A new chapter for Optech: Introducing its 2025–2026 Board of Directors

2025 marks an important milestone for Optech, with the arrival of a renewed Board of Directors composed of nine members. Three members are appointed by the founding institutions, while six are elected by the broader membership. This diversity of backgrounds strengthens Optech’s ability to support photonics innovation in Québec and to assist companies in their technological projects.

Board Members Appointed by the Founding Institutions

• Nathalie Giguère, appointed by Cégep André-Laurendeau, serves as Chair of the Board of Directors.
• Charbel Mourad, appointed by Cégep John Abbott.
• Jonathan Bélisle, appointed by Cégep de La Pocatière.

These board members from the college sector ensure continuity between applied research and technological development, while reinforcing Optech’s commitment to training highly qualified personnel.

Board Members Elected by the Membership

François Dubé serves as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors. He holds a strategic leadership role at CAE as Vice President – Civil Aviation Products, where he oversees P&L, commercial strategy, and the global delivery of civil aviation training products and services. With more than ten years of leadership experience at CAE—particularly in after-sales services, training, and customer support—his appointment reflects his ability to structure collaborative initiatives and support technological projects. He will contribute to strengthening the coherence of the Board’s actions while playing a key role in governance and strategic guidance for Optech.

Jérémy Picot-Clemente is Photonics Technology Manager at EPIC, the world’s largest photonics industry consortium. With dual expertise in R&D (PhD) and innovation strategy (MBA), he brings technical, strategic, and networking expertise in photonics across advanced sectors such as Space, Defense, and AR/VR. Also an entrepreneur and active in science communication, he contributes an international strategic perspective and a unique ability to translate complex technologies into concrete market opportunities.

John F. Cigana has extensive experience in manufacturing innovation. As Director of Project Development at NGen, he supports projects related to digital transformation, automation, and advanced technologies within the Canadian manufacturing sector. He has previously held leadership roles in technology R&D in Canada. His understanding of industrial challenges and innovation funding mechanisms represents a strategic asset for Optech.

Jacques Lengaigne, Project Manager – Science and Technology at Axelys, specializes in advanced materials and functional surfaces. His research focuses in particular on anti-icing resistance, durability of protective coatings, and the interaction between microstructured materials and extreme environmental conditions. His scientific contributions demonstrate strong expertise in surface characterization and coating engineering—skills that are highly relevant for projects combining photonics, materials science, and industrial performance.

Matthew Posner, Director of Business Development at Axonal Networks, brings international experience in partnership development. His multidisciplinary background, including collaborations in quantum technologies, integrated photonics, and training, broadens the Board’s strategic perspective. He contributes to expanding Optech’s international reach, particularly through his ability to mobilize partners around multi-stakeholder innovation projects.

Strengthened Governance to Support Innovation

The composition of the new Board of Directors provides Optech with a strong combination of technical, industrial, and strategic expertise. This complementarity supports ambitious technological projects, fosters collaboration between research and industry, and contributes to the growth of the photonics sector in Québec.

This Board embodies Optech’s mission to act as a catalyst for innovation, support the technological transformation of companies, and strengthen collaboration across the photonics ecosystem.