Integrated Photonics: From Fundamentals to Business Impact

Integrated photonics is rapidly becoming a key enabling technology for next-generation communication systems, sensing solutions, medical diagnostics, and advanced manufacturing. As chips become smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient, companies across industries face an important strategic question: How and when should we adopt integrated photonics to strengthen our products, services, and innovation roadmap?

This module for industry professionals helps technology-driven companies navigate that question. You will gain a clear, accessible overview of integrated photonics, understand the business and strategic implications, and learn how this technology can create value in your own organization.

Designed and taught by experts from Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and industry partners, the module combines technical insight with real-world application. You will also be introduced to the internationally recognized Eindhoven photonics ecosystem, one of Europe’s strongest innovation clusters in this field.

After completing this module, you will be able to: Understand the fundamentals, platforms, and capabilities of integrated photonics Navigate core application areas such as telecom/datacom, healthcare, automotive, industrial sensing, and agrifood Evaluate the strategic relevance of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for your company Identify opportunities and limitations of the technology from a business perspective Gain insight into the Eindhoven photonics ecosystem, including key players such as PhotonDelta, SMART Photonics, LioniX International, JePPIX, and Bright Photonics Collaborate on a challenge-based assignment, translating your new knowledge to a real-world organizational context The module enables managers and technical leaders to make informed decisions about adoption, investment, and collaboration within the emerging integrated photonics landscape.

Nongraded

Participants in this module will form an interdisciplinary group representing engineering, science, technology, and business roles across industries where innovation, digitalization, high-tech manufacturing and advanced sensing or communication technologies are becoming increasingly important. This module is particularly relevant for engineering professionals, STEM specialists, and business-oriented technology leaders in mid- to senior-level roles who are responsible for driving innovation, identifying new product and service opportunities, and exploring how emerging technologies—such as integrated photonics—can strengthen the competitiveness of their company. In their current positions participants typically play a crucial role in shaping technological innovation, fostering industrial research, and driving future-oriented product development. They are responsible for identifying strategic opportunities in rapidly evolving technology landscapes—such as integrated photonics—and securing the long-term growth and competitiveness of their company. Example job titles of potential participants: middle managers and technical leaders responsible for R&D, innovation strategy, technology adoption, or product development; professionals with a technical background (not necessarily in photonics or optics) who want to understand how integrated photonics can benefit their organization; decision makers evaluating emerging technologies and their implementation potential. No prior photonics knowledge is required, familiarity with engineering or scientific concepts is sufficient.