The construction of a European pilot plant for photonic chips has officially begun in Eindhoven. Minister Heleen Herbert (Economic Affairs and Climate Policy) performed the opening ceremony together with Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz (Defense) and Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission. The facility is part of the European consortium PIXEurope and is being realized by TNO, in collaboration with Eindhoven University of Technology and the University of Twente. Leo Warmerdam and Peter Stolk were present on behalf of Holland High Tech and the Key Technologies Knowledge and Innovation Agenda.
Photonic chips use light instead of electrons to process and transport information. This technology enables faster and more energy-efficient systems and is crucial for applications in 6G communications, AI, aerospace, defense, and medical diagnostics, among others.
With public and private investments of approximately €172 million in the Dutch part of the facility, a crucial step is being taken to bring innovations from the lab to the market more quickly. The pilot production line enables companies and researchers to test new designs and scale them up to industrial production. The initiative thus contributes to new economic opportunities and the technological independence of the Netherlands and Europe.
The investment is made possible by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, the European Chips Joint Undertaking program, and the Ministry of Defense.
Peter Stolk, Chair of Holland High Tech and Chair of Key Technologies:
Integrated photonics is a key technology for tomorrow's economy and security. With the construction of this pilot plant, we are bringing research, innovation, and industrial applications closer together. Furthermore, the plant's construction aligns seamlessly with the Optical Systems & Integrated Photonics Action Agenda: accelerating valorization, strengthening our technological position, and creating new economic opportunities for the Netherlands.
