[Pixeurope-ga] PIXEurope Inputs needed for Chips Act 2

[Rensen, W.H.J. (Wouter)]

Dear Valerio,
We will continue to work on improving photonic chip manufacturing especially on the InP platform. Within that platform we will be improving processes to allow for higher data rates in datacom and telecom as well as improved energy efficiency in J/bit. This is relevant in several markets, however most predominant in data centers to further strengthen AI models. Photonic system will have an optimum performance in a combination of different materials. Developments in hybrid integration should bring down manufacturing costs for these systems by focusing on volume manufacturing, e.g. wafer scale integration.

1.2 3D heterogeneous integration & co-packaged optics
Strategic foundations:

  *   TNO identifies photonics and chip technology as high-priority investment areas.
  *   Strong emphasis on integrated photonics, pilot lines, ecosystem creation, and value‑chain strengthening.
Planned contributions

  *   Supporting Dutch/European 3D integration and advanced packaging ecosystems.
  *   Providing pilot manufacturing and mid‑TRL development infrastructure.
  *   Co-design and co‑integration of optics with advanced electronics as part of TNO’s photonics priority domain.

1.4 Optical & RF links (Photonic, GaN LED, Satellites, mmWave, RF)
TNO priorities align with:

  *   Photonics.
  *   Defence, Safety & Security (DSS), which receives additional for high‑tech defence innovations—RF, satellite, sensing, and secure communication technologies.
  *   Deep involvement in digitalisation, secure connectivity, and AI‑driven communication systems.
Planned contributions

  *   High‑performance photonic link development (integrated photonics emphasis).
  *   Advanced RF systems aligned with defence and strategic autonomy objectives.
  *   Satellite & mmWave communication research in the context of defence digitalisation and secure society needs.

2.2 New computing paradigms (Neuromorphic, Analog, Quantum)
Quantum is an explicit strategic investment domain for TNO.
TNO contributions from the Pilot Line perspective include:

  *   Develop secure optical communication platforms using quantum encryption on photonic technology

3.5 Cybersecurity (end-to-end solutions)
TNO commits to:

  *   Expanded investments in cybersecurity.
  *   Supporting national defence, critical infrastructure, and secure digital ecosystems.
Planned contributions

  *   Secure design methodologies for semiconductors and electronics.
  *   End-to-end security frameworks for connected systems.
  *   Defence digitalisation and secure communication systems.


Best regards,
Wouter

From: Pixeurope-ga <pixeurope-ga-bounces at lists.icfo.es> On Behalf Of Valerio Pruneri via Pixeurope-ga
Sent: Wednesday, 25 February 2026 10:38
To: pixeurope-ga at lists.icfo.es
Cc: Sergi Ferrando <Sergi.Ferrando at icfo.eu>
Subject: [Pixeurope-ga] PIXEurope Inputs needed for Chips Act 2
Importance: High

Dear All

Contribution requested by March 4th, 2026.

Today I am writing to collect inputs for the ChipsAct 2.

Here is some context: European Commission is requesting Pilot Lines to provide inputs on technologies to prioritize for the future. Those have been categorized into areas/topics as in the slide included at the end of this email. With all inputs received from each of them, Pilot Lines will prepare a single document.

In order to prepare PIXEurope’s contribution, we need to collect from each of you, who are interested, information on technologies you believe are critical and plan or continue to work in your organization, starting from 2029.

To make things simple, at this stage, I ask you – please - to send me and the people in copy, who are our Exploitation and Innovation, and Project Managers, a brief description of your activities classifying them in the relevant areas below.

E.g. ICFO plans to work on “New Computer Algorithms” that leverage photonics. More specifically, analog photonic computing combined with digital processors and memories to reduce the energy consumption of current digital GPUs. In the longer term the technology can also be exploited for quantum computation, either using a full photonic schemes or hybrid atom-photon architecture. And so on for each of the different area/topic box….

We will then collect your inputs and map them to provide our Pilot Line technical contribution to the Commission.

If something is not clear, please reach me out, rather than writing messages that might create noise.

I would need your inputs by next Wednesday March 4. Please not later, otherwise I cannot make sure it is included in these first inputs.

Thanks,
Valerio
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