La Synapse community
La Synapse is managed by a team from the Office of Science and Technology Service (OST) of the Embassy of France in the United States, which coordinates its activities throughout the United States and its partnerships with French and American stakeholders. Locally, at each of La Synapse’s locations, the OST team is responsible for implementing the strategy and operational aspects of the programs.
Thus, La Synapse’s human capital is made up of the OST teams and its network of professors, researchers, scientists, entrepreneurs and executives across the United States. This diversity of talents and skills gives La Synapse extensive expertise and a vast network of contacts in the field of innovation.
Office for Science and Technology
The Office for Science and Technology (OST) of the Embassy of France in the United States is a network of 23 agents, based at the Embassy in Washington DC and in the Consulates General in 6 other cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and San Francisco. It works in close collaboration with the 12 representatives of the French research organizations present at the Embassy, namely the CNRS, INSERM, CNES, CEA and INRAE. The diversity of the team's profiles brings a wealth of scientific expertise, as well as managerial, administrative and human skills. This diversity of knowledge and skills facilitates dialogue and the development of strong, lasting relationships with American scientists and managers at universities, research centers and federal agencies.
The OST aims to promote French science and technology to American players, and to strengthen transatlantic links in research and innovation. To this end, the OST keeps a scientific and technological watch on advances made by American laboratories and research institutes, and monitors local public policy and investment strategies. It initiates or consolidates bilateral partnerships and promotes student and researcher mobility through expert missions, thematic meetings, exchange programs and financial aid. More specifically, with an aim towards supporting innovation stemming from academic research, over the past 20 years the OST has developed programs to help young French startups discover the American ecosystem, as well as actions to promote the French ecosystem to researchers and entrepreneurs located in the United States. In line with this approach, the OST is now launching La Synapse, to meet the needs of French deeptech companies in terms of internationalization and attractiveness on the transatlantic axis.
Executive Office
The executive team coordinates La Synapse's strategy, programs and operations, in collaboration with its partners in France and the United States.
Mireille Guyader
Managing Director
Rami Abi Akl
Executive Director
Leah Namoune
Director of Finance
Yann Ferry
Program Manager
Richard Burke
Program Manager
Héloïse Therrat
Communication Manager
Local Offices
Local offices manage La Synapse's programs in their areas, in partnership with local ecosystem players.
