The Dutch photonic-chip-accelerator, PhotonDelta, has opened a new office in Silicon Valley, signifying the ongoing collaboration effort between European and North American integrated photonics markets.
Photonic-integrated circuits (PICs) enable the creation of advanced semiconductors, which, in turn, will lead to the production of smaller, faster and more energy-efficient devices. While overcoming some of the limitations of traditional semiconductor technology, the development of more energy-efficient alternatives is crucial to keep up with the pace of advancing power-hungry technologies such as AI, helping manufacturers and users both to keep within environmental targets.
PICs do more than just lower energy use
“Besides the use of PIC technology in datacentres for enhanced performance and reduced energy consumption, integrated photonics also holds enormous opportunities for quantum computing and sensing solutions for new applications in agriculture, automotive and healthcare,” said the independent growth accelerator, whose investments included an €8.5m photonics point-of-care device that can detect cancer and other diseases earlier than previously possible.
The ecosystem, which currently includes over 70 organisations, received €1.1bn to run a number of R&D programmes last year, as well as leading international photonics roadmapping and investing in pioneering PIC technology startups. Over the past five years alone, PhotonDelta, and the Dutch photonic chip market in general, has raised over €450m for companies like Smart Photonics, Scantinel Photonics, Effect Photonics, Phix Photonics Assembly, Astrapé Networks, MantiSpectra, Surfix Diagnositcs, Delta Life Sciences, Amazec and more.
Making it in America
“The Netherlands is home to the largest concentration of photonic chip technology organisations in the world,” says PhotonDelta, being one of the “global leaders in the development of Indium Phosphide and Silicon Nitride-based photonic chips. But the group also believes that a “unified photonic chip industry is essential to fulfilling its potential and contributing to solving the challenges faced by the semiconductor industry.” The USA, meanwhile, is “paving the way in silicon photonics as it benefits from its extensive infrastructure and greater scale of production.”
Based in Silicon Valley, the US’ – and some would say the world’s – global centre for technology and innovation in northern California, PhotonDelta’s new US hub will help provide the Netherlands’ world-leading photonic chip capabilities to North America’s doorstep, forming a complete value chain that includes design services; foundries for photonic chip fabrication, packaging, assembly and testing and a constantly rising number of fabless companies that use PIC technology.
“We want to tap into the North American market and partner with industry leaders to help accelerate this key enabling technology,” said Jorn Smeets, PhotonDelta’s North American managing director. “As we stimulate the internationalisation of our value chain, we need to connect the know-how, expertise, networks and funding in North America and the Netherlands.”
