News: Optoelectronics
24 June 2025
TNO to construct InP-based photonic chip pilot manufacturing line
At the end of this year, research institute TNO (the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research in Delft) will begin constructing a pilot manufacturing line for photonic chips at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven. The new factory will enable the industrial-scale production of indium phosphide (InP)-based photonic chips. Additionally, the scaling up from 4-inch to 6-inch wafers will make production more efficient. TNO is collaborating on this with the Photonic Integration Technology Centre (PITC), Eindhoven University of Technology, and the University of Twente.
Dutch companies such as SMART Photonics will use the facilities, which are intended to strengthen the entire Dutch ecosystem around photonic chips. The pilot line is funded through the EU Chips Act, PhotonDelta, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, and TNO, and is part of the European initiative PIXEurope.
“This 6” pilot line is a game-changer for Dutch companies and the future earning power and prosperity for the Netherlands,” says TNO’s managing director Ton van Mol. “It is a critical part of a powerful ecosystem in photonic chips with which the Netherlands can distinguish itself worldwide.”
Photonic chips strengthen technological independence
InP photonic chips are distinguished by their extremely compact size due to a high degree of integration. With their high speed, low energy consumption and large bandwidth, photonic chips improve the performance of data centers and enable new generations of smart devices. They play a crucial role in advanced applications such as AI, 6G networks, medical diagnostics, and defense systems. They are hence considered to be one of the key enabling technologies for the future.
For the Netherlands and Europe, photonic chips are also of strategic importance, as they enhance technological independence and create innovative and economic opportunities for companies in the high-tech sector. The total investment in the Dutch pilot line amounts to €153m. Also, the High Tech Campus Eindhoven is investing in the building and the cleanroom.
“This 6 pilot’ pilot line is a game-changer for Dutch companies and the future earning power and prosperity for the Netherlands,” believes Mol. “It is a critical part of a powerful ecosystem in photonic chips with which the Netherlands can distinguish itself worldwide.’
European collaboration
The new pilot line connects knowledge institutions and companies and will have a central place in the growing Dutch integrated photonics ecosystem. The factory in Eindhoven will also become part of the European initiative PIXEurope, a collaboration of knowledge institutions in 11 European countries. This project aims to create a European network of pilot manufacturing lines, focused on strengthening the entire value chain for integrated photonics in Europe.
imec and TNO launch Holst Centre Photonics Lab
PhotonDelta, TNO, Eindhoven and Twente collaborating on Photonic Integration Technology Center
