UPVFab Joins European Commission Project for Photonic Chip Manufacturing

UPVFab and the Future of Photonic Chip Manufacturing

In a significant move towards innovation in the field of photonics, UPVFab has joined the PIXEurope project, initiated by the European Commission with a focus on establishing pilot factories for hybrid photonic chip production. This initiative positions UPVFab, a laboratory under the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV), at the forefront of groundbreaking technology crucial for various industries, including healthcare and self-driving vehicles.

Leading the Charge in Photonic Technology

The PIXEurope project is overseen by prominent researchers, Pascual Muñoz and José Capmany, who are notable for their achievements, including the prestigious Jaume I Prize for New Technologies. Their leadership aims to revolutionize photonic chip manufacturing, enabling companies to develop new manufacturing processes that will ultimately benefit the entire industry.

UPVFab is set to contribute nearly 10% of the project's total financing, which amounts to a sizable 400 million euros. This investment will facilitate the establishment of a state-of-the-art pilot plant in Valencia. This facility will not only aim to produce hybrid photonic chips but also focus on creating advanced technologies that will serve as the next leap in integrated photonics.

The Booming Market for Photonics

The global market for photonic chips is flourishing, projected to exceed a staggering 1.5 trillion euros by the end of this decade. This expansion reflects the increasing demand for integrated photonics, driven primarily by the digital society's evolving needs. The production of photonic integrated circuits is anticipated to surge by over 400% in the next ten years, signaling promising prospects for those invested in this technology.

Given its strategic importance, the PIXEurope initiative is co-financed at 50% by the European Chips Joint Undertaking along with the Ministry of Digital Transition. It aims to recruit around fifty professionals from various regions, including the United Kingdom, the United States, the Netherlands, and Germany, to work at the new facility in Valencia.

A Collaborative Effort

Since 2019, UPV has been collaborating with the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the Institute of Microelectronics of Barcelona (IMB-CNM). This partnership aims to stimulate the integrated photonics sector in Spain, enhancing the country’s position in the technological global landscape. UPV's initiatives also include leading the PIXSpain project, which focuses on developing this technology sector in Spain.

José Capmany has emphasized that the PIXEurope project presents a strategic opportunity to complement excellence in research, development, and innovation (RDI) alongside technology transfer initiatives that will expand the portfolio of companies at UPVfab.

Conclusion

UPVfab is carving a niche in the rapidly expanding field of hybrid photonic chip technology. As Spain’s only laboratory specializing in this area, its work is pivotal for future advancements in critical industries worldwide. With support from the European Commission and ongoing collaborations, UPVfab is well-positioned to become a leader in the photonics industry, driving innovation and technological advancement well into the future.

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