Dr. Thomas Bourgeau ☰
Intro Background Innovation Market Transmission Publications
Avatar

Swiss and French

Married with 2 kids

Living in Switzerland

Leading Innovation from Research to Market

Welcome to my personal website. Here you will find insights into my current and past professional activities across Technology transfer, research, teaching, and entrepreneurship. My core interests lie in driving digital innovation from lab to market, particularly in emerging technology domains such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Edge Computing, Cellular Networks, Augmented and Virtual Reality, Distributed Systems, and Machine Learning. I combine a strong academic and industry driven background with hands-on experience as a technology transfer manager and former CTO of two Deep Tech startups.

Technology Transfer Manager - EPFL

CTO of KB DIGITAL AG

CTO and Co-founder of BlumenLab SAS

Visiting Researcher at Telecom SudParis

Bourgeau Consulting

Teaching Assistant at Sorbonne University

Doctoral Student at Sorbonne University

Research Engineer LIP6 - Sorbonne University

Junior Engineer at Sogeti High Tech

Education & Qualifications

Year Diploma Specialty Institution
2014 French National Assistant Professor Qualification Sections: 27 (Computer Science) and 61 (Electronics and Automation). Delivered by the French National Council of Universities (CNU)
2013 Doctorate in Computer Science Network Communication and Algorithmics Sorbonne University - Paris
2005 Master of Science in Computer Science Major: Electronics, Sensors and Telecommunication Sorbonne University - Paris
2003: Bachelor in Electrical Engineering Engineering Science Sorbonne University - Paris

Expertise and Skills

Innovation support Licensing & IP Strategy, Technology Transfer, Contract Negotiation, Innovation Coaching, Deep Tech Incubation, Startup Mentoring
Network Science: Internet (TCP/IP, Routing, BGP), Wireless (WiFi, LTE, LPWAN, 5G), Cloud (OpenStack, Docker, Kubernetes),Cybersecurity (Cryptography, Threat Detection, Risk Prevention), Future Internet (ICN, SDN, SDR).
Computer Science: Programming Skills (C/C++, Python, Java), Algorithmics (Combinatorics, Graph), Web (PHP, NodeJS), Mobile (Android, React Native), OSes (Windows, Macintosh and UNIX), Blockchain (Distributed Ledger, Smart Contract),Machine Learning (Classification, Clustering, Neuronal Networks) ,VR/AR (Unity, A-Frame, Metaverse).
Electronics: Analog (Micro-Controllers, PCB design), Digital (FPGA, DSP), Instrumentation (Ultrasonic, Electrowave, IR), Signal (Filtering, Processing).
Management: Methodologies (Agile, DevOps, Design Thinking, CMMI), Projects (H2020, Horizon Europe, ANR, Innosuisse), Standardization (IETF, IGF, ITU).
Soft Skills: Proactive, Creative and Collaborative
Languages: French (Native), English (fluent), German (B1)

Support Innovation: From Research to Market

Avatar

Technology Transfer

As a Technology Transfer Manager at EPFL, I have focused on translating cutting-edge research into real-world applications. I have evaluated and protected intellectual property from over 60 laboratories, supported licensing strategies, and managed technology maturation pathways. I work closely with early-stage startups, advising them on IP positioning, business models, and industry collaboration. My goal is to enable a smooth transition from research to market by aligning scientific innovation with venture readiness and fostering Deep Tech entrepreneurship within the EPFL ecosystem.
Avatar

Innovation

My innovation work is grounded in applying my own research to real-world challenges. I bring technologies such as embedded VR/AR, distributed systems, and IoT solutions from concept to implementation by building functional prototypes and engaging users early. I have led agile teams to develop products informed by my academic work - from immersive interfaces for the Internet of Skills to distribute analytics for edge computing. These efforts translate theoretical insights into tangible applications, helping bridge the gap from research output to market-ready innovation.
Avatar

Technologies

Over the past decade, I have focused on advancing new networking paradigms across a range of technological domains. My research and development efforts in distributed IP-level monitoring have led to real-world tools for Internet topology analysis. I have brought innovation in areas such as Information-Centric Networking (ICN), Software Defined Networking (SDN), and IP Multimedia Subsystems for 5G to tangible prototypes and experimental deployments. These contributions have not only expanded academic understanding but also supported the development of startup concepts and technology transfer projects within EPFL.

Research Projects

Year Project Name Topic My Contributions
2019 Smart Meter (Hager) Internet of Things Supporting Hager's transition to smart buildings through internal ideation training and prototyping activities using the PrIoT framework.
2017 - 2018 Station F - Centre des Monuments Nationaux (CMN) IMRSIVO - VR and AR immersive experience editor Incubation with BlumenLab at Station F for 2 years, supported by CMN to integrate the IMRSIVO platform into their interactive cultural portfolio and immersive visits.
2015 - 2016 Access Story (Renault-Atos) Migration of Renault services to the Azure cloud. Cybersecurity expert responsible for the architecture and deployment.
2012 - 2013 EINS (FP7-ICT) Multidisciplinary Network of Excellence in Internet Science. Participate in workshop and working group about Social tracking with IP.
2008 - 2011 OpenLab (FP7-ICT) Extend experimental facilities through federation. Research on federation mechanism for measurement systems
2007 - 2008 OneLab (FP6-ICT) Development of a large-scale and heterogeneous testbed. Project coordinator (OneLab, 2 years, 10 partners), Engineer and Researcher leading the distributed measurement work packages.

Past Research topics

OneLab

OneLab was a European project funded under the FP6 and FP7 European program  aiming  to run and develop testbeds for research and experimentation on future internet technologies.  The core testbed is PlanetLab Europe, the European arm of the global PlanetLab system. It is powered by PlanetLab code, for which OneLab is the co-developers with Princeton University. Around this core, OneLab has extended PlanetLab into New environment facilities (Wireless, Emulation, UMTS, Multi homing, SAC, Content), deepening the monitoring with active and passive measurement tools. Among others I've been involved in: Administrating PlanetLab Europe platform (support, deployment, legal) Validating the new environment components of the testbed before the production release. Developing the Topology information component (TopHat) as a standard service for PlanetLab users Deploying active measurement tools to fill TopHat with topological information Disseminating OneLab on several talks and technical reports.

Measurements

Active measurements was my principal focus as a research area during my PhD. I've been working on setting up a Topology information component, TopHat, that aims at studying the Internet dynamics at the IP level. This component is built on a smart algorithm that learns topological changes to better track Internet dynamics and proposes an API that can serve the research community to query its database for retrieving topological information. The active measurements are done with new and innovative tools that resolve measurement artifacts (paris-traceroute) and enhance distributed measurement with DHT (traceroute@home).

Heterogeneity

Nowadays, the internet has grown into a heterogeneous network that uses a large range of technologies from its edges to its core. On the user side, a large choice of devices has arisen and the interoperability between all these technologies is an actual challenge. With the IoT, new objects are implemented to be able to communicate among each other. Thus they need to know the underlying Object topology to reach each other. We have worked on an heterogeneous object mapping tool providing an overlay objects map that can be queried by IoT devices. It could also leverage new routing protocols for the IoT.

Industrial Engagement and Entrepreneurship

Avatar

Open Innovation

With my engineering background, I have actively supported enterprises in their innovation journey by bridging technological development with customer engagement and delivery. For Renault-Nissan, I designed and deployed a robust cloud architecture that streamlined digital asset management processes and ensured secure collaboration with external agencies. For SNCF, I led the creation of an immersive AR/VR training solution, engaging end users to validate learning scenarios and deploying a field-ready tool that significantly enhanced operational training capacities. These projects reflect my ability to translate advanced research into actionable and impactful industry solutions.
Avatar

Entrepreneurship

I co-founded BlumenLab, which developed an innovative authoring tool to seamlessly integrate AR and VR into immersive digital experiences. Later, I co-founded KB Digital AG, which partnered with IMT Labs to deliver modular IoT prototyping hardware and software. These technologies have been successfully applied in multiple industrial use cases.
Avatar

Consulting

I provide consulting services to organizations navigating digital transformation, from strategy and architecture to rapid ideation bootcamps. My workshops use agile innovation techniques to foster creativity and drive prototype development—whether that involves web and mobile app creation or IoT hardware design.

KB DIGITAL

From Jan 2018 to Oct 2021, I was the CTO and co-founder of KB DIGITAL AG.

Scope: Assist clients and institutions on their digital transformation projects either by providing consulting, training, coaching or prototype adapted to their needs in areas such as Web, IoT, Blockchain, Machine Learning. Development of an IoT framework to speed up device conception and upgrade. Customers: ORSYS, Hager, SNCF, Alcatel-Enterprise, SETEC

BlumenLab

From Jun 2016 to Oct 2021, I was the CTO and Co-founder of BlumenLab SAS

Scope: French startup developing cutting edge solutions for building Virtual and Augmented Reality products. Research area focuses on establishing an immersive editing tool (RIAM CNC Grant) Customers: SNCF, RATP, Galeries Lafayette.

Bourgeau Consulting

From Jan 2015 - Dec 2017, I was an independant consultant at Bourgeau Consulting EIRL

Consulting: Network infrastructure deployment, Secure Data flow, Haptical systems (Renault, Atos), Training: IoT, Network Architecture, Web Development (Practical and theoretical sessions).

Empowering Learners and Innovators

Avatar

Academic Teaching

Since 2009, I have taught computer science and engineering courses at Universities and Engineering Schools, covering network architecture, web technologies, programming, and agile project methodologies. I emphasize experiential learning, combining theory with hands-on labs and team-based development. I also produce interactive learning resources and digital content including MOOCs and screencasts.
Avatar

Professional Training

I deliver specialized training for professionals across the ICT industry. These programs are tailored to corporate teams or offered as inter-company seminars in topics such as IoT, wireless technologies, cybersecurity, cloud platforms, and AI. I collaborated with ORSYS, where I manage the training portfolio in IoT, cloud computing, and cellular networks.

Teaching Experience

Since 2016:Lecturer at ESCP Europe (210h)

(Responsible Teacher) Business Networks & Security (120h, En) Module included in MSc Big Data and Business Analysis, this course overview security concepts and the impact of cybersecurity threats in businesses. (Assistant Teacher) Digital Insights and Products: algorithmics and programming (90h, En) Module included in the Bachelor in Management (BSc). This module is a programing introduction to object oriented languages with hands on practical projects to develop mobile Android applications.

Since 2015: Professional seminar and training (660h) at ORSYS

Internet of Things: Synthesis (350h, Fr/En). This two day training proposes an overview of the IoT ecosystem from application verticals, hardware implementation to stream data analysis. Targeted audience spans from engineers to decision makers in the industrial sector. Wireless Network Technologies (205h, Fr/En), This three days training provides deep understanding of the WiFi, Bluetooth, LPWAN and cellular technologies for engineers and product designers. IP Technologies and services (105h, Fr), This two days training overviews IP technologies from the physical layers to the application layers of the OSI model with further knowledge on MLPS, VPN, IPSEC and VoIP protocols.

2009 - 2014: Lecturer and Teaching Assistant (428h) at Sorbonne University - Paris

Network Architectures (239h, Fr/En), Master Level. This lecture addresses the core IP network concepts for the first year master students. It provides theoretical knowledge covering all the major IP protocols and application in addition to practical labs with CISCO routers and switches.Web Technologies (115h, Fr), Bachelor Level. This lecture covers both the programming knowledge and the language modeling for frontend and backend development using J2EE and Tomcat application server. Each lecture session is followed by a practical development lab and a supervision for individual development projects. Network Security (74h, Fr) Bachelor Level, This lecture provides deep understanding of cryptographic algorithm and introduces major security protocols (SSL,TLS,IPSEC) and protection (Firewall,Anti Viruses).

Publications