The Role of Photonic Integrated Circuits, Breaking into the Industry, and Crafting a Winning Submission

Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are emerging as transformative tools in industries ranging from telecommunications to healthcare. With applications spanning telecom, healthcare, computing, and beyond, PICs hold the potential to revolutionize industries and solve some of society’s most pressing challenges. 

To inspire engineers and innovators, the Global Photonics Engineering Contest, in collaboration with Photon Delta, is offering a platform to showcase groundbreaking ideas.

Wevolver spoke with Twan Korthorst, CEO of New Origin and a passionate advocate for photonic technologies, to provide deeper insight into the impact of PICs, the journey into the industry, and advice for succeeding in the challenge.

Unlocking new possibilities and innovative applications with PICs

Integrated photonic chips have the potential to significantly impact multiple industries, building on their foundational role in telecommunications. As Twan Korthorst explains, the integrated photonics journey began with long-haul telecom applications, where optical fibers replaced copper links and satellite communication, enabling high-bandwidth, low-energy data transport. The industry has since matured, transitioning from traditional telecom to datacom, where optical fibers now connect data centers and even chips, such as CPUs and GPUs, addressing challenges like bandwidth, latency, and energy consumption. 

Beyond telecommunications, the advancements in photonic ICs have unlocked creativity in new applications. From shrinking bulky LiDAR systems for autonomous vehicles and industrial robots to developing sensitive biosensors and miniaturized light engines for AR/VR devices, the possibilities are vast. 

Investments in datacom have driven the maturity of photonic technology, with improved design tools and broader access to manufacturing facilities. As Korthorst highlights, this momentum is paving the way for further innovation, lower costs, and a significant expansion of photonic IC applications in the coming decade.

Challenges in Scaling Photonic Innovation

Despite their promise, PICs face hurdles that must be addressed to accelerate adoption. According to Korthorst, two primary challenges stand out:

1. Cost and Scalability
   The cost of prototyping and scaling remains high due to limited manufacturing facilities. Multiproject wafer (MPW) runs, where multiple designs share fabrication costs, offer an accessible entry point for smaller organizations or first-time designers. However, scaling beyond prototypes to higher volumes continues to be challenging.“New Origin and other initiatives aim to address this by creating scalable manufacturing solutions,” Korthorst added. “This will drive down costs and enable broader industry adoption.”

2. Education and Talent Development
   The field of photonics demands specialized knowledge. While engineers from physics, chemistry, or electrical backgrounds bring valuable expertise, many lack experience in chip design and manufacturing. “Education is key,” Korthorst emphasized. “Training programs and collaborations between universities, research institutions, and design houses are helping bridge this gap.”

How to Break into the Photonics Industry

For engineers aspiring to enter the photonics industry, Korthorst highlighted two primary paths:

• Theory Experts: Engineers with backgrounds in optics, chemical sensing, or physics have a solid theoretical understanding. However, they can benefit from training programs offered by organizations like AIM Photonics (U.S.) and JePPIX (Europe) to improve their knowledge of chip design. Partnering with design houses like Bright Photonics or Epiphany can also help engineers begin to translate big ideas into PIC designs.

• Chip Designers: Engineers experienced in analog or RF chip design can leverage their existing knowledge to transition into integrated photonics. Because they have the foundation knowledge, they can explore a shorter path to the PIC industry by collaborating with foundries like SMART Photonics or LioniX to gain direct access to the tools and expertise needed to validate their concepts.

Regardless of their background, Korthorst encouraged engineers to engage with the ecosystem, attend training sessions, and explore opportunities to enter the industry.

Crafting a Winning Submission for the Challenge

The Global Photonics Engineering Contest offers a unique opportunity for engineers to bring their ideas to life. With a prize that includes resources to design, prototype, and manufacture a PIC, participants can focus on innovation rather than logistical hurdles. Korthorst shared his advice for crafting a standout submission:

1. Define the Problem
   Clearly articulate the challenge you aim to address. Explain how PICs can enhance current solutions or unlock new possibilities.

2. Showcase Impact
   Highlight the societal or industrial importance of your idea. Whether it’s advancing healthcare or improving energy efficiency, focus on the broader implications.

3. Leverage Collaboration
   Don’t worry about mastering the technical details alone. The contest’s partners, including leading foundries and design houses, are there to guide you.

“Set the jury on fire with a great idea,” Korthorst advised. “Focus on the problem and the bigger picture. If your vision excites others, the technical support will follow.”

Your Invitation to Innovate

The Global Photonics Engineering Contest is not just a competition; it’s an invitation to engage with a vibrant ecosystem and contribute to the future of technology. With the contest closing in March, now is the time to submit your ideas and join a community of innovators shaping the next wave of photonic advancements.

“There’s so much promise in this technology,” Korthorst concluded. “It’s an exciting time to get involved and make an impact.”

Whether you’re an industry veteran or a curious newcomer, the challenge is your chance to explore the potential of PICs and turn your ideas into reality.

The Global Photonics Engineering Contest invites engineers, innovators, and startups to push the boundaries of Photonic Integrated Circuits (PIC) and create applications that address complex engineering challenges and push the boundaries of the industry. Whether you’re in semiconductors, data & telecom, medtech, or agritech, we want to see your breakthrough idea that can harness the power of PICs to change the world.

• Prize: €50,000 worth of services from the PhotonDelta ecosystem to to make your idea market-ready + a chance to receive up to €2 million in pre-seed funding.
• Audience: Open to all engineers, researchers, OEMs, hardware manufacturers, startups/scale-ups, research teams, and students working on innovative PIC applications.
• Early Bird Opportunity: All submissions received by 31st December 2024, will receive personalized feedback from PhotonDelta engineers.
• End date: March 3rd 2025

Find out more here!