Gregoire BESSE - Eclat Digital

Expertise

Grégoire specialises in the interaction between light and materials, and is a key name in the design of advanced optical simulation solutions. His skills in modelling optical properties enable him to support our R&D teams in continuously improving the simulation capabilities of the Ocean™ software. He fosters a collaborative approach, where knowledge-sharing and upskilling is encouraged.

Given his ability to combine scientific rigour, leadership and an understanding of economic issues, Grégoire plays a major role in Eclat Digital’s development. He embodies the perfect balance between technical expertise and management, actively contributing to the success of Eclat Digital.

Missions

Vision & Innovation

Grégoire steers Eclat Digital’s technology strategy, defining and driving the company’s tech vision in terms of R&D, software innovation and engineering process optimisation. He ensures that advances in technology are aligned with market needs and the company’s business objectives to guarantee that the solutions offered are both competitive and relevant.

Vision & Innovation

Research & development

As supervisor of the R&D and engineering teams, he coordinates the various technical divisions, encourages staff to upskill and optimises working methods. His role also involves rigorous project monitoring, from the design of the optical simulation algorithms to their integration into the Ocean™ software. As the company’s go-to technical expert, he is the person to whom teams turn to solve complex problems and to explore new optical simulation options.

Research & development

Strategy & Performance

Grégoire also works closely with the CEO to drive innovation and identify development opportunities. They are working together to structure the company’s strategy, strengthen its technological partnerships and define an ambitious roadmap that will ensure Eclat Digital emerges as a key name in virtual prototyping and optical simulation.

Strategy & Performance

Professional background

Grégoire chose to contribute his expertise to Eclat Digital in 2018. Recruited as an R&D engineer, he initially helped to develop the Ocean™ software, our optical simulation tool with various engineering applications.

In 2021, he was promoted to Technical Referent, where he was tasked with giving teams technical support, ensuring that the performance of the Ocean™ software was optimised and helping customers integrate this solution. Grégoire also monitored technological developments and defined the company’s R&D strategy.

Building on this expertise and his commitment, Grégoire was promoted to Technical Manager in 2023, where he oversaw the development teams and steered Eclat Digital’s technology strategy.

Since 2024, Grégoire has been the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) at Eclat Digital.

PhD

R&D Engineer

Technical Referent

Technical Manager

CTO

2018

2021

2023

2024

Qualifications

Education: Grégoire has a Master’s degree and a PhD in theoretical nuclear physics. His background in science led him to study the modelling of complex physical phenomena – a field he then applied to optical simulation at Eclat Digital.

Pedagogy: He is actively involved in science communication initiatives, working with the CNRS and participating in public outreach events. This passion for knowledge-sharing emerged early on in his career during his PhD studies, where he taught electromagnetism and optics at university level. He continues this within Eclat Digital, regularly publishing blog articles and participating in lectures and conferences.

Leadership: To broaden his skills beyond research, Grégoire also completed a management program at Vlerick Business School. This training enabled him to refine his own strategic vision and gain a deeper understanding of the issues related to technological innovation, thus strengthening his position as a leader.