Aithra

Aithra, a Toulouse-based deep-tech company, is commercializing a new method for producing technical ceramics. Established in November 2020 by physicists Marine Bertucchi (CEO) and Cédric Neuville (CTO), the company has developed and patented a groundbreaking 3D printing process. This technology utilizes high-pressure sintering without binders or molds, a technique that simplifies the manufacturing process. It divides the number of production steps by three, addressing a key challenge in the industry.

The founders' backgrounds are deeply rooted in physics and engineering. Marine Bertucchi has experience at GE Healthcare and Thales, while Cédric Neuville holds a doctorate from CEA and École Polytechnique. Their expertise led to the creation of a technology that produces technical ceramics with optimal mechanical and thermal properties, while reducing energy costs and post-processing. Aithra's business model centers on producing and selling the machines that employ their proprietary technology. The company targets high-tech industries such as aerospace, defense, medicine, energy, and luxury goods. These sectors require ultra-resistant and miniaturized components for applications like satellite structures, electronic circuits, and biocompatible parts.

Aithra's process is compatible with a wide range of materials, including zirconia, alumina, sapphire, diamond, and various metal alloys. This versatility allows for the creation of complex parts with controlled density and grain size, which is a significant advantage over traditional manufacturing methods that often force a choice between ideal materials and desired shapes. To accelerate its growth, Aithra secured €2 million in a seed funding round in early 2025 from investors including France Angels, Défense Angels, and Bpifrance. The company has also been selected for the ESA BIC Sud France incubation program, supported by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES), underscoring the technology's potential for the spatial industry. The company plans to use the funds to launch the production of its first industrial machines in 2025.

Keywords: ceramic 3D printing, technical ceramics, high-pressure sintering, advanced materials, additive manufacturing, deep-tech, aerospace components, defense materials, medical-grade ceramics, industrial machinery, manufacturing technology, material science, satellite components, high-performance materials, zirconia printing, alumina production, sapphire components, industrial 3D printers, Marine Bertucchi, Cédric Neuville