A Hub of Innovation and Advanced Technologies

For nearly 40 years, Aerial has been at the forefront of research, innovation, and industrial development, providing state-of-the-art solutions to a wide range of sectors worldwide. Located in the heart of the Innovation Park in Strasbourg-Illkirch and recognized as a Technological Resource Centre (CRT), an Agro-Industrial Technical Institute (ITAI) and an IAEA collaborating Centre Aerial brings together multidisciplinary expertise and cutting-edge equipment to support research and development projects, quality control, and training

We transform research into concrete Innovations

Who We Are

For nearly 40 years, Aerial has been a globally recognized leader in research, innovation, and industrial development. Strongly locally anchored in the heart of the Strasbourg-Illkirch Technology Park, we spread our knowledge as a Technological Resource Center, an Agro-Industrial Technical Institute and an IAEA collaborating centre, throughout the world. Our expertise spans diverse sectors, including food, pharmaceuticals, freeze-drying, irradiation, dosimetry, and advanced material processing.

A Unique Industry & Research double Culture

Aerial operates at the crossroads of industry and research, fostering a unique environment where scientific exploration meets industrial application. We work closely with public research laboratories, engaging in upstream research to anticipate technological needs and drive innovation. This synergy allows us to develop pioneering solutions that benefit both industry and academia, reinforcing our role as a catalyst for innovation.

Anticipatory Research & Cutting-Edge Technology

From state-of-the-art analytical laboratories and innovative dosimetry systems to pioneering freeze-drying technologies and advanced irradiation facilities, Aerial stands as a beacon of excellence in research and industrial innovation. Our ability to conduct forward-thinking research in collaboration with scientific institutions and industry partners ensures that we remain at the forefront of technological advancements.

Comprehensive Laboratory Facilities

Aerial’s infrastructure is designed to meet the diverse needs of modern industries through an array of specialized laboratories:

Physical-Chemistry Laboratory

Focused on nutritional quality, food authenticity, and the development of innovative analytical methods. This lab employs advanced techniques—such as chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance—to ensure that food products meet the highest standards of quality and traceability.

Microbiology Laboratory (L2 and L3)

Equipped for both classical and molecular microbiology, this facility supports a variety of applications, from food safety to medical devices. With instruments such as flow cytometry and advanced microbial testing systems, Aerial delivers reliable data on pathogen detection and product stability.

Sensory Analysis Laboratory

Dedicated to consumer testing and expert product evaluations, this lab uses trained panels to assess taste, texture, aroma, and appearance. The insights gathered here help manufacturers refine product characteristics to better align with consumer expectations.

Dosimetry Laboratory

An accredited center for high-dose radiation dosimetry, offering sophisticated measurement systems—such as alanine dosimetry, EPR spectrometers, and optical spectrophotometers—to ensure precise calibration and quality control of irradiation processes.

State-of-the-Art Equipment and Technology

Aerial’s investment in cutting-edge equipment is key to its leadership in several high-tech domains

Radiation Processing Equipment

Aerial’s facilities include high, medium, and low-energy electron beam and X-ray systems. The flagship feerix® equipment, for instance, offers dual beam lines for both electron beams and X-rays, enabling detailed studies and applications in sterilization, material improvement, food irradiation, cultural heritage conservation, and environmental decontamination. Complementary equipment such as the Rhodotron® TT300 by IBA Industrial, Van de Graaff accelerators, and specialized low-energy systems ensure a comprehensive approach to irradiation research and quality assurance.

Dosimetry Systems

Tools like Aer’ode® and Aer’ede® are pivotal in monitoring and controlling irradiation treatments. These software-driven platforms manage dosimetry equipment settings, perform calibration, generate analytical reports, and integrate seamlessly into industrial networks—ensuring adherence to stringent quality assurance standards, including ISO/ASTM guidelines and FDA CFR 21 requirements.

Food Irradiation and Detection

Aerial is also renowned for its capabilities in the detection of irradiated food products. Using standardized methods like thermoluminescence and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, Aerial supports regulatory compliance by ensuring that food products are accurately labeled and safe for consumption. Advanced instruments—including gas chromatographs coupled with mass spectrometers, EPR spectrometers, and thermoluminometers—support these critical analyses.

Freeze-Drying Technology

The Louis Rey Freeze-Drying Laboratory is a cornerstone for bio-industries, particularly in the formulation and development of lyophilization protocols for therapeutic and diagnostic products. The facility performs thermal characterization of pre-lyophilization formulations, determines critical temperatures, and supports process scale-up and optimization. It also offers radiosterilization services using Gamma, X, or electron beam irradiation, all underpinned by rigorous international standards.

Research, Training, and International Collaboration

At Aerial, innovation extends beyond technology into comprehensive support for R&D and continuous learning. With a robust program of inter- and intra-company training, Aerial not only offers cutting-edge tools and facilities but also fosters expertise through practical and theoretical courses in irradiation techniques, process control, and dosimetry. This commitment to training ensures that both internal teams and external partners remain at the forefront of technological advancements.

Key dates

Discover the key milestones that have shaped Aerial’s journey—from its founding in 1986 to its recognition as an international center of excellence in innovation and research.

1986
Creation of the first AERIAL association and launch of activities in Cronenbourg.
1986
1987–1988
Implementation and start-up of the “Choucroutron” in Handschuheim and the Physico-Chemistry Laboratory at the Faculty of Pharmacy in Illkirch.
1987–1988
September 1993
First relocation to Schiltigheim
September 1993
1997
Aerial is officially recognized as a Technological Resource Centre (CRT), among the first CRTs in France.
1997
August 2004
Move to the Illkirch Innovation Park, bringing together all of Aerial’s activities (labs and administration) in one location.
August 2004
June 2005
Inauguration of the Louis Rey Experimental Freeze-Drying Laboratory.
June 2005
July 2007
Awarded the status of Agro-Industrial Technical Institute (ITAI).
July 2007
2012
Initial discussions and trademark registration for the feerix® project.
2012
December 2013
Installation of the 400 MHz NMR spectrometer at Aerial.
December 2013
2014
feerix® receives the Initiative of Excellence (Idex) label, enabling an international feasibility study.
2014
2016
Aerial is designated as an IAEA Collaborating Center.
2016
September 2019
Official inauguration of feerix®.
September 2019