Sébastien Marque, founder of Horiana, CEO of the US subsidiary

In 1993, Sébastien Marque joined the University Institute of Technology (IUT) in Statistics and Computer Data Processing (STID) in Pau. He continued with a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Applied Mathematics and Social Sciences at UPPA. He then specialized in health-related biostatistics at the University of Bordeaux, completing a postgraduate degree and a PhD. In 2020, he founded Horiana, a consulting company dedicated to health data analysis in France and the United States. 

Could you walk us through the key stages of your academic journey?

My academic path began with a scientific baccalaureate obtained at the age of 17, which strongly influenced my choice to study in Pau. I was very young and not quite sure what I wanted to do. However, I had a real passion for mathematics and statistics. My grandmother, who worked at UPPA, told me about the STID program at the IUT of Pau. It was an excellent compromise: the subject interested me, and I could stay close to my family from Northern Béarn. I submitted an application with the idea of pursuing short studies to start working quickly… Nothing turned out as I imagined. 

During those two years at the IUT, I spoke a lot with Celestin Kokonendji, then a lecturer, who played a decisive role in my journey. He encouraged me to continue my studies after the IUT and guided me toward the bachelor’s and master’s programs in Applied Mathematics and Social Sciences at UPPA. After that step, he was also the one who directed me to the University of Bordeaux, where I completed a postgraduate degree in biostatistics and then a PhD (2003), during which I developed a statistical model to process cardiovascular mortality data. I owe a lot to this professor, who helped me find my path and encouraged me to pursue long studies.

With your PhD completed, how did your professional integration unfold?

My doctoral research was decisive—I realized I preferred applied research over fundamental research. I wanted to address real-world issues and provide concrete solutions. I worked at two consulting firms that carried out biostatistical studies for healthcare stakeholders, first as a statistician and then as head of statistics. 

After five years of experience, I had the opportunity to join the Danone group, which was creating a clinical research department on functional foods. I was R&D Director in charge of biostatistics worldwide. These experiences confirmed the quality of the education I received at UPPA and the University of Bordeaux. They also made me want to create my own company, still in the field of consulting and statistical analysis of health data—a market that continues to grow, driven in recent years by advances in computing and processing power, and tomorrow by the rise of AI. That’s also what I love about this field: you must keep training to stay ahead. 

In 2013, I founded Capionis in Bordeaux, a great opportunity to leave Paris with my family. I sold the company in 2019, by which time it had around twenty employees. A year later, I launched another venture, Horiana, this time with partners whose skills complemented my own. 

Today, we have around forty employees. Three years ago, we opened a subsidiary in California to work on health data in the United States, covering a sample of more than 350 million patients. I decided to move with my family to the San Francisco Bay Area.

Two or three words you spontaneously associate with UPPA?

The university’s human scale, the campus life was very pleasant, and the IUT teachers were attentive to each student. An excellent environment to begin your studies, find housing, and practice sports. The quality of teaching and equipment. Even though computing was just emerging, the computer facilities were perfectly adequate and efficient—perhaps more accessible than in a large university.

Any advice for students at the beginning of their academic journey?

If they are passionate about mathematics, they should not hesitate to go into applied mathematics. All graduates find jobs; the field has been experiencing full employment for many years, and the rise of AI should not reduce the need for statisticians. UPPA is a wonderful springboard after high school: the university’s size helps students adapt to academic life. And in the first years, being close to family is often an advantage. I would also advise them to speak with their teachers whenever they have doubts about their direction. At UPPA, professors have always been very accessible—that’s the advantage of a university on a human scale.

Interview by Florence Elman

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Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics and Computer Science Applied to Social Sciences  

BUT Data Science (IUT des Pays de l’Adour)