[Pix-icfo-management] External name definition for internal PICs @ICFO initiative

[Sam Nerenberg]

Sabine,

I propose the name “CASTELLPIC” and the slogan “PIC your own adventure.”

This name references the fact that we, at ICFO, are based in Castelldefels, that we, like a Castell, are self-contained, strong and connected. In addition it calls to mind both the history and culture of Spain and Catalonia as well as providing a connection to aspiration and fantasy such that the ideas are rooted in strong, traditional knowledge but enable us to reach towards the unknown through the journey of research.

The slogan represents the idea that we are flexible in terms of our ability to adapt our knowledge to the needs of any application and implies excitement and the far reaching possibilities of the process.

Attached is an AI generated concept advertising our research line. You can see that the paths originate was waveguides on the PIC each leading to different primary applications of our research: Switching (the castle), Quantum (the wizard), Computing (the dragon) and Sensing (the knight).

It’s a bit more “fun” than standard maybe but I think it captures the imagination.


Best,

Sam
From: Sabine Runge <Sabine.Runge at icfo.eu>
Sent: 15 October 2026 13:01
To: Valerio Pruneri <Valerio.Pruneri at icfo.eu>; Optoelectronics (Valerio Pruneri) <Opto-list at icfo.eu>; pix-icfo-management at lists.icfo.es
Cc: Stefano Signorini <Stefano.Signorini at icfo.eu>; Joel Moser <Joel.Moser at icfo.eu>; Johann Osmond <johann.osmond at icfo.eu>
Subject: External name definition for internal PICs @ICFO initiative

Hi all,

Following up on the naming point for our initiative, I will coordinate this within the team. The goal is to replace the internal name "PICs @ICFO" with a more attractive official name at external level that speaks to companies, potential collaborators, etc. I propose the following steps:


  1.  Please send me 1–3 name proposals individually by next week Friday 23 October EOB. Please reply to me only, not to the whole group - so that we don’t influence each other and each proposal stays independent.
  2.  For each proposal, add a short explanation of its meaning and, optionally, a slogan.
  3.  I will compile all proposals into one overview and share it with the whole team.
  4.  We will then discuss the shortlisted options together on 4 November, the day of the Retreat, and converge on a final name that convinces all of us, grounded in a shared understanding of what we want to communicate.

What the name should reflect:

- Light as our common denominator: photonics is what we are known for. Figurative or classical names (Latin, Greek) are welcome.
- Our three pillars: photonic chips (PICs), quantum technologies (including communications, computing, sensing and imaging), and AI.
- We should try to embrace the full value chain, especially the new materialas and packaging.
- Specificity: we want to be credible for what we are known for, not claim to be good at everything.
- A local touch: ICFO, Barcelona, Catalonia, the Mediterranean.
- Appeal to externals: professional, memorable, easy to pronounce internationally, and easily connected to the ICFO brand.
- Distinctiveness: not too close to existing names, (e.g. our spin-off LuxQuanta). Shortlisted names will be checked against existing company and initiative names to ensure uniqueness factor.

Thank you – looking forward to your ideas!

Best regards,
Sabine
____________________________­­­­­­
[cid:image001.jpg at 01DD5CAF.B7C70A90]
Sabine Runge
PIXEurope Communication Officer

ICFO - The Institute of Photonic Sciences
Parc Mediterrani de la Tecnologia
Av. Carl Friedrich Gauss, 3
08860 Castelldefels (Barcelona), Spain
E. Sabine.runge at icfo.eu<mailto:Sabine.runge at icfo.eu>
T. 93 554 2281
I. www.icfo.eu<http://www.icfo.eu/>

From: Pix-icfo-management <pix-icfo-management-bounces at lists.icfo.es<mailto:pix-icfo-management-bounces at lists.icfo.es>> On Behalf Of Valerio Pruneri via Pix-icfo-management
Sent: 15 October 2026 11:18 AM
To: Optoelectronics (Valerio Pruneri) <Opto-list at icfo.eu<mailto:Opto-list at icfo.eu>>; pix-icfo-management at lists.icfo.es<mailto:pix-icfo-management at lists.icfo.es>
Cc: Stefano Signorini <Stefano.Signorini at icfo.eu<mailto:Stefano.Signorini at icfo.eu>>; Joel Moser <Joel.Moser at icfo.eu<mailto:Joel.Moser at icfo.eu>>; Johann Osmond <johann.osmond at icfo.eu<mailto:johann.osmond at icfo.eu>>
Subject: Re: [Pix-icfo-management] retreat

CAUTION: This email originated from outside the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Forgo to say:

  *   Speakers, no slides, free speech down to essence
  *   Stfeano, can you forward also to participants outside opto and pixiffo management lists?


From: Valerio Pruneri <Valerio.Pruneri at icfo.eu<mailto:Valerio.Pruneri at icfo.eu>>
Sent: 15 October 2026 11:10 AM
To: Optoelectronics (Valerio Pruneri) <Opto-list at icfo.eu<mailto:Opto-list at icfo.eu>>; pix-icfo-management at lists.icfo.es<mailto:pix-icfo-management at lists.icfo.es>
Cc: Stefano Signorini <Stefano.Signorini at icfo.eu<mailto:Stefano.Signorini at icfo.eu>>
Subject: retreat

To include, Stefano to moderate and propose duration of each:

  *   Quick intro from everyone, as there are also new members.
  *   Science & Technology & Application speech: Valerio
  *   Industry collaboration speech: Sergi
  *   Financial and sustainability speech: Noelia
  *   Front end equipment speech: someone from NFL
  *   Back end equipment speech: Aina
  *   Characterization equipment speech: Johann
  *   Name of initiative. PICs @ICFO is suitable for internal purposes but is not at all attractive for externals. Please everyone think of a name.
  *   Any idea to potentiate initiative (including changing director if need be 😊)


Please do bring enthusiasm, motivation and energy.

Valerio
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