Coraliotech team

Photo
Rachid Benchaouir CEO & Founder

Passionate about science and discoveries from a young age, Rachid, founder and CEO of Coraliotech, oriented his university studies towards modern biology. He obtained a PhD in biochemistry from the University of Paris 6, in 2004, and had an atypical professional career, alternating between public and private structures. This double skill has allowed him to make the most of both « cultures ».

« Welcomed in 2015 at the Monaco Scientific Center for my expertise in human genetics, I took part in an original and unexpected collaboration with researchers in marine biology. From the success of this initiative was born the idea of creating Coraliotech to enhance the benefits of research on coral reef ecosystems, and thus to include the activity in a virtuous circle linking science, economy and the societal impact of our innovations. »

Key skills
  • Expert researcher in biochemistry, genetics and biotechnology
  • Managerial skills and team spirit
  • Culture of novelty and innovation
Associated references
International publications

(20) Planas-Bielsa, V., Benchaouir, R., Allemand, D. & Zoccola, D. (2020). The World Coral Conservatory : Offering New Hope for Corals. ERCIM NEWS, 123, 16-17.

(19) Sandro, Q. & Benchaouir, R. (2019). Baculovirus : A Powerful Tool for Various Biotechnological Applications. Advances in Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 7, 1085.

(18) Malcher, J., Heidt, L., Goyenvalle, A., Escobar, H., Marg, A., Beley, C., Benchaouir, R., Bader, M., Spuler, S., García, L. & Schöwel, V. (2018). Exon Skipping in a Dysf-Missense Mutant Mouse Model. Molecular therapy. Nucleic acids, 13, 198–207.

(17) Benchaouir, R. (2016). Recent advances in the purification of recombinant adeno-associated virus. Cell & Gene Therapy Insight, 2(3), 287-291.

(16) Buclez, P. O., Dias Florencio, G., Relizani, K., Beley, C., Garcia, L., & Benchaouir, R. (2016). Rapid, scalable, and low-cost purification of recombinant adeno-associated virus produced by baculovirus expression vector system. Molecular therapy. Methods & clinical development, 3, 16035.

(15) Dias Florencio, G., Precigout, G., Beley, C., Buclez, P. O., Garcia, L., & Benchaouir, R. (2015). Simple downstream process based on detergent treatment improves yield and in vivo transduction efficacy of adeno-associated virus vectors. Molecular therapy. Methods & clinical development, 2, 15024.

(14) Benchaouir, R., Robin, V., & Goyenvalle, A. (2015). Gene and splicing therapies for neuromuscular diseases. Frontiers in bioscience (Landmark edition), 20(8), 1190–1233.

(13) Ferry, A., Benchaouir, R., Joanne, P., Peat, R. A., Mougenot, N., Agbulut, O., & Butler-Browne, G. (2015). Effect of voluntary physical activity initiated at age 7 months on skeletal hindlimb and cardiac muscle function in mdx mice of both genders. Muscle & nerve, 52(5), 788–794.

(12) Vulin, A., Barthélémy, I., Goyenvalle, A., Thibaud, J. L., Beley, C., Griffith, G., Benchaouir, R., le Hir, M., Unterfinger, Y., Lorain, S., Dreyfus, P., Voit, T., Carlier, P., Blot, S., & Garcia, L. (2012). Muscle function recovery in golden retriever muscular dystrophy after AAV1-U7 exon skipping. Molecular therapy : the journal of the American Society of Gene Therapy, 20(11), 2120–2133.

(11) Benchaouir, R., & Goyenvalle, A. (2012). Splicing modulation mediated by small nuclear RNAs as therapeutic approaches for muscular dystrophies. Current gene therapy, 12(3), 179–191.

(10) Ellinwood, N. M., Ausseil, J., Desmaris, N., Bigou, S., Liu, S., Jens, J. K., Snella, E. M., Mohammed, E. E., Thomson, C. B., Raoul, S., Joussemet, B., Roux, F., Chérel, Y., Lajat, Y., Piraud, M., Benchaouir, R., Hermening, S., Petry, H., Froissart, R., Tardieu, M., … Colle, M. A. (2011). Safe, efficient, and reproducible gene therapy of the brain in the dog models of Sanfilippo and Hurler syndromes. Molecular therapy : the journal of the American Society of Gene Therapy, 19(2), 251–259.

(9) Benchaouir, R., Meregalli, M., Farini, A., D’Antona, G., Belicchi, M., Goyenvalle, A., Battistelli, M., Bresolin, N., Bottinelli, R., Garcia, L. & Torrente, Y. (2008). Réhabilitation de la dystrophine humaine dans le modèle scid/mdx après greffe de cellules souches de patients DMD corrigées par saut d’exon. Medecine/Sciences, 24(1), 99-101.

(8) Benchaouir, R., Meregalli, M., Farini, A., D'Antona, G., Belicchi, M., Goyenvalle, A., Battistelli, M., Bresolin, N., Bottinelli, R., Garcia, L., & Torrente, Y. (2007). Restoration of human dystrophin following transplantation of exon-skipping-engineered DMD patient stem cells into dystrophic mice. Cell stem cell, 1(6), 646–657.

(7) Bortoli, S., Benchaouir, R., Duverger, V., Rochon, C., Vandebrouk, C., Vaigot, P., Gidrol, X., Garcia, L. & Piétu, G. (2007). Functional and Molecular Characterization of SP Cell Population Isolated from Mouse Primary Myoblast Culture. Journal of Stem Cells, 3(2).

(6) Israeli, D., Ziaei, S., Gjata, B., Benchaouir, R., Rameau, P., Marais, T., Fukada, S., Segawa, M., Yamamoto, H., Gonin, P., Danos, O., & Garcia, L. (2007). Expression of mdr1 is required for efficient long term regeneration of dystrophic muscle. Experimental cell research, 313(11), 2438–2450.

(5) Stockholm, D., Benchaouir, R., Picot, J., Rameau, P., Neildez, T. M., Landini, G., Laplace-Builhé, C., & Paldi, A. (2007). The origin of phenotypic heterogeneity in a clonal cell population in vitro. PloS one, 2(4), e394.

(4) Benchaouir, R., Picot, J., Greppo, N., Rameau, P., Stockholm, D., Garcia, L., Paldi, A., & Laplace-Builhé, C. (2007). Combination of quantification and observation methods for study of "Side Population" cells in their "in vitro" microenvironment. Cytometry. Part A : the journal of the International Society for Analytical Cytology, 71(4), 251–257.

(3) Decraene, C., Benchaouir, R., Dillies, M. A., Israeli, D., Bortoli, S., Rochon, C., Rameau, P., Pitaval, A., Tronik-Le Roux, D., Danos, O., Gidrol, X., Garcia, L. & Pietu, G. (2005). Global transcriptional characterization of SP and MP cells from the myogenic C2C12 cell line: effect of FGF6. Physiological Genomics, 23(2), 132-49.

(2) Israeli, D., Benchaouir, R., Ziaei, S., Rameau, P., Gruszczynski, C., Peltekian, E., Danos, O., & Garcia, L. (2004). FGF6 mediated expansion of a resident subset of cells with SP phenotype in the C2C12 myogenic line. Journal of cellular physiology, 201(3), 409–419.

(1) Benchaouir, R., Rameau, P., Decraene, C., Dreyfus, P., Israeli, D., Piétu, G., Danos, O., & Garcia, L. (2004). Evidence for a resident subset of cells with SP phenotype in the C2C12 myogenic line: a tool to explore muscle stem cell biology. Experimental cell research, 294(1), 254–268.
Photo
Quentin Sandro Bioproduction Engineer

With a Master's degree in Applied Microbiology & Biological Engineering, Quentin is responsible for the development and production of Coraliotech's ingredients, while ensuring the general operation of the laboratory. Beyond his scientific occupations, he also mobilizes his transversal knowledge to elaborate the different communication supports.

« When I met Rachid as a supervisor for my Master's internship, I told him about my wish to be able to live one day the startup adventure from A to Z. And it was done as soon as I finished my studies, as, in 2018, I was able to join his project to create Coraliotech and thus live the launch of the structure. Since then, I have been involved in my various missions to make Coraliotech a successful company. »

Key skills
  • Biotechnology, microbiology and biochemistry oriented engineer profile
  • Scientific accuracy coupled with a sense of design and detail
  • Curiosity and interest in learning new skills
Associated references
Photo
Clarisse Beaucureux Financial & Legal Manager

Clarisse holds a Master's degree in Finance, Audit and Control and is in charge of the company's accounting, supplier management and human resources. In addition, she manages all the administrative flows and brings her legal expertise thanks to her complementary training in Business Law.

« As part of the Grandes Ecoles program at IPAG Business School, I did an internship at MonacoTech, where I discovered the world of entrepreneurship and Rachid's project, which immediately captivated me. After a semester of specialization in finance in South Korea, I joined the Coraliotech team as a part-time student ! »

Key skills
  • Triple role : Finance / Administrative / Legal
  • Management
  • Rigorous
Associated references
International publications
Book's chapters
  • Photo
    Rachid Benchaouir
    CEO & Founder
  • Photo
    Quentin Sandro
    Bioproduction Engineer
  • Photo
    Clarisse Beaucureux
    Financial & Legal Manager

Coraliotech team

Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 4
Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 4
Rachid Benchaouir CEO & Founder

Passionate about science and discoveries from a young age, Rachid, founder and CEO of Coraliotech, oriented his university studies towards modern biology. He obtained a PhD in biochemistry from the University of Paris 6, in 2004, and had an atypical professional career, alternating between public and private structures. This double skill has allowed him to make the most of both "cultures".

« Welcomed in 2015 at the Monaco Scientific Center for my expertise in human genetics, I took part in an original and unexpected collaboration with researchers in marine biology. From the success of this initiative was born the idea of creating Coraliotech to enhance the benefits of research on coral reef ecosystems, and thus to include the activity in a virtuous circle linking science, economy and the societal impact of our innovations. »

Key skills
  • Expert researcher in biochemistry, genetics and biotechnology
  • Managerial skills and team spirit
  • Culture of novelty and innovation
Associated references
International publications

(20) Planas-Bielsa, V., Benchaouir, R., Allemand, D. & Zoccola, D. (2020). The World Coral Conservatory : Offering New Hope for Corals. ERCIM NEWS, 123, 16-17.

(19) Sandro, Q. & Benchaouir, R. (2019). Baculovirus : A Powerful Tool for Various Biotechnological Applications. Advances in Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 7, 1085.

(18) Malcher, J., Heidt, L., Goyenvalle, A., Escobar, H., Marg, A., Beley, C., Benchaouir, R., Bader, M., Spuler, S., García, L. & Schöwel, V. (2018). Exon Skipping in a Dysf-Missense Mutant Mouse Model. Molecular therapy. Nucleic acids, 13, 198–207.

(17) Benchaouir, R. (2016). Recent advances in the purification of recombinant adeno-associated virus. Cell & Gene Therapy Insight, 2(3), 287-291.

(16) Buclez, P. O., Dias Florencio, G., Relizani, K., Beley, C., Garcia, L., & Benchaouir, R. (2016). Rapid, scalable, and low-cost purification of recombinant adeno-associated virus produced by baculovirus expression vector system. Molecular therapy. Methods & clinical development, 3, 16035.

(15) Dias Florencio, G., Precigout, G., Beley, C., Buclez, P. O., Garcia, L., & Benchaouir, R. (2015). Simple downstream process based on detergent treatment improves yield and in vivo transduction efficacy of adeno-associated virus vectors. Molecular therapy. Methods & clinical development, 2, 15024.

(14) Benchaouir, R., Robin, V., & Goyenvalle, A. (2015). Gene and splicing therapies for neuromuscular diseases. Frontiers in bioscience (Landmark edition), 20(8), 1190–1233.

(13) Ferry, A., Benchaouir, R., Joanne, P., Peat, R. A., Mougenot, N., Agbulut, O., & Butler-Browne, G. (2015). Effect of voluntary physical activity initiated at age 7 months on skeletal hindlimb and cardiac muscle function in mdx mice of both genders. Muscle & nerve, 52(5), 788–794.

(12) Vulin, A., Barthélémy, I., Goyenvalle, A., Thibaud, J. L., Beley, C., Griffith, G., Benchaouir, R., le Hir, M., Unterfinger, Y., Lorain, S., Dreyfus, P., Voit, T., Carlier, P., Blot, S., & Garcia, L. (2012). Muscle function recovery in golden retriever muscular dystrophy after AAV1-U7 exon skipping. Molecular therapy : the journal of the American Society of Gene Therapy, 20(11), 2120–2133.

(11) Benchaouir, R., & Goyenvalle, A. (2012). Splicing modulation mediated by small nuclear RNAs as therapeutic approaches for muscular dystrophies. Current gene therapy, 12(3), 179–191.

(10) Ellinwood, N. M., Ausseil, J., Desmaris, N., Bigou, S., Liu, S., Jens, J. K., Snella, E. M., Mohammed, E. E., Thomson, C. B., Raoul, S., Joussemet, B., Roux, F., Chérel, Y., Lajat, Y., Piraud, M., Benchaouir, R., Hermening, S., Petry, H., Froissart, R., Tardieu, M., … Colle, M. A. (2011). Safe, efficient, and reproducible gene therapy of the brain in the dog models of Sanfilippo and Hurler syndromes. Molecular therapy : the journal of the American Society of Gene Therapy, 19(2), 251–259.

(9) Benchaouir, R., Meregalli, M., Farini, A., D’Antona, G., Belicchi, M., Goyenvalle, A., Battistelli, M., Bresolin, N., Bottinelli, R., Garcia, L. & Torrente, Y. (2008). Réhabilitation de la dystrophine humaine dans le modèle scid/mdx après greffe de cellules souches de patients DMD corrigées par saut d’exon. Medecine/Sciences, 24(1), 99-101.

(8) Benchaouir, R., Meregalli, M., Farini, A., D'Antona, G., Belicchi, M., Goyenvalle, A., Battistelli, M., Bresolin, N., Bottinelli, R., Garcia, L., & Torrente, Y. (2007). Restoration of human dystrophin following transplantation of exon-skipping-engineered DMD patient stem cells into dystrophic mice. Cell stem cell, 1(6), 646–657.

(7) Bortoli, S., Benchaouir, R., Duverger, V., Rochon, C., Vandebrouk, C., Vaigot, P., Gidrol, X., Garcia, L. & Piétu, G. (2007). Functional and Molecular Characterization of SP Cell Population Isolated from Mouse Primary Myoblast Culture. Journal of Stem Cells, 3(2).

(6) Israeli, D., Ziaei, S., Gjata, B., Benchaouir, R., Rameau, P., Marais, T., Fukada, S., Segawa, M., Yamamoto, H., Gonin, P., Danos, O., & Garcia, L. (2007). Expression of mdr1 is required for efficient long term regeneration of dystrophic muscle. Experimental cell research, 313(11), 2438–2450.

(5) Stockholm, D., Benchaouir, R., Picot, J., Rameau, P., Neildez, T. M., Landini, G., Laplace-Builhé, C., & Paldi, A. (2007). The origin of phenotypic heterogeneity in a clonal cell population in vitro. PloS one, 2(4), e394.

(4) Benchaouir, R., Picot, J., Greppo, N., Rameau, P., Stockholm, D., Garcia, L., Paldi, A., & Laplace-Builhé, C. (2007). Combination of quantification and observation methods for study of "Side Population" cells in their "in vitro" microenvironment. Cytometry. Part A : the journal of the International Society for Analytical Cytology, 71(4), 251–257.

(3) Decraene, C., Benchaouir, R., Dillies, M. A., Israeli, D., Bortoli, S., Rochon, C., Rameau, P., Pitaval, A., Tronik-Le Roux, D., Danos, O., Gidrol, X., Garcia, L. & Pietu, G. (2005). Global transcriptional characterization of SP and MP cells from the myogenic C2C12 cell line: effect of FGF6. Physiological Genomics, 23(2), 132-49.

(2) Israeli, D., Benchaouir, R., Ziaei, S., Rameau, P., Gruszczynski, C., Peltekian, E., Danos, O., & Garcia, L. (2004). FGF6 mediated expansion of a resident subset of cells with SP phenotype in the C2C12 myogenic line. Journal of cellular physiology, 201(3), 409–419.

(1) Benchaouir, R., Rameau, P., Decraene, C., Dreyfus, P., Israeli, D., Piétu, G., Danos, O., & Garcia, L. (2004). Evidence for a resident subset of cells with SP phenotype in the C2C12 myogenic line: a tool to explore muscle stem cell biology. Experimental cell research, 294(1), 254–268.
Quentin Sandro Bioproduction Engineer

With a Master's degree in Applied Microbiology & Biological Engineering, Quentin is responsible for the development and production of Coraliotech's ingredients, while ensuring the general operation of the laboratory. Beyond his scientific occupations, he also mobilizes his transversal knowledge to elaborate the different communication supports.

« When I met Rachid as a supervisor for my Master's internship, I told him about my wish to be able to live one day the startup adventure from A to Z. And it was done as soon as I finished my studies, as, in 2018, I was able to join his project to create Coraliotech and thus live the launch of the structure. Since then, I have been involved in my various missions to make Coraliotech a successful company. »

Key skills
  • Biotechnology, microbiology and biochemistry oriented engineer profile
  • Scientific accuracy coupled with a sense of design and detail
  • Curiosity and interest in learning new skills
Associated references
Clarisse Beaucureux Financial & Legal Manager

Clarisse holds a Master's degree in Finance, Audit and Control and is in charge of the company's accounting, supplier management and human resources. In addition, she manages all the administrative flows and brings her legal expertise thanks to her complementary training in Business Law.

« As part of the Grandes Ecoles program at IPAG Business School, I did an internship at MonacoTech, where I discovered the world of entrepreneurship and Rachid's project, which immediately captivated me. After a semester of specialization in finance in South Korea, I joined the Coraliotech team as a part-time student ! »

Key skills
  • Triple role : Finance / Administrative / Legal
  • Management
  • Rigorous
Associated references
International publications
Book's chapter

References & Distinctions

Innovation Price 2019

Monaco Economic Board (MEB) Distinction

1st Application Patent

Coraliotech promotes its innovations

The Associates

Mrs Caroline Rougaignon-Vernin

Caroline is our historical investor thanks to whom Coraliotech’s adventure started. Doctor of Pharmacy, Caroline is President of the Monaco Order of Pharmacists. Strongly involved in the political and social life of the Principality for many years, she was an active member of the National Council between 2013 and 2018, before her designation, at the end of 2018, as President of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council of the Principality. With her long past experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Caroline is an active associate whose network and scientific, legal and commercial advice positively contribute to the development of Coraliotech.

Monaco Scientific Center (CSM)

The Monaco Scientific Center (CSM) is the scientific research center of the Principality. World leader in marine biology and ecology, the CSM has decided to support Coraliotech through high quality scientific and technological exchanges. The CSM’s participation in the capital of Coraliotech, a first in the Principality, is a mark of trust which guarantees the reliability of our activities and which commits us to our ethical, legal and environmental responsibilities.

Partners & Collaborators

Gouvernement Princier de Monaco
Centre Scientifique de Monaco associé
MonacoTech
Banque Populaire Méditerranée (BPMed)
Cabinet Hautier IP
Grant Thornton Monaco
CMS Pasquier Monaco
Assurances Gramaglia
Pinneappli

Partners & Collaborators

Gouvernement Princier de Monaco
Centre Scientifique de Monaco associé
MonacoTech
Banque Populaire Méditerranée (BPMed)
Cabinet Hautier IP
Grant Thornton Monaco
CMS Pasquier Monaco
Assurances Gramaglia
Pinneappli

Our Sponsors

Monaco Silicon Valley SAM

Monaco Silicon Valley (MSV) is a Monegasque limited company that invests in projects related to “Green Energy” and supports breakthrough eco-friendly approaches or technologies.

It is in this context that MSV has decided to finance the totality of the acquisition price of a laboratory equipment essential to the quality control of our manufactured products. More specifically, this is a new generation spectrophotometer which will enable us to quantify numerous physico-chemical and biological parameters both on our raw materials and on our marine molecules. Coraliotech would like to thank Monaco Silicon Valley for its participation in the acquisition of this new instrument and its associated accessories.

The Stars of Coraliotech

Each member of our team, past or present, brings something unique to our company. We thank these talents who have been part of our journey and who have contributed to making Coraliotech what it is today.

<b style="color:#ed6b62">Claire</b>
ClaireBioinformatics Engineer
<b style="color:#ed6b62">Marine</b>
MarineMaster's Level R&D Intern