Called PhotonHub Phactory, the new 15 million euro initiative dramatically lowers the barrier to entry into photonics, offering EU subsidies that can cover up to 85 % of project costs, making it low-risk for businesses. It aims to help companies achieve a wider and faster uptake, integration, and deployment of photonic technologies, boost competitiveness and foster new business.

With more than thirty European partners, the new framework covers the entire value chain from early-stage concept (TRL2) and prototyping (TRL3-4) to upscaling (TRL5-7). It spans a wide range of cutting-edge technology platforms, facilitating open access and guided orientation to the broadest possible range of photonics expertise, equipment and technologies available from the best facilities throughout Europe.

Led by Brussels Photonics (B-Phot) at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, the initiative builds on the success of PhotonHub Europe, which to date has helped over a hundred companies deliver more than €750 million in new revenues, create a thousand jobs and raise €250 million in venture capital in just four years.

Professor Hugo Thienpont, director of Brussels Photonics and coordinator of the PhotonHub program, said: “We are delighted to continue to promote and support photonics innovation through PhotonHub Phactory. This €15M program funded by the European Commission will be instrumental in creating opportunities for collaborative innovation projects for wide-ranging sectors over the next four years, enhancing European sovereignty in this rapidly growing industry.”