Informatietype:: Event
Thema:: Integrated photonics
Unit:: High Tech Industry

Construction start event: Photonic Chip Pilot Line

On Monday, 9 March 2026, TNO and its partners will host an exclusive, invite-only event to celebrate the official start of construction of the Photonic Chip Pilot Line. This milestone marks the launch of a flagship project under the EU’s Chips for Europe Initiative, highlights our ambitions, and brings together leading decision-makers, technical experts, and industry influencers shaping the future of photonic chip production in the Netherlands.

Startdatum:: 9 Mar

Time:: 13:00 - 16:30 (CET)
Location:: Conference Centre, High Tech Campus 1-B, The Strip 5656 AE, Eindhoven

Breaking ground

The Netherlands is making a decisive leap in photonic innovation with the construction of the Photonic Chip Pilot Line, an industrial-scale facility hosted by TNO as part of the EU’s PIXEurope project. Situated at the High Tech Campus Eindhoven, a leading hub for high-tech collaboration, this pilot line will serve as a critical testbed and fabrication site for advanced Indium Phosphide (InP) photonic chips at 6-inch wafer scale. By bridging cutting-edge research with scalable manufacturing, it will accelerate the journey from concept to market, enabling faster, more energy-efficient technologies that power next-generation communications and computing.

Witness the official start of the construction phase with leading voices in industry, government, and R&D, including Ruben Brekelmans (Minister of Defense), Vincent Karremans (Minister of Economic Affairs), Jeroen Dijsselbloem (Mayor of Eindhoven), Silvia Lenaerts (Eindhoven University of Technology), Valerio Pruneri (PIXEurope), Johan Feenstra (SMART Photonics) and many others.

Selection of confirmed speakers. Top, left to right: Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi, Silvia Lenaerts, Vincent Karremans. Bottom, left to right: Eelko Brinkhoff, Ruben Brekelmans and Jeroen Dijsselbloem.

Draft programme

Walk-in

13:00-14:00 p.m.

Guest arrival, coffee and informal networking.

Opening remarks

14:00-14:30 p.m.

Introduction by moderator with TNO, and insights into the impact of the Photonic Chip Pilot Line.

Short talks and Q&A

14:30-15:30 p.m.

Talks exploring the role of Indium Phosphide (InP)-based photonic integrated circuits, talent development for building a skilled workforce in photonics, and insights into the PIXEurope’s initiative.

Official ceremony

15:30-15:45 p.m.

Live link with construction site, short introductions and ceremony, photo & media moment.

Round table discussion

15:45-16:30 p.m.

This high-level round table brings together the Dutch Ministers of Economic Affairs and Defense, TNO, PhotonDelta, and the ceo’s of three Dutch PIC foundries to discuss scaling photonic chip manufacturing, securing Dutch semicon leadership, and navigating EU Chips Act policy shifts. The focus is on accelerating the leap from pilot lines to high-volume production.

Networking reception

16:30-17:30 p.m.

Closing reception with refreshments.

Background

The pilot line is funded through the EU Chips Act by the Chips Joint Undertaking, and co-financed by PhotonDelta, TNO and the Dutch Ministries of Economic Affairs and Defense. The total investment amounts to €153 million over five years. The High Tech Campus Eindhoven is also investing in the building and cleanroom infrastructure.