Our organization
As the Technology Center of the ALPHA – Route des Lasers & des Hyperfrequencies competitiveness cluster, ALPhANOV drives industrial innovation through its expertise in optics and lasers.
In nearly 20 years of existence, ALPhANOV has built unique know-how and exceptional resources across the entire photonics value chain. We are proud to gather internally such a high level of expertise in optics, lasers, mechanics, electronics, and educational tools.
Our clients and partners benefit from our unique technological platforms in France, structured into five technical departments:
Marc CASTAING
Photonics at the source…
The Laser & Components Department focuses on the development of high-performance sources and critical functional building blocks.
Our mastery of fiber lasers ensures performance and reliability for the most demanding applications. We provide tailor-made services and design unique components that become key elements of more complex products developed by our partners.
Marc FAUCON
From laser to matter…
The Laser Processing Department explores and develops new ways to use lasers as tools for high-precision, high-productivity manufacturing—non-contact, wear-free, and effluent-free.
Lasers push the boundaries of traditional industrial processes. Drilling, cutting, marking, texturing, and surface treatment—whatever the material, our teams rely on a laser and metrology platform unmatched in France to deliver studies, services, and subcontracting that transform manufacturing processes.
Anthony BERTRAND
From light to intelligent systems…
The Photonic Systems Department places light at the heart of the most complex devices.
It translates our innovations into complete systems and turns them into concrete solutions.
Backed by adjacent technologies—opto-mechanics, electronics, and computer science—this expert design office expands the range of sectors addressed by photonics.
Nicolas FALLETTO
…and to the evaluation of these systems
Laser fault injection on microelectronic components is one of the most advanced cybersecurity attack techniques.
Our solutions in this field are recognized at the highest international level, used by leading industry players and government agencies. This expertise is at the core of the Electronic Components Evaluation Department.
By detecting vulnerabilities in integrated circuits at the earliest stage, our partners and clients contribute to the reliability and security of the global digital infrastructure.
Ludovic LESCIEUX
Training the experts of tomorrow
The PYLA Training Center is a key player in continuing education in lasers, optics, photonics, electronics, and high-frequency technologies.
Drawing on a network of experts from universities, laboratories, and partner companies, PYLA offers programs tailored to the specific needs of professionals, with strong emphasis on hands-on experimentation. Some courses, resulting from international partnerships, are delivered in several European countries, ensuring knowledge is shared at the highest level.
PYLA also innovates in educational engineering. The optical lab environment is accessible via a simple virtual reality headset. Safety reflex training and complex laser alignment techniques become interactive and safe, with no major investment required.
Sébastien VERGNOLE
A photonics axis between Limoges and Bordeaux
As part of the scientific and technical structuring of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region, a "photonics axis" is emerging between Limoges and Bordeaux.
This axis aims to bring together complementary expertise with the shared ambition of valorizing research and uniting the region’s photonics stakeholders.
The XLIM Research Institute hosts ALPhANOV to strengthen collaboration and increase the maturity of the cutting-edge research conducted in Limoges.
The Board
ALPhANOV’s Board brings together its founding members and predominantly industrial partners.
It is chaired by Samuel BUCOURT, Chairman & CEO of Imagine Optic.
Benoît APPERT-COLLIN - Director
Supported by the European Union, the French State, and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Regional Council, our center has been certified as a Technological Resource Center (CRT) since 2008.
It receives annual approval for the Research Tax Credit (CIR) and has been ISO 9001:2015 certified since September 2018.
Professional Equality
ALPhANOV achieved a professional equality index of 79/100 for the year 2025 (based on 2024 data).
You can download our Gender Equality Action Plan by clicking on the button below.
Our network
As part of the competitiveness culster ALPHA-RLH, ALPhANOV works together with numerous local structures. Find the list of our founders and our network in the page below.
Our founding members
Partners
Our memberships
