Europe’s integrated photonics industry faces scaling bottlenecks, PhotonDelta says
SMH•PhotonDelta says Europe needs faster permitting, more funding and expanded manufacturing to turn integrated photonics research into commercial-scale production. A €1.95 billion Dutch proposal targets high-volume manufacturing, while only about two of roughly 20 EU Chips Act-supported first-of-a-kind production investments involve photonics.
1. Scaling constraints
PhotonDelta says Europe risks losing its integrated photonics advantage unless faster permitting, funding and manufacturing expansion help convert research leadership into commercial-scale production. Demand could benefit from around 50 billion smart connected devices expected within the next decade, increasing requirements for sensing and optical networking.
2. Funding and permits
A €1.95 billion Dutch proposal targets high-volume photonic chip manufacturing, but infrastructure, talent, regulation and capital constraints threaten implementation. About two of roughly 20 first-of-a-kind production investments supported under the EU Chips Act involve photonics. Proposed Chips Act 2.0 rules would cap permitting for strategic chip projects at 12 months, while parliamentary negotiator Bart Groothuis seeks six months.
