UK Government Strengthens Ties with Europe in Photonics, Addressing Global Challenges in Energy Efficiency

European Photonics Project Secures €380 Million to Boost Semiconductor and Quantum Device Technologies

The University of Cambridge and the University of Southampton have officially joined the prestigious PIXEurope consortium, a groundbreaking collaboration of 20 research organizations spanning 11 countries across Europe. This initiative, coordinated by Spain’s Institute of Photonic Sciences, is aimed at advancing the development and manufacturing of prototypes based on photonic chips. By leveraging the expertise of the Cambridge Graphene Centre and the Cornerstone Photonics Innovation Centre, the consortium seeks to accelerate the adoption of advanced photonic technologies, thereby driving innovation and improving efficiency across a range of industries.

The PIXEurope pilot line consortium, selected by the European Commission and the Chips Joint Undertaking, has secured €380 million in funding. Among this, UK participants are set to receive up to £4.2 million from the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), supplemented by match funding from Horizon Europe. Beginning in March 2024, the UK's involvement in the EU’s Chips Joint Undertaking will enable closer collaboration on cutting-edge semiconductor innovation. Contributing to this initiative, researchers at the Cambridge Graphene Centre are focused on incorporating graphene and related materials into photonic circuits. Their goal is to enhance energy-efficient, high-speed communications and quantum devices. Expressing optimism about this partnership, Professor Andrea C. Ferrari, director of the Cambridge Graphene Centre, highlighted its potential to yield innovative products that could bring significant economic benefits both to the UK and the global market.

The urgency of this collaboration aligns with the global photonic integrated circuits (PICs) market’s anticipated growth of over 400% in the next decade, with the broader photonics market expected to exceed €1500 billion by 2030. This growth will likely be driven by increasing demand across diverse sectors, including telecommunications, artificial intelligence, healthcare, automotive, environmental care, renewable energy, defence, and consumer applications. In response, the PIXEurope pilot line aims to deliver advanced technological platforms, facilitating the industrial adoption of innovative integrated photonics processes and technologies. Its overarching goal is to establish European-made technology, ensuring technological sovereignty while creating new job opportunities in the UK and across Europe.

UK Science Minister Lord Vallance emphasized that the UK’s participation builds on its pioneering legacy in silicon photonics, which dates back to the 1990s. He also stated that by combining British expertise with European collaborations, the initiative would address global challenges related to energy efficiency and consumption. Reinforcing this sentiment, Professor Ferrari described the UK’s involvement in PIXEurope as a launchpad for the world’s first open-access photonics integrated circuits ecosystem. He highlighted the initiative’s potential to enhance technology development while fostering partnerships with leading European institutions.

Additionally, Professor Calum Littlejohns, coordinator of CORNERSTONE, noted that PIXEurope is the first photonics pilot line to integrate the entire supply chain—from design and fabrication to testing and packaging. This comprehensive approach will support a wide range of applications. Professor Graham Reed, director of the Optoelectronics Research Centre at the University of Southampton, praised the initiative, recognizing it as a valuable opportunity for collaboration with European experts and acknowledging CORNERSTONE’s significant contributions. Looking ahead, the Chips Joint Undertaking plans to launch new collaborative R&D calls in early 2025, offering UK researchers and companies further opportunities to participate. The PIXEurope consortium represents a significant step toward advancing photonics technology, fostering international collaboration, and positioning Europe as a leader in this critical and rapidly growing field.

Editor’s Note:

The collaboration between the University of Cambridge, the University of Southampton, and the PIXEurope consortium marks a critical moment in the advancement of photonics technology. This groundbreaking initiative, supported by significant funding and international collaboration, is poised to revolutionize industries ranging from telecommunications to healthcare. The involvement of UK researchers and institutions underscores the country’s commitment to being at the forefront of technological innovation, fostering not only scientific progress but also economic growth. As the global demand for photonic integrated circuits soars, Europe’s leadership in this sector will have lasting implications for technological sovereignty and job creation across the continent. 

Skoobuzz views this project as a powerful example of international collaboration and innovation, highlighting the significant strides being made in photonics technology.