His Majesty the King will pay a working visit to the MESA+ NanoLab of the University of Twente on Thursday morning, 19 December. The working visit will focus on photonics. The King will be inspired by how ideas and fundamental research can lead to a market-ready product. As Holland High Tech, we will join the round table discussion with the King and representatives of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Province of Overijssel, Demcon, VDL ETG Eindhoven, Twente Board, the ROC van Twente, Saxion University of Applied Sciences and the University of Twente.
As Holland High tech, we will be joining forces with representatives from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Province of Overijssel, DEMCON, VDL-ETG, Twente Board, the ROC van Twente, Saxion University of Applied Sciences and the University of Twente to discuss with the King the developments, opportunities and challenges for the Twente region in the field of photonics and chip technology. The valuable collaboration between knowledge institutions, academic research and the business community will also be central.
The King is given a tour of the MESA+ NanoLab. At the Cleanroom, he is informed about current developments and the important role that the Cleanroom plays in integrated photonics. Students from the ROC van Twente, Saxion University of Applied Sciences and the University of Twente share their experiences about the training courses they follow in the field of micro- and nanotechnology in the NanoLab. They also talk about the collaboration between the three educational institutions. At various labs, PhD students, researchers and representatives of companies such as LioniX, Quix Quantum, Aluvia Photonics, ASML, Zeiss and Panalytical talk about innovative research and successful spin-off companies that have emerged from the research. The importance of research, the lab facilities and the collaboration between the business community and knowledge institutions are central to this.
Numerous innovations thanks to photonics
In the future, photonic chips will make it possible to build cheaper, faster and energy-efficient devices for specific purposes. For example, they enable earlier diagnosis of diseases, safe self-driving vehicles and more efficient food production. The development of photonic chips is still in a relatively early phase, but will most likely play a key role in high-tech sectors where speed and energy efficiency are of great importance. Investments in photonic production facilities stimulate the development of future new markets in Europe. In addition to photonic chips, important technologies are also being developed in Twente for the electronic chip industry, chips in which fluids are analyzed (microfluidics) and chips with moving parts (the so-called MEMS and NEMS technology).
Photonic chip factory
Earlier this month it was announced that the Netherlands will host important components of a European pilot factory for photonic chips. A total of 380 million euros in public investments has been made available by Europe for this project. Twente will receive a significant share, which means a mega boost for chip technology in Twente.
Another important development is the realization of New Origin, a foundry for photonic chips in Twente.
