From PhD thesis to start-up: the screen of the future invented in Bordeaux

After graduating from ENSMAC, the Bordeaux INP engineering school, Romain Futsch began a CIFRE PhD thesis in 2018 on the development of electrochromic materials at the Bordeaux Institute of Condensed Matter Chemistry (ICMCB – CNRS, Bordeaux INP and University of Bordeaux). His research focused on a device that changes colour with the application of an electric current, and which is printable, energy-efficient, sustainable and recyclable at the end of its life.

He decided to compete in the “My thesis in 180 seconds” competition, which challenges PhD students to present their research subject in layman’s terms to a broad audience, in less than three minutes. “It’s tough, but very instructive! Keeping it short, snappy and impactful… Knowing how to pitch my thesis proved to be very helpful in this entrepreneurial journey”, he says. “And it’s of public interest to bring research out of laboratories!”

The PhD student then met up again with Cyril Périé, also an ENSMAC graduate and at that time research engineer at the ICMCB. Together, they developed screen-printed displays, which provide reliable, quick and discreet readings. “At some point in our research work, we had the opportunity to bring the technology out of the laboratory so it could benefit users. So, we went for it!” And thus began the Luchrome journey.

In 2021, with their first proofs of concept, Romain Futsch and Cyril Périé’s start-up joined the Chrysa-link incubator, run by the Aquitaine Science Transfert SATT. The following year, the SATT invested in the further development of the electrochromic device and in the protection of the associated intellectual property. Then came the industrial and commercial development thanks to the support of the Bordeaux Technowest technopole.

For 18 months, the two young researchers carried out market research, learnt how to pitch their product to investors and began the process of setting up a company. Romain Futsch remembers: “At this point, I changed my mindset because I discovered I had a flair for business! To switch from research to entrepreneurship, I decided to change careers. Now, I handle the strategic side and Cyril the technical side. We complement each other.”

In 2022, they joined UBee Lab, the University of Bordeaux’s incubator for students and young graduates. They settled into their first premises. “The outside perspective of Alexandre Savin (head of the entrepreneurial department) was invaluable to help us refine our strategy, to ask ourselves the right questions. It was also, I must say, a source of psychological support at a critical point for our start-up”, admits Romain Futsch.

A new energy-efficient, cost-effective electronic display

The journey continues to accelerate: they set up their company in 2023, then in 2024 they moved to premises better suited for production, in Pessac. “Our concept is based on sustainability and circular economy. Our displays are printed using screen printing in successive layers on plastic substrates”, explains the young entrepreneur. “Since they are not backlit, they do not contain any metals or rare materials, and are inexpensive to produce.”

In the end, this technology has 60 times less environmental impact than other solutions on the market - like liquid crystal displays, for instance – and manufacturers are well aware of this: these low-tech ‘gems’ are now found in smart labels, providing tamper-proof authentication of goods in B2B and B2C contexts (cold chain compliance, medicine expiry dates, etc.) or in certain smart devices, providing reliable information (battery level, pregnancy test results, etc.)

Currently, the company employs six full-time workers and three interns. “From my window on the Bordes campus, I can see the building where I used to have classes, and the one where I carried out my PhD. Luchrome is a very ‘local’ company!” concludes Romain Futsch with a smile.