French Expert in Ireland is an independent publication launched in September 2023. It covers Franco-Irish cooperation in innovation, research and deep tech — from the ground, by someone working inside the ecosystem every day. About the author Jean-Michel Portefaix is an International Technical Expert in Innovation and Applied Research,
French Expert in Ireland is an independent publication launched in September 2023. It covers Franco-Irish cooperation in innovation, research and deep tech — from the ground, by someone working inside the ecosystem every day.
About the author
Jean-Michel Portefaix is an International Technical Expert in Innovation and Applied Research, seconded by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs via Expertise France to Enterprise Ireland in Dublin.
Based at NovaUCD, he works at the intersection of the French and Irish innovation ecosystems — connecting researchers, startups, deep tech companies and public agencies around shared priorities: artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, high-performance computing, and the green transition.
Before Dublin, he spent a decade at CNRS, led a 25-person partnerships directorate at the Université de Montpellier, and served as Science and Technology Attaché at the French Embassies in Norway and Cuba. He holds a doctorate in chemistry, an engineering degree, and a master's in business contract law, and is trilingual in French, English and Spanish.
He is also a board member, director and community lead of La French Tech Dublin.
What you'll find here
Analysis and insights on the themes that matter most for Franco-Irish cooperation:
Innovation ecosystems — incubators, accelerators, technology transfer, startup support structures and soft landing opportunities between France and Ireland.
Deep tech & startups — internationalisation, scaling, access to European markets, and the Franco-Irish startup bridge.
Research & funding — Horizon Europe, bilateral programmes, research partnerships between universities, grandes écoles and Irish research institutions.
Quantum & HPC — the European quantum landscape, EuroHPC, and what France and Ireland are building together in this space.
Artificial intelligence — AI policy, trusted AI, applied AI and the regulatory environment shaping innovation on both sides.
Energy transition — green hydrogen, offshore wind, sustainable energy systems and the Franco-Irish angle on Europe's decarbonisation agenda.
Written for researchers, entrepreneurs, innovation managers, and anyone navigating the space between France and Ireland within the European ecosystem.
Publications on this site are personal and reflect only the views of the author.