Antoine Durand, an ESTACA Student at Cranfield University From Space Engineering to Entrepreneurship: A Borderless Journey
Currently in his substitution year at Cranfield University, Antoine is preparing to earn a dual degree with ESTACA and Cranfield. Between his passion for space, international experiences, and entrepreneurial projects, his path has gradually shifted toward project management and business creation—a journey built step by step by seizing opportunities and daring to step out of my comfort zone.
A solid technical education with an international outlook
«When I arrived at ESTACA, my goal was clear: to acquire strong technical skills to become an engineer in my dream field—space. Today, I can say mission accomplished. My current year at Cranfield University allows me to deepen this knowledge as part of a dual degree. I chose to study abroad to gain independence and improve my English. My first stay was at the University of California San Diego. I wanted to study in an inspiring, space-recognized environment. It was a real change of scenery, with vast campuses and a very hands-on technical approach. I mainly took scientific courses, but a business communication class was a revelation and steered me toward entrepreneurship.»
From innovation to entrepreneurship
«Over time, my interest shifted from pure technical work to entrepreneurship and project management. I participated in several innovation competitions, including the USAIRE Student Awards (finalist) and the Safran Innovation Challenge (2nd place). For the USAIRE Student Awards, I designed a space station dedicated to recovering and recycling orbital debris, complete with a business case. This project fascinated me so much that I turned it into a PRICE (Innovation and Business Creation Project). Supported by Paris Dauphine’s incubator, I worked on the business and financial aspects with one goal: to see if I could turn an idea into a company. The answer was clear: yes, it’s possible. This experience confirmed my desire to pursue this path. Following this, I applied for two master’s programs in entrepreneurship and was admitted to the X-HEC Entrepreneurs program, run by École Polytechnique and HEC Paris. This training represents a unique opportunity to expand my network—an essential element for entrepreneurship.»
Engagement and learning to manage
«Alongside my studies, associative engagement has been central to my journey. At Cranfield, I now serve as president of CRANSEDS, the university’s space association, with about 120 members. It’s a thrilling multicultural challenge: the average age is 27, and members come from around the world. This diversity makes the management experience particularly enriching. I must make decisions that serve the association while uniting very different profiles, which is excellent preparation for project and business management. This experience follows my involvement at ESTACA, particularly with the space association ESO (ESTACA Space Odyssey), where I was project manager and treasurer. Beyond technical skills, what matters to me is creating connections among students and fostering a collective dynamic focused on both projects and the joy of working together.
My long-term goal is clear: to start my own company. All my academic and professional choices align with this ambition, including my internships and TAGE MAGE preparation. I am convinced that the diversity of my background is a strength and that space is a field that will profoundly transform humanity.
If I had one piece of advice, it would be this:
be resilient, seize opportunities, and don’t fear failure.
Success begins the day you believe it’s possible.»
