François Brizard is the European Innovation Council’s representative in the United States, based at the EU Office in San Francisco. He works to activate transatlantic co-investment and collaboration opportunities across the entire EIC pipeline, connecting cutting-edge European research and early-stage deep tech projects with US academic partners, and linking high-potential ventures with US growth capital and investors. With over 15 years of experience in research and innovation policy at both European and international levels, across public and private sectors, François brings deep expertise in designing and delivering transformative R&I initiatives. Prior to his current role, he served as Chief of Staff in the Director’s office at the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) and DG Research and Innovation (RTD) of the European Commission, where he was instrumental in shaping and implementing the EIC programme, Europe’s flagship initiative for breakthrough technologies and high-risk, high-potential researchers and innovators. He began his career at France’s National Research and Technology Agency, and joined the European Commission in 2014. François holds an LL.M. and Master’s degrees in International and European Economic Law.