Oct. 06, 2025 –
Silicon photonics (Sipho)—the fusion of optical communication and CMOS electronics—is rapidly emerging as a cornerstone of next-generation computing, sensing, and connectivity. From AI datacenters to autonomous vehicles, the demand for high-bandwidth, energy-efficient photonic integration is skyrocketing. Now, with the launch of the STARLight project, Europe is making a bold move to industrialize this technology at scale. Led by STMicroelectronics and backed by the EU CHIPS Joint Undertaking, STARLight gathers 24 partners across 11 countries to establish a 300mm Sipho manufacturing ecosystem. The goal is ambitious: to transform Europe from a research powerhouse into a world-class global production hub for photonic innovation.