PhotonHub builds on the success of PhotonHub Europe to become Europe’s central gateway for photonics innovation. With more than 30 partners from research and industry, PhotonHub provides open access to expertise, training and technology platforms, helping companies of any size and sector to innovate with light.
The challenge: European companies face high barriers to adopting photonics
Photonics, the science and technology of light, is a key enabling technology for breakthroughs in diagnostics, solar energy, quantum communications and much more. Yet many European companies, especially SMEs, struggle to access the specialised expertise, cutting-edge laboratories, investment support and cross-boundary collaboration necessary to adopt and scale photonics.
The result: innovation remains fragmented across countries and sectors, uptake is slow, and Europe risks falling behind in a strategic enabling technology.
The solution: A one-stop-shop photonics innovation platform with fast-track access
To address these barriers, PhotonHub provides a “one-stop-shop” model that streamlines access to talent, equipment, funding and collaboration across Europe. The initiative offers:
• Expert support and generous subsidies (up to 85 % of project cost) to reduce risk for businesses,
• Fast-track access to leading photonics laboratories and technology platforms across Europe, covering the value chain from early-stage concept (TRL2) through prototyping (TRL3-4) to upscaling (TRL5-7).
• Tailored support streams (e.g., Launchpad for start-ups, Scaling Club for growth ventures, bespoke business coaching) dependent on company stage and ambition,
• Cross-border collaborations that bring together European firms, labs and regional expert centres, enabling quicker innovation and better access.
“Because it’s built on a cross-border network, a firm in the Netherlands could seamlessly partner with a German lab or Italian research team, accelerating collaborative outcomes across the EU.”
Hugo Thienpont, Coordinator of the PhotonHub programma
The impact: Driving new revenues, jobs and a stronger European photonics ecosystem
PhotonHub is already delivering measurable results. Under its previous phase, PhotonHub Europe (2021–2026), the model helped over 100 companies generate more than €750 million in new revenues, create 1.000 new jobs and raise €250 million in venture capital in just four years.
Through PhotonHub PHACTORY (2025–2028) the ambitions are to further accelerate photonics uptake and integrate light-based innovation into products across sectors, thereby boosting competitiveness, fostering new business and strengthening European technological sovereignty.
By lowering the barriers to photonics, offering high-quality access and saving what might have taken years into mere months, PhotonHub makes deep-tech innovation faster, more accessible and more impactful for European industry.
“Our goal is simple: to help European businesses shine in the global marketplace – with photonics lighting the way.”
Nathalie Debaes, Consortium Management Support Officer for PhotonHub
