Operational Team
Dr. Ferechteh Teherani, PhD (Materials Science), MBA
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Administration and advanced materials innovation
With nearly three decades of experience in advanced materials, photonics and semiconductor technologies, Dr Teherani is a leading figure in oxide-based materials and devices. Following research roles at Thales (France), the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (Japan) and Northwestern University (USA), she founded Nanovation and has since managed it’s development. She combines deep technical expertise with entrepreneurial leadership and organizational administration. Dr Teherani also frequently contributes as an expert evaluator for the European Commission. She has also authored over 100 scientific publications, consistently bridging advanced materials research with industrial application.
Dr. David J. Rogers, PhD (Physics), MBA
Founder & Strategic Innovation & Marketing Director
Vision, strategy, technology positioning and value‑chain development
With over 25 years in the industry, Dr Rogers is a veteran semiconductor professional. Following early career roles at Philips Central Research Laboratories (Netherlands) and NTT Basic Research Laboratories (Japan), he went on to co‑found and develop a series of start-up ventures spanning the value chain from materials exploration through to device and system fabrication. These activities are now consolidated within Nanovation. In parallel, he is actively engaged across the wider sensing and space technology ecosystem. He is a member of the European Space Agency (ESA) detector working group and serves as Visiting Scientist at the University of Technology of Troyes and Adjunct Professor at the University of Technology Sydney. Dr Rogers is a frequent invited speaker and is actively involved in organizing/chairing leading technical conferences. He has led over 20 collaborative research programmes as principal investigator and has an extensive publication and patenting record, that places him amongst the top 1% of technical innovators in the field.
Dr. Eric V. Sandana, PhD (Physics)
Director of Operations
Process development, fabrication and operational execution
Dr Sandana is a specialist in nanotechnology and oxide semiconductor materials, with early experience across leading institutions including École Polytechnique (France), Northwestern University (USA) and KAIST (South Korea). He has played a central role in the development of nanostructured oxide materials and device-oriented processes within Nanovation. As Director of Operations, he oversees the production facility, ensuring the translation of advanced materials research into robust and scalable fabrication processes. He contributes across both R&D and industrial implementation and plays a key role in bridging laboratory innovation and production.
Michel Chamberlin (Ing.)
Chief Engineer & Laser Systems Director
Electronics, laser systems and device integration
Michel Chamberlin is an electronics engineer with over 50 years of experience in laser technologies, electro‑optical systems and advanced instrumentation along with a long track record of founding and building deep-tech start-ups. He combines deep technical expertise with extensive hands-on experience in electronics design, system integration and experimental platforms. At Nanovation, he leads the development and optimisation of laser-based research systems and plays a central role in the design and assembly of electronic platforms, including advanced imaging systems such as UVC/VIS cameras. His work enables the transition from material innovation to fully integrated and operational devices.
Marc de Salinelles
Financial Director
Financial strategy, governance and corporate structuring
Marc de Salinelles is a finance and accounting specialist with extensive experience supporting SMEs and technology companies in financial management, regulatory compliance and strategic development. As founder of 3A Conseil, he has developed strong expertise in supporting companies from creation through growth and transition. At Nanovation, he oversees financial strategy and governance, contributing to the structuring and long-term sustainability of the company.
Advisory Board
Prof. Manijeh Razeghi, PhD (Physics)
Founder & Scientific Advisor
Scientific leadership and advanced semiconductor technologies
Prof. Razeghi is a globally recognised leader in compound semiconductor materials and quantum devices. A Nobel prize nominee, she is widely regarded as a pioneer of modern epitaxial growth technologies as testified and often referred to as the “queen of MOCVD”. She is Walter P. Murphy Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Northwestern University and Director of the Center for Quantum Devices. Her work has shaped the development of III‑V semiconductor technologies across applications ranging from telecommunications to infrared sensing and quantum devices. She has authored over 1000 scientific publications, more than 20 books, and holds over 50 patents. She provides strategic scientific guidance to Nanovation, contributing to positioning the company at the forefront of advanced semiconductor research and innovation.
Dr. Philippe Bove, PhD (Physics)
Founder & Semiconductor Device Strategy Advisor
Device technologies and industrial semiconductor expertise
Dr Bove is a semiconductor device specialist with extensive international experience across academia, industry and start-ups. Following early work at Fujitsu Laboratories (Japan) and Northwestern University (USA), he held senior R&D and management roles including at Picogiga (later acquired by Soitec) and NanoUV. He brings deep expertise in compound semiconductors and device integration, contributing strategic insight into the development and positioning of advanced technologies. Co-founder of Nanovation, he combines scientific depth with industrial experience and contributes actively to international research programmes.
Dr. Sousan Setayesh, PhD (Maths)
Industrial Property & Intellectual Property Advisor
Intellectual property strategy and technology protection
Dr Setayesh holds a PhD in mathematics applied to quantum physics and brings over 20 years of experience in industrial property as a European Patent Attorney and intellectual property specialist. She has supported Nanovation for nearly two decades, advising on innovation strategy and the protection and defence of its intellectual property across European, US and international jurisdictions. Now also practising as an intellectual property lawyer, she plays a central role in safeguarding the company’s innovations and long-term competitive position.
Prof. Jean‑Guy Fontaine, Dr.Sc. (HDR)
Director – International Research & Innovation Ecosystems
Global partnerships, innovation ecosystems and venture development
Prof. Fontaine is an internationally recognised expert in robotics, electronics and artificial intelligence, with over 40 years of leadership in research and innovation. He has also played a key role in the creation and development of multiple technology ventures, notably as head of a start‑up incubator that actively supported early-stage deep‑tech companies, including Nanovation. He currently leads an international joint laboratory in China and brings extensive experience in building global innovation ecosystems. At Nanovation, he contributes to international partnerships and technology transfer, helping to bridge research, entrepreneurship and industrial deployment.