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Towards technology transfer
While the cold plasma team places a strong emphasis on fundamental studies, it does not neglect technological developments. Thus, the validation of a concept or the feasibility study of a process can lead to the creation of a prototype, the development of a startup, or close collaboration with an industrial partner. These developments are particularly focused on biology and medicine (the startup Plasana Medical, initiated by A. Rousseau), agronomy, and more recently in CO2 valorization (pre-maturation phase at SATT Paris Saclay, led by post-doctoral researcher E. Baratte). The team works closely with companies, such as in the microelectronics sector with LAM Research, and these collaborations can evolve into the creation of a joint laboratory, as is the case with SAFRAN in the field of space propulsion. The aim is both to develop "historical" applications of cold plasmas, where the team’s expertise is sought by leading companies to offer innovative technological breakthroughs, and to launch startup initiatives.
The involvement of the team’s researchers in startup projects is generally limited to a scientific and technical advisory role, but it can sometimes go further. For example, T. Dufour co-founded the startup AUXOWAY in the field of agronomy, which aims to use plasmas to improve the germination and health properties of seeds. Another example that has now taken off is the creation of ThrustMe, a project aimed at developing space propulsion systems, led by Ane Aanesland, who was a CNRS senior researcher in the team at the time. The space propulsion activity remains one of the team’s major themes, with a joint laboratory now established with SAFRAN, named COMHET.
