Hamamatsu Photonics Joins European ‘Pilot Lines’ Initiative

Hamamatsu Photonics has entered into a strategic partnership with Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) to accelerate the advancement of photonic chips across Europe. This collaboration aims to expand its influence to European companies through PhotonHub Europe, fostering joint initiatives with partner research institutions throughout the continent to establish a supply chain for the development of photonic chips.

The primary objective of this alliance is to leverage the expertise of the VUB photonics research group, B-Phot, under the leadership of Professor Hugo Thienpont, in conjunction with Hamamatsu's industry knowledge to assist companies at various stages of device development. Key focus areas of cooperation include aiding companies in photonics feasibility studies, proof-of-concept demonstrations, prototyping, and quality assurance.

With an investment of €1.1 billion allocated for the establishment of a European photonics supply chain, the partnership between Hamamatsu Photonics and VUB signifies a significant step towards fostering innovation and growth within the photonics industry. The collaboration will explore the creation of photonic modules and subsystems to enrich Hamamatsu Photonics' product lineup.

Introducing 'Pilot Lines', a novel service designed to bridge the gap between conceptualization and market-ready photonics products. Led by Hamamatsu Photonics and PhotonHub Europe, Pilot Lines will streamline the progression of photonics-based technologies from early-stage development to commercial availability, facilitating a smoother transition for companies seeking to bring their innovations to market.

PhotonHub Europe, a comprehensive digital innovation hub managed by VUB, offers European enterprises unrestricted access and expert guidance on a wide array of photonics services, capabilities, and knowledge through its network of over 50 partner organizations. This EU-funded initiative is dedicated to supporting first-time users and early adopters in accelerating the adoption, integration, and deployment of photonic technologies in cutting-edge products across various industry sectors.