The Interreg NWE project OIP4NWE aims at establishing an open innovation pilot line for the development of generic photonic integration technology. Integrated photonics is the emerging technology where the manipulation of light takes place on a chip, making the components an order of magnitude cheaper, smaller and more energy-efficient compared to today’s solutions. By providing these services to SMEs across Europe, the project reduces PIC access barriers and strengthens the competitiveness and innovativeness of European SME sustainably on the global markets.
As application of PICs grows, North-West Europe needs to stay ahead. Therefore, intense collaboration between innovation stakeholders at transnational level is an important goal of the project. In OIP4NWE, equipment manufacturers, a pure-play foundry and researchers collaborate to establish an infrastructure and processes dedicated to the pilot production of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) based on Indium Phosphide. The capabilities will include packaging and external optics as well.
Innovation support for European-based companies to mature their photonics products via open innovation framework has been launched.
If you can answer the following questions with yes, then you've come to the right place:
You work with PICs from InP?
You have a layout for PICs?
You are looking for someone to produce the PICs?
Send an email to info@oip4nwe.eu that you are interested and we keep you informed about the next call.
OIP4NWE consists of 11 full partners and 1 associated partner distributed over the Netherlands, Germany, France, Belgium, Ireland and the United Kingdom.
After completion of the pilot line, the first InP PICs can be produced. Examples of this can be found in our new "Success stories" section on this website.
Read more
High interest in the PIC pilot line OIP4NWE at the laser fair in Munich
Posted on 29-06-2023
At different booths there were exciting discussions of the project partners with interested people from the community.
Read more
Innovation support for SMEs to mature their photonics products via open innovation framework
The open innovation program OIP4NWE launches its innovation support fund to stimulate uptake of integrated photonics technology by SMEs. Seven SMEs will receive innovation support from the OIP4NWE consortium. Read More
Enhanced and scalable photonic integration technology. The Interreg NWE project OIP4NWE aims at establishing an open innovation pilot line for the development of generic photonic integration technology. Read More
The Interreg NWE project OIP4NWE aims at establishing an open innovation pilot line for the development of generic photonic integration technology. Integrated photonics is the emerging technology where the manipulation of light takes place on a chip, which could make some components an order of magnitude cheaper, smaller and more energy-efficient compared to today’s solutions.
The eBulletin gives a first overview about the Open Innovation Photonic Integrated Circuits pilot line and the posibilities to participate especially for SMEs. Read More
The project partner TUe presented the OIP4NWE project at the EPIC booth, partner of our TransNational Netwok (TNN), at the OFC 2020 in San Diego (US). Read More
The project partners Photonics Bretagne and Tyndall National Institute presented the OIP4NWE open innovation pilot line at the Photonics West in San Francisco. Read More
The project partners NMWP and Tue presented OIP4NWE at the InterregNWE event in Tourcoing (F) and discussed chances for cooperations with other projects. Read More
The TransNational Network – your single entry point to the world of PICs
Photonics is an emerging technology with a potential multitrillion market. Innovative small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are at the forefront of this development, but the R&D costs are prohibitive for them. That’s why 12 partners from northwestern Europe are creating an open access pilot line that will drastically reduce costs and time for the pilot production of new products. The 14 million euro project (OIP4NWE) is supported by the European Regional Development Fund and kicked off in November, 2018 in Eindhoven.
Within the OIP4NWE project, a TransNational Network (TNN) of existing organisations has been built, active in engaging with SMEs in the implementation in the implementation of integrated photonics.
Consisting of some partners in this project and other additional support organisations not included in the project, the Network will be expanding over the life time of the project in order to reach new markets and increase the projects outreach.
An organisation joining the TNN will benefit from early identification of business opportunities, connecting to Digital Innovation Hubs, avail of knowledge and expertise in PIC technology and benefit from the pilot line established within the project OIP4NWE.
The TNN will be active in soliciting candidates for the voucher scheme, leading to 7 SMEs using the Pilot Line for PIC manufacturing. The TNN also supports the internal relationships between key work packages of the project, the vouchers to increase the outreach of the call for proposals and communications – the TransNational Network will be the project’s dissemination instrument and will promote open innovation collaboration. After project end, the TNN will remain in operation to serve as marketing instrument for attracting SMEs making use of the pilotline and other parts of the ecosystem.
Therefore, the TransNational Network is an important tool to reach the projects goals, increase the visibility of the emerging pilot line and the partners activities and gain sustainable success of the services offered within OIP4NWE.
Perfectly set from the beginning
But the TransNational Network doesn’t need to be set up from scratch – the project partners already include leading photonic innovation hubs and support organisations in the NWE region, and the task leader has approached EPIC (European Photonics Industry Consortium), a leading support organisation with a global presence, to include the TransNational Network in future outreach and dissemination activities. EPIC are the outreach and dissemination leaders for MIRPHAB, PIXAPP and JePPIX photonic pilot lines. In addition EPIC has a wide membership within the photonics industries and organise and attend multiple events including events, in USA and Asia.
That is why the TransNational Network has already started its work and represents the Interreg NWE project OIP4NWE internationally even before the network and their members themselves go public to introduce the TNN.
OIP4NWE – Pilot line for enhanced and scalable photonic integration technology.
Integrated photonics is the emerging technology where the manipulation of light takes place on a chip, making the components an order of magnitude cheaper, smaller and more energy-efficient compared to today’s solutions.
By providing these services to SMEs across Europe, the partners of the OIP4NWE project reduce PIC access barriers and strengthen the competitiveness and innovativeness of European SME sustainably on the global markets by setting up a pilot-line. To further support SMEs in the first experience in the field of photonic integrated circuits, a voucher call has been established.
This is how you can benefit from the technology with a minimum of risk:
To show the great impact of Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) on the markets and to illustrate the high potential of this technological approach, the OIP4NWE consortium invites you to series of webinars, where stakeholders from different PIC application fields give insights in technological demands and opportunities and discuss the improvements by using the pic technology.
An additional Webinar focusses especially on the technological specifications of the OIP4NWE pilot line as well as on the voucher call and how you can benefit from these. In this virtual meeting, all project partners will be available to answer your specific questions.
Become active and get in touch with photonic integrated circuits.
Past WebTalks
02 Feb 2022 - 10:00 (CET): WebTalk on OIP4NWE Innovation Support Fund
Integrated photonics is the emerging technology where the manipulation of light takes place on a chip, making the components an order of magnitude cheaper, smaller and more energy-efficient compared to today’s solutions.
An open innovation pilot line for InP-based Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) is currently being established in Europe. All three parts of the pilot line – PIC manufacturing, external optics, packaging - and the technical details will be presented by the partners in this WebTalk. Get in-depth first-hand information on how to get the most out of the pilot line for your business.
An additional innovation support fund launched for SMEs. The call for proposals of the OIP4NWE project will be explained and all questions from interested SMEs will be answered by the consortium during the WebTalk.
More information about the voucher support could be found here.
Agenda
Welcome and introduction Dr. Victor Dolores-Calzadilla Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)
Introduction of the Innovation Support Fund and how to apply Prof. Jürgen van Erps Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Open discussion
07 Jul 2021 - 10:00 (CEST): WebTalk on Photonic Integrated Chips for 5G/6G
Integrated photonics is the emerging technology where the manipulation of light takes place on a chip, making the components an order of magnitude cheaper, smaller and more energy-efficient compared to today’s solutions.
To show the great impact of Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) on the markets and to illustrate the high potential of this technological approach, the OIP4NWE consortium invites you to series of webinars, where stakeholders from different PIC application fields give insights in technological demands and opportunities and discuss the improvements by using the PIC technology.
In the following OIP4NWE WebTalk „Photonic Integrated Chips for 5G/6G“ Prof. Dr.-Ing. Andreas Stöhr, CEO of Microwave Photonics GmbH, will give an insight into the use of the millimeter-wave (mmW) and terahertz (THz) frequency spectrum for wireless communications which are part of the international 5G regulation and will play an even more dominant role in future 6G terahertz communications. The low phase noise generation of broadband mmW and THz radio waveforms, their low-loss and phase-stable transport over fiber (radio-over-fiber, RoF) for backhauling and fronthauling, and the ability to steer mmW and THz beams by optical means represent some of the key use cases for Microwave Photonic (MWP) Integrated Chips.
The OIP4NWE WebTalktakes place at
Wednesday, 7 July 2021, 10:00 – 11:00 (CEST).
Agenda
Welcome and introduction (5 min.) Marija Trajkovic Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)
Photonic Integrated Chips for 5G/6G (20 min.) Prof. Dr.-Ing. Andreas Stöhr Microwave Photonics GmbH
Open discussion (20 min.)
Introduction of the Innovation Support Fund and how to apply (5 min.) Prof. Jürgen van Erps Vrije Universiteit Brussel
02 Jun 2021 - 10:00 (CEST): WebTalk on PICs for LIDAR systems
Integrated photonics is the emerging technology where the manipulation of light takes place on a chip, making the components an order of magnitude cheaper, smaller and more energy-efficient compared to today’s solutions.
To show the great impact of Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) on the markets and to illustrate the high potential of this technological approach, the OIP4NWE consortium invites you to series of webinars, where stakeholders from different PIC application fields give insights in technological demands and opportunities and discuss the improvements by using the PIC technology.
In the OIP4NWE WebTalk „PICs for LIDAR systems“ Davide Canavesi from Scantinel Photonics will give an exciting insight into coherent (FMCW) LiDAR to generate three-dimensional images of the environment, providing a reliable basis for autonomous navigation. The SCANTINEL PHOTONICS' LiDAR technology combines coherent ranging, silicon photonics and advanced optics on a solid-state platform. This enables accurate detection of the vehicle's environment combined with high range, reliability, compactness and low cost.
The WebTalk takes place at Wednesday, 2nd June 2021, 10:00 – 11:00 (CEST).
Agenda
Welcome and introduction (5 min.) Marija Trajkovic Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)
Introduction of the Innovation Support Fund and how to apply (5 min.) Prof. Jürgen van Erps Vrije Universiteit Brussel
31 Mar 2021 - 10:00 (CEST): WebTalk on PICs for fiber optic sensing applications
Integrated photonics is the emerging technology where the manipulation of light takes place on a chip, making the components an order of magnitude cheaper, smaller and more energy-efficient compared to today’s solutions.
To show the great impact of Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) on the markets and to illustrate the high potential of this technological approach, the OIP4NWE consortium invites you to series of webinars, where stakeholders from different PIC application fields give insights in technological demands and opportunities and discuss the improvements by using the pic technology.
In the OIP4NWE WebTalk „PICs for fiber optic sensingapplications“ Jelmer Weda (PhotonFirst) will give an exciting insight into integrated optical solutions for optical sensors.
The WebTalk takes place at Wednesday, 31th March 2021, 10:00 – 11:00 (CEST).
Agenda
Welcome and introduction (5 min.) Marija Trajkovic Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)
PhotonFirst is expert in measuring the world with light. The talk is about the use of fiber optics sensors in combination with the most advanced and in-house developed interrogator systems based on Photonics Integrated Circuits using spectrometry and interferometry principles for improved resolution, minitiaturization, reduced energy consumption and cost.
Open discussion (20 min.)
Introduction of the Innovation Support Fund and how to apply (5 min.) Prof. Jürgen van Erps Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Press on the picture to download the presentation slides
10 Feb 2021 - 10:00 (CET): WebTalk on PIC technology and Innovation Support Funds
Integrated photonics is the emerging technology where the manipulation of light takes place on a chip, making the components an order of magnitude cheaper, smaller and more energy-efficient compared to today’s solutions.
An open innovation pilot line for InP-based Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) is currently being established in Europe. All three parts of the pilot line – PIC manufacturing, external optics, packaging - and the technical details will be presented by the partners in this WebTalk. Get in-depth first-hand information on how to get the most out of the pilot line for your business.
An additional innovation support fund launched for SMEs. The call for proposals of the OIP4NWE project will be explained and all questions from interested SMEs will be answered by the consortium during the WebTalk.
The OIP4NWE WebTalk takes place at Wednesday, 10th February 2021, 10:00 – 12:00 (CET).
Agenda
Welcome and introduction Dr. Victor Dolores-Calzadilla Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)
Manufacturing of Photonic Integrated Circuits Nazanin Shafiee SMART Photonics
Optical interfacing of PICs with the outside world Prof. Jürgen van Erps Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Integrated Photonics Packaging Donal Behal Tyndall National Institute
Introduction of the Innovation Support Fund and how to apply Prof. Jürgen van Erps Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Open discussion
Press on the picture to download the presentation slides
03 Feb 2021 - 10:00 (CET): Webinar on PICs for Medical Devices and in Life Science applications
Integrated photonics is the emerging technology where the manipulation of light takes place on a chip, making the components an order of magnitude cheaper, smaller and more energy-efficient compared to today’s solutions.
To show the great impact of Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) on the markets and to illustrate the high potential of this technological approach, the OIP4NWE consortium invites you to series of webinars, where stakeholders from different PIC application fields give insights in technological demands and opportunities and discuss the improvements by using the pic technology.
In the OIP4NWE WebTalk „PICs for Medical Devices and in Life Science applications“ Prof. Wolfgang Drexler (Medical University Vienna) and Prof. C. Ronda (Philips) will give an exciting insight into integrated optical solutions for Medical Devices and Life Science Applications.
Agenda
Welcome (10 min.) Dr. Victor Dolores-Calzadilla - Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)
Towards Optical Coherence Tomography on a Chip (15 min.) Prof. Wolfgang Drexler - Center of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University Vienna, Austria
In the last three decades optical coherence tomography (OCT) has established itself as a unique non-invasive, optical medical diagnostic imaging modality, enabling unprecedented in vivo cross-sectional tomographic visualization of internal microstructure in a variety of biological systems. Ophthalmology has been the most successful and commercially most active medical field for OCT so far, but several other OCT applications, e.g. in cardiology, dentistry, gastroenterology or dermatology, are on the verge of expanding their market comparable to or larger than that of ophthalmology. Recently OCT has also been based on photonic integrated circuit (PIC) technology to not only reduce footprint, but also to enable miniaturized, maintenance free operation in a variety of new applications.
Photonic integration and societal challenges (15 min.) Prof. Cees Ronda – Philips
Sensors are the interface between the physical and the digital world. In this talk, I will address sensor approaches and some sensor challenges that Philips faces in improving people’s lives.
Open Discussion (15 min.) Giuseppe Coppola – PhotonDelta
OIP4NWE Voucher Introduction (15 min.) Prof. Jürgen van Erps - Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Press on the picture to download the presentation slides
27 Jan 2021 - 10:00 (CET): Webinar on PICs in Data and Telecom applications
Integrated photonics is the emerging technology where the manipulation of light takes place on a chip, making the components an order of magnitude cheaper, smaller and more energy-efficient compared to today’s solutions.
To show the great impact of Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) on the markets and to illustrate the high potential of this technological approach, the OIP4NWE consortium invites you to series of webinars, where stakeholders from different PIC application fields give insights in technological demands and opportunities and discuss the improvements by using the pic technology.
In the OIP4NWE WebTalk „Optical solutions for radio access networks: where could integrated photonics help?“ Mr. Antonio Tartaglia, system manager and technology expert from Ericsson will give an exciting insight into optical solutions for radio access networks.
The OIP4NWE WebTalk „Optical solutions for radio access networks: where could integrated photonics help?" starts at
Wednesday, 27th January 2021, 10:00 (CET).
Agenda
Welcome (10 min.) Dr. Victor Dolores-Calzadilla - Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)
Optical solutions for radio access networks: where could integrated photonics help? (20 min.) Antonio Tartaglia System Manager and Technology Expert – Ericsson
The talk will cover state of the art and future challenges in optical transmission solutions for Radio Access Networks, touching on similarities and differences with solutions for data centers and indicating the areas in which integrated photonics could come to the rescue.”
Open Discussion (15 min.) Giuseppe Coppola – PhotonDelta
OIP4NWE Voucher Introduction (15 min.) Prof. Jürgen van Erps - Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Press on the picture to download the presentation slides
Additional webinars on further applications fields, like “Infrastructure and Transportation” as well as “Food and Agriculture” will follow shortly. If you have an idea for additional applications or you want to give a presentation, don't hesitate to contact us.
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OIP4NWE - Pilot line for improved and scalable photonic integration technology
This website loosely presents various success stories of users who have benefited from pilot line support. Thanks to the pilot line, they were able to test their technologies or improve their technology readiness level.
Amazec Photonics – a PIC module for new healthcare applications (new story)
Amazec Photonics was founded in 2021 by two medical specialists and two pioneers in integrated photonics. The company aims for a high-resolution system to measure and quantify cardiac functions in human bodies. The existing systems all have a limited resolution, and the best results are reached using an invasive sensor probe close to the heart. Based on earlier R&D demonstrator projects at Technobis Fibre Technologies (now PhotonFirst) where extreme resolutions of wavelength measurement (sub 100 attometer) and thermal sensing was proven Amazec Photonics started the R&D for a dedicated high-resolution system to measure blood temperature fluctuations (thermo-dilution) in the order of 0,00010C. The resolution of the thermal sensor system makes it possible to measure these thermal fluctuations on the surface of the body (pulse, nose, neck arteries), so completely non-invasive.
Our cooperation with the OIP4NWE Pilot Line
The used technology in the sensor system is based on earlier R&D executed in the timeframe 2010 – 2011 for ASML measuring wavelength shift in FBG sensors with a resolution of 100 attometer. In the 10 years between the two projects the PIC technology has matured, new functions, building blocks, architectures and chip packaging strategies became possible. With these new insights we knew a better design for the wavelength meter module is now possible. Using the 2011 PIC module is a possibility, but it requires complex and expensive peripheral equipment. OIP4NWE gave us the possibility to do a trial version of an improved chip in an improved package.
Omnisens SA - PICs for monitoring energy industry assets!
Using fiber optic-based sensing Omnisens offers continuous, reliable monitoring for energy industry assets. A range of solutions is available for early detection and location of events which may threaten the integrity of the asset. These techniques provide condition monitoring, asset optimization and intrusion detection, based on small changes in temperature, strain and vibration. Monitoring techniques include Brillouin-based Distributed Temperature and Strain Sensing (DTSS), which Omnisens pioneered, Raman Distributed Temperature Sensing(DTS) and Distributed Acoustic (DAS).
Based in Switzerland Omnisens operates throughout the world, either directly or through specialized solution providers, via dedicated application, commissioning and customer service teams. A leader in long-distance fiber optic sensing, Omnisens has pioneered effective real-time asset integrity monitoring solutions for critical oil and gas, power and civil engineering infrastructures.
Thanks to the OIP4NWE voucher scheme with the associated PIC design and manufacturing capabilities, Omnisens together with its partner at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) can explore this new world of miniaturization and its suitability for sensing in industrial environment.
Quside – Quantum random number generation powered by photonic integrated circuits!
Quside is a quantum technology company delivering the most advanced randomness solutions for the cybersecurity and high-performance computing markets. A spin-off from ICFO, a world-leading research centre in photonics and quantum science, Quside specializes in the generation, monitoring and processing of randomness. The company has launched several innovative products, including the QN 100, the fastest semiconductor quantum entropy chip, or the RPU, the world’s first randomness processing unit. As an active member of the European quantum ecosystem, Quside participates in various initiatives, such as the Quantum Industry Consortium (QuIC), quantum flagship, digital Europe program, and several national efforts.
Our cooperation with the OIP4NWE Pilot line
Within the framework of the OIP4NWE Pilot line Quside had the opportunity to develop a fully integrated quantum entropy source (QES) in conjunction with several European Partners (Smart Photonics, Tyndall National Institute). The QES, based on phase diffusion in a two laser heterodyne scheme, has been fabricated by Smart Photonics on an InP photonic integrated circuit, and will be able to deliver more than 100 Mbps quan tum random numbers. Moreover, a fully packaged solution, based on a small footprint QFN package (<8x8 mm2), developed by Tyndall and containing only electrical connections, will allow for easy integration and testing of the QES. This development will be a crucial step for Quside towards scaling up our QES technology into mass production.
