First factory for InP photonic chips on 6-inch wafer scale in the Netherlands

"With this factory, TNO is taking a unique step: for the first time, we are building an industrial pilot line. By bringing research and production closer together, we are strengthening the Netherlands' position within the European semiconductor landscape and helping companies to scale up high-quality photonic technology more quickly and efficiently."

"Photonic chips process data using light instead of electricity. They are energy-efficient, fast, and widely applicable for AI data centers, 6G networks, and medical systems."

"The €150 million investment is a direct result of the European Chips Act and is part of the pan-European consortium PIXEurope. The goal: Europe wants to anchor the production of photonic chips on its own soil, for both economic and security purposes."

Construction has begun in Eindhoven on a groundbreaking industrial facility for indium phosphide photonic chips operating at 6-inch wafer scale. The €150 million project, funded through the EU Chips Act and the European PIXEurope consortium, will employ approximately 40 specialists initially, with plans for expansion. Photonic chips process data using light instead of electricity, offering energy efficiency and speed for applications in AI data centers, 6G networks, and medical systems. The facility bridges research and industrial production, enabling companies to test and validate photonic technology at scale. This public-private partnership involving TNO, TU/e, PhotonDelta, SMART Photonics, and High Tech Campus Eindhoven aims to strengthen Europe's semiconductor independence and accelerate the commercialization of photonic technology.

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