4 Minutes with….Franck Mode, Business Advisor, CADev

Tell us about your company and it’s role in the Advanced Bioeconomy.

Official economic development agency of the Champagne-Ardenne Region, we offer complimentary services to expanding international companies. These include identification of strategic partners, feedstock and financing, as well as assistance in attracting public support for project around one of the leading advanced biorefinery in Europe.

Tell us about your role and what you are focused on in the next 12 months.
Business Advisor for Biorefinery, I support the creation of the new European bioeconomy. In the last 5 years in Champagne-Ardenne, over 20 international companies signed an NDA or MOU. 500M+ was invested in bioprocessing and 300+ jobs were created. As a result, Champagne-Ardenne is producing almost 700 kt/year bioproducts (Ethanol, Biodiesel, Chemical intermediates, Active ingredients…) and will be able to produce over 1 Mt/y in 5 years.
In contact with international bioprocess companies I will put all my efforts in finalizing partnering or industrial project development in Champagne-Ardenne.

What do you feel are the most important milestones the industry must achieve in the next 5 years?
To pass in more 10% of biobased products on everyday uses as well for fuels as for plastics and chemicals

If you could snap your fingers and change one thing about the Advanced Bioeconomy, what would you change?
Stop wasting natural carbon resources by enhancing local conversion loops.

Of all the reasons that influenced you to join the Advanced Bioeconomy industry, what single reason stands out for you as still being compelling and important to you?
Carbon lifecycle: in other words, efficient use of sun power through the marvelous plant photosynthesis and bioprocessing.

Where are you from?
I am a 100% Champagne product. Grandson of farmer I grew close to the vineyard and studied in Rheims Champagne University.

What was your undergraduate major in college, and where did you attend? Why did you choose that school and that pathway?
Master Degree in Biochemistry and Microbiology at UTC. PhD in Plant Biotechnology at Rheims, Champagne University: thesis on grapevine GMOs under a contract with a well-established Champagne group (Rheims Champagne University).

Who do you consider your mentors – could be personal, business, or just people you have read about and admire. What have you learned from them?
Prof. Daniel Thomas: he was my Master Degree professor. He learned me a lot on bioconversion and also on human being. My Uncle: farmer with an industrial vision, we discussed a lot about intensive crop farming and planet feeding. He opened my mind on local added value.

What’s the biggest lesson you ever learned during a period of adversity?
Life is too short: “Carpe diem”

What hobbies do you pursue, away from your work in the industry?
Cooking and wine tasting

What are 3 books you’d want to have with you, if you were stranded on a desert island.
The Junior Woodchucks Guide
Les Misérables, Victor HUGO
The Woods, Harlan COBEN

What books or articles are on your reading list right now, or you just completed and really enjoyed?
Six Years, Harlan COBEN

What’s your favorite city or place to visit, for a holiday?
Paris and Champagne area (Rheims is 45 min from Paris by train)