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Benkei, a Consulting Company in Innovation
Benkei was founded in 2013 by Luc Ragon.
We support our clients in designing and implementing their innovation strategies and
collaborative projects.
Innovation process :
Market launch
Development
Proof of
concept
Idea
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www.benkei.fr
The Landscape of Innovation Funding
Many different funding instruments are available, according to the advancement of
the innovation (TRL).
Theory
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Lab validation
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ERC
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Prototype
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Market launch
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H2020 RIA
H2020 IA
Eurostars
SME Instrument
ANR
FTI
Bpifrance : AFI, ADI…
FUI
Investissements d’avenir : CMI, PIAVE, AMI ADEME, PSPC…
And some more…
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www.benkei.fr
Support in Innovation Collaborative Projects
A Horizon 2020 project, this is:
• ≈ 8 to 10 partners, in Europe
• 2 to 10 M€ budget
• Several years duration
• 6 to 8 months to set up the project
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www.benkei.fr
Support in Innovation Strategy
“What we call strategy consists essentially in crossing rivers on bridges and
mountains through passes.”
Anatole France
What does the company
want?
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Projects mapping
Partners search
Networking
…
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• National or European
projects (if it’s relevant)
• Collaborative or not
www.benkei.fr
Case Study
An SME working in informatics.
They identified a commercial opportunity and have wanted to develop a new product
through R&D.
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• Roadmap
• Actions list
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Strategy
Advices
Follow-up
Application
Financial and
administrative
follow-up
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Informations about
Youg Doctor status
Getting funds for a
feasibility study
www.benkei.fr
My Background
• 2005-2010: Bachelor and Master in chemistry at Joseph Fourier University
• Internships at CEA and Cambridge University
• 2013: PhD in chemistry at Joseph Fourier University
• President of Young Fellows of the Rhône-Alpes section of French Chemical
Society
• Since 2014: Consultant in strategy and innovation funding at Benkei
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www.benkei.fr
How Useful is a PhD in Innovation Consulting?
PhDs are much welcome in this field (along with other profiles).
Redaction skills
Sciences and technology
knowledge
R&D
Complexity
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www.benkei.fr
What a Consulting Company Looks for
Skills
Qualities
Analysis
Curiosity
Redaction
Rigour
Project management
Listening
Communication and relational skills
And:
• Strong knowledge of the innovation process
• Strong knowledge of R&D related expenses
• Marketing
• Business finances
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www.benkei.fr
The Young Doctor Status
To Work in a Company Which Beneficiates from the Crédit d’Impôt Recherche
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Crédit d’Impôt Recherche: a Powerful Tool for Young Doctors
Tax credit based on R&D expenses (wages, depreciation, equipment…).
30% of R&D expenses
Young doctor (first CDI after the defense)
special status.
Researcher expenses account for 150% of wages (100% of wages + 50% of wages for indirect costs)
Young doctor expenses account for 400% of wages (200% of wages + 200% of wages for indirect costs)
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www.benkei.fr
Thank You for Your
Attention!
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