François possesses a strong engineering background in mechanical engineering and holds a master’s degree in the Management of Technology from École Polytechnique de Montréal, with a particular focus on Aerospace and Defence. Since his tenure at Innovitech, François has consistently delivered exceptional results on a range of mandates, including those centred around advanced air mobility encompassing drones, eVTOLs, and more. He has also tackled critical projects related to assessing the environmental impacts of aviation and leveraging artificial intelligence technologies.
In addition to these achievements, François has held the position of General Manager at IRT Canada, a renowned research centre specializing in artificial intelligence within the aerospace sector. François served as the Director of Industrial Innovation at Investissement Québec, where he oversaw the development of industrial innovation roadmaps, managed an extensive innovation portfolio, and led the organization’s technology watch system.
His diverse career also includes a 15-year tenure at Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC), where he took on various roles in engineering and information technology. During his time at P&WC, François held the pivotal position of Digital Innovation Manager, responsible for steering emerging digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced robotics. He played a vital role in advancing the digital transformation of the aerospace industry, contributing significantly to the development of an aero-digital ecosystem.
François’s commitment to aerospace innovation extends to his involvement in numerous research and education organizations within the sector. He has a notable track record in preparing, negotiating, and managing the execution of a substantial $1 billion research program, including a remarkable $300 million loan agreement with Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED). François’s multifaceted expertise, combined with his extensive experience in driving innovation across aerospace and technology domains, makes him a standout leader in the field.