2024-11-13 15:30:00
In industrial matters, a country’s sovereignty is essential, and even more so when it comes to sensitive sectors. This is the case of electronic equipment such as semiconductors, a sector in which a French SME, NanoXplore, designs programmable components for the space industry. These components, called “FPGAs”, intended in particular for satellite on-board computers, have the particularity of being resistant to radiation.
“We are in a niche market that allows us to compete against American giants such as Intel, AMD or Microchip, otherwise it would be impossible”, recognizes Edouard Lepape, who has been running this factoryless company for eleven years, founded in 2010 by his father, Olivier Lepape. The components are produced at STMicroelectronics, in Grenoble and Rennes.
In 2014, a first contract worth 3 million euros was signed with the National Center for Space Studies (CNES), allowing the company to get started. It has since been supported by several organizations, such as the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) and the European Space Agency, due to its strategic nature. And it benefits from numerous funding. “It’s about gaining independence from China and the United States, estimates Jean-Claude Souyris, deputy technical and digital director of CNES. Thus, in fifteen years, the company has acquired experience that is almost unique in Europe. This has allowed it to position itself in scientific and defense missions and in the new generation of telecommunications satellites. »
Profitability from 20% to 30%
Sand components equip in particular the Copernicus Earth observation satellite network and the Galileo radio guidance system, which entered service in 2016. And its customers, around fifty, are the main players in space, such as Airbus Defense and Space, Thales Alenia Space and OHB, but also the MBDA missile.
For ten years its turnover has been constantly growing, reaching 20 million euros in 2024 and 30 million in 2025, with a profitability of 20% to 30%. From an equity point of view, father and son, aged 65 and 39 respectively, are the sole owners of this company which employs 120 people in Sèvres (Hauts-de-Seine), Montpellier and now Grenoble.
The idea is to gradually expand the field of activity by diversifying. To this end, NanoXplore announced on Tuesday 12 November the acquisition of Asic, belonging to the Isèrena company Dolphin Design, which designs specific components on order for defense, in particular the DGA. “This is also a strategic activity”insists Edouard Lepape, who plans to become number one in defense electronics. “We have a Franco-French approach that we want to Europeanize”he adds. A change of approach because, unlike space, which is a niche, this defense sector is more open and competitive, while remaining a sovereign domain.
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Time.news Editor: Welcome, Edouard Lepape, CEO of NanoXplore. Thank you for joining us today. Your company is making impressive strides in the semiconductor sector, particularly within the space industry. Can you start by telling us what makes your programmable components so unique?
Edouard Lepape: Thank you for having me! Our components, specifically FPGAs—Field Programmable Gate Arrays—are designed to be radiation-resistant. This quality is crucial for their use in satellite onboard computers, as space is a high-radiation environment that can harm conventional electronics.
Time.news Editor: That’s fascinating! With the increasing importance of sovereignty in industrial matters, especially in areas as sensitive as semiconductors, how does NanoXplore fit into this narrative?
Edouard Lepape: Sovereignty is indeed essential. The semiconductor landscape is dominated by giants like Intel and AMD, and as a smaller French SME, we occupy a niche market. Our goal is to provide the European Space industry with components that can ensure autonomy from the likes of China and the United States. We’ve been working closely with organizations like CNES and the Directorate General of Armaments to enhance our strategic role.
Time.news Editor: Your commitment to independence is commendable. Could you elaborate on how NanoXplore began its journey?
Edouard Lepape: We started in 2010, founded by my father, Olivier Lepape. It wasn’t until 2014, with a contract worth 3 million euros from CNES, that we gained significant traction. Over the years, we’ve garnered support from various entities, and it has proven pivotal in our growth and ability to compete in this high-stakes market.
Time.news Editor: It’s incredible to see how far you’ve come in such a short time. You mentioned clients like Airbus Defense and Space and Thales Alenia Space. What kind of projects are you currently working on?
Edouard Lepape: We provide components for essential programs, such as the Copernicus Earth observation satellites and the Galileo radio guidance system. Our components are critical for scientific and defense missions, as well as the next generation of telecommunications satellites. The range of our clients speaks to the reliability and demand for our technology.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like your business model is not only successful but sustainable. Can you share about the financial growth of NanoXplore over the past decade?
Edouard Lepape: Over the last ten years, our turnover has consistently risen. In 2024, we reached 20 million euros and are on track to achieve 30 million euros soon. This growth is encouraging and reflects the increasing demand for our specialized components in the space sector.
Time.news Editor: What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your industry moving forward?
Edouard Lepape: One significant challenge is maintaining our pace of innovation in a rapidly evolving field. The semiconductor industry is highly competitive, and staying ahead requires continuous investment in research and development. Ensuring that we can sustain our growth while also pivoting as technology evolves is essential.
Time.news Editor: With the world becoming more reliant on space technology, what role do you envision NanoXplore playing in the future of space exploration?
Edouard Lepape: We aim to remain at the forefront of advancing space technology in Europe. Our goal is to lead the charge in developing next-generation, radiation-hardened electronics for various space applications, ensuring that European missions have the independence and capability needed to succeed in an increasingly crowded space sector.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Edouard. It’s been a pleasure discussing NanoXplore with you. Your insights into the challenges and opportunities in the semiconductor market are invaluable.
Edouard Lepape: Thank you for the opportunity. I’m excited about the future and committed to contributing to the evolution of space technology.