Philippe Watteau has developed more than 20 years of experience in the field of innovation, from a double experience acquired within large public research organizations and large industrial groups.
Philippe directed the CEA-List in Paris-Saclay, which brings together nearly a thousand research engineers in the field of digital technology (AI, robotics, embedded systems, data intelligence, etc.) and which has generated more than a dozen start-ups. He also brought VEDECOM as a recognized European reference in the field of electric and autonomous mobility, of which he was General Manager. Philippe has previously driven a very strong dynamic of research valorization, at the head of CEA industrial partnerships of the Research and Technology division: he has more than 500 M€ of technology transfer contracts to his credit, with major players in the aeronautics, automotive, agri-food, energy, services and defense sectors.
In addition to these 10 years in applied research, Philippe also has 10 years of experience in industry. This experience was acquired in the strategy department of the Renault Group and in European affairs, as well as in the Air Liquide Group, in the management the international R&D partnerships (Europe, North America, Asia). More recently, as Director of Innovation at CEA Research & Technology division in Grenoble, Philippe has opened up technological innovation to new uses and social issues. At the head of the Y.SPOT ecosystem and an interdisciplinary team (in design, foresight, ideation, sociology, economic models), he has created a new innovation campus combining Art – Science – Society to engage a global, entrepreneurial and societal approach to innovation.
Philippe graduated from EDHEC Business School.