Menhir Photonics, a Swiss-based developer of ultrafast lasers, has announced plans for a new high-volume laser production facility in Dübendorf, Switzerland, for which it has recently secured a substantial growth loan.
Founded in 2018 and now located in Glattbrugg, Zurich, Menhir Photonics develops ultrafast lasers for telecommunications, aerospace, and scientific research applications.
We speak to Florian Emaury, the company's Co-Founder and CEO, about managing the firm through a new stage of growth – from maintaining innovation to achieving a work/life balance.
What do the next 3-5 years look like for Menhir Photonics?
The next five years will be transformative. We’re doubling our team, moving to new state-of-the-art facilities, and scaling up production by 1,000x. After years of meticulous preparation, we’re now in a full scale-up mode.
By 2029, we aim to be the leading supplier of 6G sub-components, delivering millions of high-quality lasers annually to the telecom industry at Telecordia standards. Our vision is bold, but we’re fully confident in our path toward becoming a key player in global telecom.
What needs to happen to help reach these goals?
We have some exciting challenges ahead. Moving into our new facility with a professional cleanroom is the first big step. However, the real game-changer will be automating our production process with robots and reducing the size of our lasers.
These innovations, paired with significant cost reductions, will allow us to meet the demand for over a million units annually while ensuring the highest quality. These technical advancements will open new markets and dimensions for our products. Thanks to the strong foundation we’ve built over the years, we’re positioned for structured and healthy growth.
Who are your main customers?
We began by serving research facilities and universities, but we’re now increasingly focused on high-end telecom companies, particularly those in secure data transmission. The aerospace industry is also becoming an important market for us. Lasers, as a fast and quantum-safe data transmission mean, are essential for these industries.
Additionally, our lasers play a crucial role in generating ultra-low noise microwave signals, which are gaining traction with the rise of 6G and the radar industry. The implementation of our lasers will enhance the security and resilience of next-generation telecommunications, making them a key component in future network infrastructure.
How have you managed to stay innovative and expand your product line?
Innovation at Menhir Photonics extends beyond product features. While the laser industry has sometimes struggled with reliability, we’ve made this a key focus. From the start, our strength has been creating ultra-reliable, turnkey lasers, and this has been recognised many times by our customers. Once we had that stable foundation, we expanded into new wavelengths, more compact designs, and even space-grade products.
While there are ongoing technical challenges on the products, the business development side is equally exciting, as we’re bringing innovative products to markets that may not yet be fully ready for them. It’s a thrilling phase of growth for us.
You first wrote for us about turning a research prototype into a product in the earlier stages of your career. Now that you are leading a company at a different stage of growth, how have the challenges evolved?
Running a company with a small, tight-knit team of fewer than 10 people is both exciting and rewarding, as you can personally oversee every detail. However, as we grow, the real challenge lies in delegation – empowering the team to make decisions without constant input from the founders. As a technical co-founder, this has been one of the biggest transitions.
Establishing an objective-based structure, such as the OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) methodology, has helped ensure that the company can grow healthily without micromanagement. This shift is essential as we continue scaling.
What is your favourite thing about running Menhir Photonics?
I thrive on the constant challenges and opportunities that come with working in the ever-evolving photonics industry. Over the past decade, I’ve watched the industry grow, yet it’s still maturing. Many innovations require creating and nurturing new markets, which means working alongside customers and teams with incredibly high expertise. It’s demanding work, but it’s immensely rewarding to collaborate with top-tier engineers and scientists and solve these complex challenges together.
How do you tackle work/life balance, and what tips would you give to other co-founders?
Do we ask rock stars about their work/life balance? The challenges and pressures are part of the journey, but it becomes much easier when you're truly passionate about what you do.
My advice to fellow co-founders is simple: "Talk to people." So many issues can be resolved by open communication with your team or by sharing your experiences with other entrepreneurs. While no one can offer a perfect solution, expressing your challenges to those who have faced similar situations is very valuable.
The photonics community, in particular, is full of both successful and less successful entrepreneurs who are more than willing to listen and help.
As a researcher-turned-CEO, how can industry, academia, or policy support entrepreneurs like yourself?
The ecosystem is already incredibly supportive for entrepreneurs. Academia offers numerous courses, startup challenges help shape ideas, and there are plenty of grants to fund early ventures.
The environment is ripe for startups to thrive, but it’s up to the people themselves to make it happen. There's no shame in being successful or making money, but it requires drive and effort. One key area where the ecosystem can do more is by promoting more examples of success stories. Aspiring entrepreneurs need role models. Personally, being exposed to the European Photonics Industry Consortium (EPIC) through Carlos Lee during my PhD was a game-changer for me. That exposure and the inspiration I gained have been invaluable in shaping my entrepreneurial journey.
