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Dutch companies and researchers are world leaders in the field of photonics. This high-tech sector wants to remain at the forefront of the larger-scale application of photonic chips in areas such as telecommunications (6G), digital technology (AI, quantum), space and defence technology, and medical diagnostics. A pilot production line is essential to take this step and contributes to technological independence, innovation, and economic opportunities for the Netherlands.
The final €193 million in public funding for the Dutch share consists of support from the Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) and the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The Ministry of Defence is also contributing from the Strategy for Industry and Innovation (D-SII 2025-2029). This strategy stimulates innovation and public-private cooperation at national and international level in the defence industry, particularly in technology areas where the Netherlands is at the forefront. The pilot factory is in line with this strategy.
The TNO knowledge institute, which is also providing financial support, is realising the facilities in collaboration with the University of Twente and Eindhoven University of Technology. Dutch companies such as Smart Photonics are involved in order to be able to use the pilot factory.
European cooperation in the Chips Joint Undertaking
In November 2024, the European public-private partnership Chips JU announced its preference for a possible pilot production line for photonic chips. The selected consortium, PIXEurope, consists of parties from 11 European Member States that will jointly realise this facility.
The Chips JU is the European public-private partnership that supports research, development and innovation in the field of semiconductor technologies and applications. It consists of companies, knowledge institutions and governments from various countries (EU and non-EU) and the European Commission. The Chips JU funds projects that contribute to strengthening Europe’s competitive position in this field, such as this pilot production line for photonic technology.
Photonic technology
Photonics is a technology that focuses on detecting, generating, transporting and processing light. Integrated photonics are chips that work with optical signals instead of electrical signals. Communication via optical signals can transmit more information simultaneously and over longer distances. This improves performance and is also more energy efficient.
Photonic chips will enable the construction of cheaper, faster and more energy-efficient devices in the future. These will enable earlier diagnosis of diseases, safe self-driving vehicles, more efficient food production and data infrastructure. This could open the door to a new European industry and a huge range of new applications. The Netherlands is currently a global leader in photonics developments and wants to further expand this position. Dozens of SMEs are working on development within the National Growth Fund project PhotonDelta, together with technology and innovation partners.
Source: Rijksoverheid.nl
