Jan. 29, 2026 –
By Neil Tyler, newelectronics
Europe risks losing its leading position in photonic chip technology unless swift and targeted action is taken, according to senior figures from the continent’s integrated photonics sector.
A group of eight European chief executives, supported by industry body PhotonDelta and drawing on input from more than 80 photonic chip organisations, has urged the European Union to strengthen support for the sector as global competition intensifies. The group is calling for greater priority for photonic chips in the forthcoming revision of the EU Chips Act, alongside improved investment conditions and targeted public‑private funding.
Photonic chips, also known as photonic integrated circuits, use light rather than electricity to process information. The technology offers high‑speed operation, reduced energy consumption and lower heat generation, making it increasingly important for applications ranging from data centres and artificial intelligence to healthcare, mobility and agriculture.
Europe has built a strong international position in photonic chips through sustained research and early investment. The industry is now moving rapidly towards commercialisation, with the global market for integrated photonics forecast to grow by more than 350 per cent over the next five years, reaching an estimated value of around €65 billion by 2031.