David Peyruc, founder of Iratze@ and vice-president of CEPyA, the UPPA business club

In 2003, after completing a Master's in Biochemistry at UPPA and a DESS in Bioinformatics at Paul Sabatier University (Toulouse), David Peyruc joined Sanofi. Ten years later, he founded the IT start-up DEXSTR, and then ventured into digital consulting and executive coaching. Iratze@ was born in February 2024. 

How did you shape your academic journey?

Originally from the Basque coast, I chose proximity. My sister was studying at UPPA, so I joined her on campus. Initially, I opted for an IUT in Thermal and Energy Engineering, but it involved too much mathematics for me, so after a year, I switched to a DEUG in Biology, a more scientific path where I truly flourished. I developed a passion for subjects like molecular biology and genetics... Consequently, I continued with a bachelor's and then a master's degree. The further I progressed, the more confident I felt. At the end of my master's, I attended a lecture by a researcher on protein crystallography, where he discussed the emerging field of bioinformatics in research. I searched for available programs in this field. It was new, with only two DESS programs in France, in Paris and Toulouse. I applied to the latter and joined the Paul Sabatier University, where I acquired computer skills for science: molecular modeling, DNA sequencing, gene identification... An extraordinary opportunity that gave even more meaning to biochemistry. Following this specialization, I completed my national service in forensic science at a biology lab. This first one-year experience allowed me to implement tools to accelerate genetic profile comparisons, for example...

What memories do you have of your time at UPPA? 

I remember a small, close-knit university that trained me in biochemistry with great rigor and helped me become independent. I also greatly appreciated the diversity on campus, where I met students from literature, mathematics, law, languages... And the proximity to the Pyrenees allowed me to enjoy skiing and hiking. UPPA's location, between the sea and the mountains, is exceptional for students. 

After completing your DESS in Bioinformatics, how did your professional integration go? 

After the DESS, I started my professional career at INRAE (National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment) as a research engineer involved in a European research program. In 2003, I joined Sanofi to work in bioinformatics and then IT applied to scientific programs. In 2014, I left the company as part of a social plan. With a former colleague, we created a start-up, DEXSTR, dedicated to scientific data, where we developed a search engine software for scientists. After this adventure ended in 2022, I launched Iratze@, a firm with two missions: supporting executives and providing digital consulting (data valorization, digital responsibility, transitioning companies...). 

What three words immediately come to mind when thinking about UPPA?

Quality – Dynamic – Territory

What advice would you give to UPPA students at the start of their studies?

I would advise them to make the most of their university years to build themselves. Learn, of course, but also get involved in associations, engage, organize, mobilize, travel... Because on a CV, what stands out to recruiters is everything beyond the diploma, what differentiates candidates and showcases their energy. 

What is CEPyA?  The CEPyA association is the corporate club of the Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour. Created in October 2017, CEPyA aims to build a collaborative public/private model. Its goal is to bring together all companies and organizations that have or want to establish a connection with the actions carried out at the university: research, training, and valorization of research results.  More info

Want to know more?

Bachelor's in Life Sciences   Biochemistry Track   Iratze@ 

Interview by Florence Elman