Dutch companies and researchers are globally leading in the field of photonics. This high-tech sector aims to stay at the forefront in the large-scale application of photonic chips, for example in telecommunications (6G), digital technology (AI, quantum), aerospace and defense technology, and medical diagnostics. A pilot production line is crucial to take this step and contributes to technological independence, innovation, and economic opportunities for the Netherlands.

The total public funding of 193 million euros for the Dutch share consists of support from the Chips JU and the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The Ministry of Defense also contributes from the Strategy for Industry and Innovation (D-SII 2025-2029), which stimulates innovation and public-private collaboration (inter)nationally in the defense industry, especially in technology areas where the Netherlands is leading. The pilot factory aligns with this.

Knowledge institute TNO, which also provides financial support, is realizing the facilities together with TU Eindhoven and the University of Twente. Dutch companies such as Smart Photonics are involved to utilize the pilot factory.

In November 2024, the European public-private partnership Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) announced the preference for a possible pilot production line for photonic chips. The chosen consortium PIXEurope consists of parties from 11 European member states that will jointly realize this facility.

The Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) is the European public-private partnership that supports research, development, and innovation in 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 finances projects that contribute to strengthening the European competitive position in this area, such as this pilot production line for 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 results in better performance and is also more energy-efficient.

Photonic chips enable the future construction of cheaper, faster, and energy-efficient devices. These can facilitate earlier disease diagnostics, safe self-driving vehicles, more efficient food production, and infrastructure. This can open the door to a new European industry and a vast range of new applications. The Netherlands is currently leading worldwide in photonics developments and aims to further strengthen this position. Dozens of SMEs are collaborating within the National Growth Fund project PhotonDelta with technology and innovation partners on development.