Photonics21: A Key Driver of Europe's Technological Breakthroughs
Brussels, Saturday, 17 May 2025.
Photonics21 plays a pivotal role in fostering high-tech innovation in Europe, serving as a collaboration hub between industry and research to enhance competitiveness and growth across technological frontiers.
Strategic Investment and Leadership
The European Commission has demonstrated its commitment to photonics innovation through substantial financial backing, investing over €1 billion in photonics research and innovation activities through the Photonics Public Private Partnership (PPP) over the past decade [5]. Most recently, this commitment was reinforced through a €6 million investment in the SPRINTER project, which aims to develop ultra-fast, energy-efficient industrial internet systems using light-speed lasers [6].
Technological Breakthroughs and Applications
Current developments focus on transformative technologies, with SPRINTER developing hybrid photonic/wireless transceivers capable of transmitting data at up to 200 gigabits per second [6]. This initiative directly addresses the limitations of traditional copper cables and Wi-Fi systems in industrial settings. As emphasized by Efstathios Andrianopoulos, a leading researcher on the ICCS team, ‘Industry 5.0 demands faster, smarter, and more robust networks’ [6].
Strategic Vision and Future Outlook
During the 20th anniversary celebration of Photonics21 on May 16, 2025, EU Tech Commissioner Henna Virkkunen declared photonics as ‘a cornerstone of Europe’s technological core’ and ‘a strategic asset’ [5]. The platform’s influence continues to grow, now representing over 4,000 members who are actively shaping Europe’s technological landscape [5]. Looking ahead, the organization has planned several strategic events, including the Photonics 4 Sustainability workshop in Cork, Ireland on May 22, 2025, and the World of Photonics Congress in Munich from June 22-27, 2025 [2].