

Challenges

Les 100 startups dans lesquelles investir
2023

Leonard (Vinci)

Seed Program
2022