Nicolas Quendez
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Innovation & Product Strategy
Expert in product design and development, I lead multidisciplinary teams and foster an environment that promotes talent growth and the emergence of innovative concepts. Together, we transform ambitious visions into concrete solutions.
Professional Experience
KAHE NAUTIC
Kahe Nautic is a start-up dedicated to decarbonizing the marine industry through innovative electric propulsion systems. Our high-efficiency motors offer unprecedented modularity, enabling a wide range of applications: outboard motors, underwater scooters, or electric assistance for kayaks and paddleboards. The Kahe POD 160 has also been sold as a white-label product for Itiwit (Decathlon) since 2024. The Kahe POD 600 system features embedded intelligence, wireless transmission, and an electronic kill switch. This technology is protected by 4 patents, including a major innovation in autonomous GPS waypoint navigation.
The project’s success is also commercial, with over 12,000 units sold in three years and a revenue exceeding €1M in 2025. Kahe Nautic was selected for CES Las Vegas 2024 (France Pavilion), and has received prestigious awards, including the 2024 Sustainable Industry Startup Award (Usine Nouvelle), and the 2023 AFBE Trophy (French Association for Electric Boats) .
Kahe POD 600
OUTBOARD
MOTOR
UNDERWATER SCOOTER
ELECTRIC ASSISTANCE
Kahe POD 160
Itiwit Electric Assistance (Décathlon)
Electric assistance for stand-up paddles, kayaks, and float tubes; it can also be used as an underwater scooter. Also sold by Decathlon under its Itiwit brand.
Kahe SURF 8.0
The project started with the development of a power-assisted surfboard. While it was an impressive product (boasting a 90% closing rate post-trial), it failed to gain commercial traction.
KAHE NAUTIC
Kahe Nautic is a start-up dedicated to decarbonizing the marine industry through innovative electric propulsion systems. Our high-efficiency motors offer unprecedented modularity, enabling a wide range of applications: outboard motors, underwater scooters, or electric assistance for kayaks and paddleboards. The Kahe POD 160 has also been sold as a white-label product for Itiwit (Decathlon) since 2024. The Kahe POD 600 system features embedded intelligence, wireless transmission, and an electronic kill switch. This technology is protected by 4 patents, including a major innovation in autonomous GPS waypoint navigation.
The project’s success is also commercial, with over 12,000 units sold in three years and a revenue exceeding €1M in 2025. Kahe Nautic was selected for CES Las Vegas 2024 (France Pavilion), and has received prestigious awards, including the 2024 Sustainable Industry Startup Award (Usine Nouvelle), and the 2023 AFBE Trophy (French Association for Electric Boats) .
Kahe POD 600
OUTBOARD
MOTOR
UNDERWATER SCOOTER
ELECTRIC ASSISTANCE
Kahe POD 160
Itiwit Electric Assistance (Décathlon)
Electric assistance for stand-up paddles, kayaks, and float tubes; it can also be used as an underwater scooter. Also sold by Decathlon under its Itiwit brand.
Kahe SURF 8.0
The project started with the development of a power-assisted surfboard. While it was an impressive product (boasting a 90% closing rate post-trial), it failed to gain commercial traction.
DISSI: A local brand, from roots to canopy
Dissi guarantees full end-to-end resource traceability: from the original forestry plot (ONF), through the sawmill that processed the log, right up to the cabinetmaker who crafted the furniture. A dedicated web application tracks the complete journey of every single piece. The Entrepreneurial Venture: As President and Co-founder, I spearheaded this project alongside a master carpenter and a product designer. Together, we championed local craftsmanship and generated nearly €300k in revenue over our final two operating years (2017-2018).
DISSI: A local brand, from roots to canopy
Dissi guarantees full end-to-end resource traceability: from the original forestry plot (ONF), through the sawmill that processed the log, right up to the cabinetmaker who crafted the furniture. A dedicated web application tracks the complete journey of every single piece. The Entrepreneurial Venture: As President and Co-founder, I spearheaded this project alongside a master carpenter and a product designer. Together, we championed local craftsmanship and generated nearly €300k in revenue over our final two operating years (2017-2018).
Independent product innovation studio
Chrysalis specializes in concept generation, prototyping, and the development of manufacturable products. Bridging the gap between ideas and reality, the firm relies on comprehensive CAD and in-house prototyping capabilities (4-axis CNC milling, dual-extrusion 3D printing, CNC hot wire cutting, composites, sewing, welding, electronics…). Chrysalis thus helps bring highly innovative products to the market.
Patented high-performance self-inflating cooler
From the initial prototype to the retail version, I fully developed this revolutionary cooler: a global success sold for over 10 years (over 1 million units).
I am the named inventor on the patents filed by Decathlon: FR3026728 | Extensions : ES2583052 (B1) | ITUB20154076 (A1)
MSH (My Second Home) Products
Off-grid water and energy solutions developed for Quechua (hydration bladders, solar showers, microbiological water filters, rechargeable batteries, solar panels, wood-burning stoves…).
Project stages (3D modeling, prototyping, testing...)
Independent product innovation studio
Chrysalis specializes in concept generation, prototyping, and the development of manufacturable products. Bridging the gap between ideas and reality, the firm relies on comprehensive CAD and in-house prototyping capabilities (4-axis CNC milling, dual-extrusion 3D printing, CNC hot wire cutting, composites, sewing, welding, electronics…). Chrysalis thus helps bring highly innovative products to the market.
Patented high-performance self-inflating cooler
From the initial prototype to the retail version, I fully developed this revolutionary cooler: a global success sold for over 10 years (over 1 million units).
I am the named inventor on the patents filed by Decathlon: FR3026728 | Extensions : ES2583052 (B1) | ITUB20154076 (A1)
MSH (My Second Home) Products
Off-grid water and energy solutions developed for Quechua (hydration bladders, solar showers, microbiological water filters, rechargeable batteries, solar panels, wood-burning stoves…).
Project stages (3D modeling, prototyping, testing...)
Technical Director at OXELO – DECATHLON Group
Participated in the creation of the brand. Recruited and directed the R&D department, and managed innovation. Successfully brought sports products to market generating over €150M in revenue (the group’s highest growth for several years). Managed a team of 5 engineers and a €900k budget. Established short- and long-term objectives and tracked performance. Drove innovation, resulting in 4 patents filed in 5 years.
A concentration of innovations successfully brought to market
The DTX ‘DRIFTIN’ MACHINE’ scooter: an OXELO innovation designed for drifting and controlled slides in all directions—pure fun!
The patented ‘DIABOLO‘ inline skate brake, enabling effortless and intuitive braking.
The OXELO EASYFOLD quick-folding system for the ‘Town’ range of urban commuter scooters.
The OXELOBOARD, a revolutionary waveboard-style skateboard.
The OXELO ‘Sneakin’ or ‘Step-In’ System: Allows users to wear their own street shoes on their inline skates, transitioning from walking to skating in seconds. Seamless mobility: A disruptive solution for urban skating, eliminating the hassle of carrying spare shoes. Technical innovation: Developed a fast, secure, and rigid locking mechanism to guarantee optimal power transfer between the shoe and the frame.
Technical Director at OXELO – DECATHLON Group
Participated in the creation of the brand. Recruited and directed the R&D department, and managed innovation. Successfully brought sports products to market generating over €150M in revenue (the group’s highest growth for several years). Managed a team of 5 engineers and a €900k budget. Established short- and long-term objectives and tracked performance. Drove innovation, resulting in 4 patents filed in 5 years.
A concentration of innovations successfully brought to market
The DTX ‘DRIFTIN’ MACHINE’ scooter: an OXELO innovation designed for drifting and controlled slides in all directions—pure fun!
The patented ‘DIABOLO‘ inline skate brake, enabling effortless and intuitive braking.
The OXELO EASYFOLD quick-folding system for the ‘Town’ range of urban commuter scooters.
The OXELOBOARD, a revolutionary waveboard-style skateboard.
The OXELO ‘Sneakin’ or ‘Step-In’ System: Allows users to wear their own street shoes on their inline skates, transitioning from walking to skating in seconds. Seamless mobility: A disruptive solution for urban skating, eliminating the hassle of carrying spare shoes. Technical innovation: Developed a fast, secure, and rigid locking mechanism to guarantee optimal power transfer between the shoe and the frame.
Aerospace Research Engineer – SUPAERO / ONERA (The French Aerospace Lab)
My Background: Final Year Project completed at ONERA (The French Aerospace Lab) within the Systems Control and Flight Dynamics (DCSD) laboratory. Master’s (DEA) research internship at the SUPAERO Aerodynamics and Propulsion Laboratory. Subsequently, Research Engineer at the SUPAERO Aerospace Center, leading miniature drone (UAV) projects (2003–2005).
Flying Wing Expertise: Multi-constraint optimization
Pioneered a global optimization method based on a coupled Aerodynamic Performance and Flight Mechanics approach. The methodology was successfully tested and validated on a scale-model flying wing. Publication: International Council of Aeronautical Sciences (ICAS 2004)
An analytical approach to trimming and performance coupling on flying wings M. Scherrer, N.Quendez, C. Döll.
Forward-flight drone
Co-designer of the ‘minus-Kiool’ micro-drone (MAV): A 19 cm, 56-gram micro-drone equipped with an onboard camera. Winner of the 1st Toulouse Micro-Drone Trophy (2002). Its innovative aerodynamic configuration was registered with the French Patent Office (INPI design No. 032858-001). This success led to the subsequent development of the ‘Maxi Kiool’ variant (60 cm wingspan), featuring an integrated autopilot.
VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) Drone
Design of a miniature aerial surveillance UAV. Project Leadership: Coordinated 5 laboratories and workshops, managing human and material resources for a team of 28. UAV Platform Design & Autopilot Tuning: Conducted global optimization (mass, propulsion, aerodynamics, flight mechanics, and control systems) using theoretical and numerical tools, as well as experimental validation through wind tunnel and flight testing.
Aerospace Research Engineer – SUPAERO / ONERA (The French Aerospace Lab)
My Background: Final Year Project completed at ONERA (The French Aerospace Lab) within the Systems Control and Flight Dynamics (DCSD) laboratory. Master’s (DEA) research internship at the SUPAERO Aerodynamics and Propulsion Laboratory. Subsequently, Research Engineer at the SUPAERO Aerospace Center, leading miniature drone (UAV) projects (2003–2005).
Flying Wing Expertise: Multi-constraint optimization
Pioneered a global optimization method based on a coupled Aerodynamic Performance and Flight Mechanics approach. The methodology was successfully tested and validated on a scale-model flying wing. Publication: International Council of Aeronautical Sciences (ICAS 2004)
An analytical approach to trimming and performance coupling on flying wings M. Scherrer, N.Quendez, C. Döll.
Forward-flight drone
Co-designer of the ‘minus-Kiool’ micro-drone (MAV): A 19 cm, 56-gram micro-drone equipped with an onboard camera. Winner of the 1st Toulouse Micro-Drone Trophy (2002). Its innovative aerodynamic configuration was registered with the French Patent Office (INPI design No. 032858-001). This success led to the subsequent development of the ‘Maxi Kiool’ variant (60 cm wingspan), featuring an integrated autopilot.
VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) Drone
Design of a miniature aerial surveillance UAV. Project Leadership: Coordinated 5 laboratories and workshops, managing human and material resources for a team of 28. UAV Platform Design & Autopilot Tuning: Conducted global optimization (mass, propulsion, aerodynamics, flight mechanics, and control systems) using theoretical and numerical tools, as well as experimental validation through wind tunnel and flight testing.
FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
Alongside my engineering challenges, photography has emerged as an essential medium for expression. What began as a creative passion evolved into a professional pursuit through increasing demand, becoming a second area of expertise driven by the same high standards. Shortly after joining the Naturimages agency, I also served as the French Guiana correspondent for the Paris-based agency SIPA Press.
My clients include: Kering Group, Le Guide du Routard, Red Cross, Guerlain, Sepalumic, NRJ, DGAC, the BBC…
Gallery
A Few Publications
FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
Alongside my engineering challenges, photography has emerged as an essential medium for expression. What began as a creative passion evolved into a professional pursuit through increasing demand, becoming a second area of expertise driven by the same high standards. Shortly after joining the Naturimages agency, I also served as the French Guiana correspondent for the Paris-based agency SIPA Press.
My clients include: Kering Group, Le Guide du Routard, Red Cross, Guerlain, Sepalumic, NRJ, DGAC, the BBC…
Gallery
A Few Publications
Personal Projects
Soufflerie Numérique 3D MOD-L
Développé sous MATLAB pour exploiter ses algorithmes d’optimisation multi-contraintes, MOD-L est un code de calcul basé sur la Vortex Lattice Method (Méthode des Surfaces Portantes Discrétisées). Capable de modéliser des géométries complexes en 3D, il intègre des fonctionnalités avancées (sillage, deformations, surface libre…). Il permet d’accéder avec une grande précision aux performances aéro et hydrodynamiques de systèmes mono ou multi-surfaces (avions, hydrofoils, palmes…), ainsi qu’aux coefficients de mécanique du vol pour l’étude de la stabilité et de l’équilibre.
Aile complexe (flèche, ailerons, vrillage, winglets...)
Modélisation du sillage d'une aile d'avion (apparition des tourbillons marginaux)
Modélisation dynamique d'une palme
Surface libre déformée dans le cas d'un hydrofoil
Multi-surfaces et surface libre
De la modélisation au test réel : validation du modèle.
Soufflerie Numérique 3D MOD-L
Développé sous MATLAB pour exploiter ses algorithmes d’optimisation multi-contraintes, MOD-L est un code de calcul basé sur la Vortex Lattice Method (Méthode des Surfaces Portantes Discrétisées). Capable de modéliser des géométries complexes en 3D, il intègre des fonctionnalités avancées (sillage, deformations, surface libre…). Il permet d’accéder avec une grande précision aux performances aéro et hydrodynamiques de systèmes mono ou multi-surfaces (avions, hydrofoils, palmes…), ainsi qu’aux coefficients de mécanique du vol pour l’étude de la stabilité et de l’équilibre.
Aile complexe (flèche, ailerons, vrillage, winglets...)
Modélisation du sillage d'une aile d'avion (apparition des tourbillons marginaux)
Modélisation dynamique d'une palme
Surface libre déformée dans le cas d'un hydrofoil
Multi-surfaces et surface libre
De la modélisation au test réel : validation du modèle.
Générateur de Van De Graaf
Passionné de sciences et de techniques, je m’investis dans la restauration d’instruments scientifiques historiques (XIXᵉ et XXᵉ siècle) ainsi que dans la conception de nouveaux dispositifs. Ma dernière réalisation est un générateur électrostatique de Van de Graaff. Reposant sur le principe de la triboélectricité (l’électrisation par frottement), il utilise une courroie isolante pour convoyer des charges et les accumuler sur une sphère métallique de 50 cm de diamètre. Ce système atteint des potentiels supérieurs à 600 000 volts, permettant de réaliser des expériences scientifiques spectaculaires.
Modélisation 3D complète puis usinage de l’ensemble des pièces par fraiseuse 4 axes CNC
Générateur de Van De Graaf
Passionné de sciences et de techniques, je m’investis dans la restauration d’instruments scientifiques historiques (XIXᵉ et XXᵉ siècle) ainsi que dans la conception de nouveaux dispositifs. Ma dernière réalisation est un générateur électrostatique de Van de Graaff. Reposant sur le principe de la triboélectricité (l’électrisation par frottement), il utilise une courroie isolante pour convoyer des charges et les accumuler sur une sphère métallique de 50 cm de diamètre. Ce système atteint des potentiels supérieurs à 600 000 volts, permettant de réaliser des expériences scientifiques spectaculaires.
Modélisation 3D complète puis usinage de l’ensemble des pièces par fraiseuse 4 axes CNC
L'Arbre à Noix : Terre de partages, terreau de vies
Ce projet, mené en couple, est né de notre désir de mieux comprendre les liens que les Hommes tissent avec leur planète — et ceux que nous entretenons nous-mêmes avec la Terre et ses habitants. Nous avons travaillé au sein de quatre parcs nationaux partenaires en Amérique latine. Notre objectif : soutenir les parcs et les organisations locales dans la promotion de leurs actions d’étude et de conservation de la nature. Près d’un an sur le terrain, au cœur de zones naturelles à la fois préservées et fragiles, nous avons vécu une expérience intensément sauvage et profondément humaine.
Conception complète d'un centre d'interprétation pour le parc national Yanachaga Chemillen.
Réalisation du film "Invitacion Salvage" pour le Parc National Yanachaga Chemillen (Pérou)
Réalisation d'une visite virtuelle du Parc National Los Alerces
Réalisation du film documentaire "La Fabrica del Agua" pour l'ONG Fundación Natura Bolivia
Outre ces quelques réalisations médiatiques, nous avons conçus les sites internet des parcs (avec formation sur WordPress pour rendre les équipes autonomes), former les équipes à la photographie, accompagné et assisté les scientifiques et les gardes-parc, et avons passé des centaines d’heures immergés en pleine nature pour produire du contenu pour les parcs (photo, vidéo, et prise de sons).
L'Arbre à Noix : Terre de partages, terreau de vies
Ce projet, mené en couple, est né de notre désir de mieux comprendre les liens que les Hommes tissent avec leur planète — et ceux que nous entretenons nous-mêmes avec la Terre et ses habitants. Nous avons travaillé au sein de quatre parcs nationaux partenaires en Amérique latine. Notre objectif : soutenir les parcs et les organisations locales dans la promotion de leurs actions d’étude et de conservation de la nature. Près d’un an sur le terrain, au cœur de zones naturelles à la fois préservées et fragiles, nous avons vécu une expérience intensément sauvage et profondément humaine.
Conception complète d'un centre d'interprétation pour le parc national Yanachaga Chemillen.
Réalisation du film "Invitacion Salvage" pour le Parc National Yanachaga Chemillen (Pérou)
Réalisation d'une visite virtuelle du Parc National Los Alerces
Réalisation du film documentaire "La Fabrica del Agua" pour l'ONG Fundación Natura Bolivia
Outre ces quelques réalisations médiatiques, nous avons conçus les sites internet des parcs (avec formation sur WordPress pour rendre les équipes autonomes), former les équipes à la photographie, accompagné et assisté les scientifiques et les gardes-parc, et avons passé des centaines d’heures immergés en pleine nature pour produire du contenu pour les parcs (photo, vidéo, et prise de sons).
Formation & Compétences
DIGITAL & PRECISION
- CNC Machining equipped with Mécanuméric Charly2U milling machine (4 axes)
- 3D Printing FDM (equipped with BCN3D Sigma), SLA, SLS, Polyjet
- Laser cutting equipped with Sculpfun
TEXTILE & FOAM
- Sewing equipped with PFAFF 1222 machine
- Foam cutting CNC hot wire (personal machine)
MATERIALS & PROCESSES
- Anodizing personal equipment for aluminum
- Composites Glass / Carbon & Epoxy
- Wood Traditional woodworking







































