380 million euro investment for photonic chip factory

The European Union is investing to establish a testing facility for photonic chips, future generation chips that processes information with light instead of electrons. A total of 380 million euros in public investments has been made available for this project, and eleven countries are participating in the Chips Joint Undertaking for this project. 

Of the 380 million, 133 million euros are expected to be invested in the Netherlands, with production lines planned in the Dutch cities of Eindhoven and Enschede, home to IASP members High Tech Campus Eindhoven and Kennispark Twente. Knowledge institutions TNO, the Eindhoven University of Technology and the University of Twente are closely involved in the developments.

Photonic chips will enable the construction of cheaper, faster and energy-efficient devices for specific purposes in the future. For example, they will 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 they 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.

Dutch Economic Affairs Minister Dirk Beljaarts welcomed the development: “This is excellent news for Dutch innovation and the SMEs working in this field. It’s no coincidence that our government has designated photonics as a strategic technology. We aim to establish a strong competitive position within Europe – from research and innovation through to supply and manufacturing. This is crucial for future Dutch employment, addressing societal challenges, and maintaining our national security”.