Since its creation in 2007, ALPhANOV has acted as an accelerator for photonics innovation, notably by supporting entrepreneurs in the creation of new companies. With more than twenty projects supported, the center relies on a powerful ecosystem dedicated to innovation (SATT, incubator, technology parks).
Among these success stories, IotaMetrix is a prime example, introducing a new generation of nanometrology for industrial applications.
 

From academic research to industrial environment

Faced with the limitations of nanometric metrology tools, often slow, expensive, or incompatible with fragile samples, Pierre Bon (Scientific Director and Co-founder) and Alberto Aguilar (President and Co-founder) saw an opportunity for a new approach.

By developing a super-resolution confocal microscopy technique, they demonstrated that it is possible to achieve detailed nanometric imaging without contact, without labeling, and without heavy sample preparation. Their R&D work was initiated during a European Research Council project (ERC) and continued through a maturation phase within the CNRS.

This strong scientific foundation gradually opened a new perspective: transforming a laboratory innovation into an operational technology. "Moving from the academic world to a more industrial environment was a challenge, but also a great source of satisfaction, seeing years of research find a concrete application." the founders explain.

Supported by XLIM, the University of Limoges, the AVRUL incubator, and ALPhANOV, the project then took a new trajectory and became, in 2025, the deeptech startup IotaMetrix.

Toward an industrial-ready demonstrator  

IotaMetrix develops a non-destructive optical metrology system designed for nanometric-scale quality control of materials and surfaces. "Our expertise spans optical design, instrument integration, and data analysis, with systems adapted to various industrial environments, whether a laboratory analysis bench or an in-line production setup."

In this context, ALPhANOV played a decisive role: first by validating the industrial feasibility of the prototype, and then through a co-maturation phase aimed at turning it into a demonstrator ready for industrialization. By mobilizing its mechanical and electronics teams, ALPhANOV enabled IotaMetrix to pass a key milestone: moving from a research prototype to an industrializable demonstrator, developed through close collaboration between two organizations. As Alberto highlights, "this system already integrates the essential building blocks of an industrial version and allows us to carry out demonstrations with partners to validate different use cases." 

The startup also had the opportunity to take part in the Photonics West tradeshow on ALPhANOV's booth, one of the world's largest events dedicated to optics and photonics. "This first experience abroad, Alberto explains, allowed us to gain visibility achieve international recognition, and open new industrial and academic connections."
 

What are the next steps for the startup?

Over the past few months, the team has grown with the arrival of Jérémy Calonego (Optical Instrumentation Engineer) and Simon Hédé (Apprentice Engineer in Innovation and Business Development). 

The current objective is to structure the internal team and strengthen technical and scientific partnerships in preparation for the pre-industrialization phase scheduled for 2026.

"Our short-term goal is to achieve reliability and standardization testing, paving the way for the first industrial demonstrations and the commercialization of the initial systems." the team explains.

Today, the company is moving toward a controlled industrialization process, with a clear roadmap and strong collaborations to transform innovation into a market-ready product.