The Netherlands launched the world’s first industrial factory for 6-inch Indium phosphide photonic chips. The official kick-off was attended by European Commission Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen and Dutch cabinet members. Ministers Heleen Herbert (Economic Affairs and Climate Policy) and Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius (Defence) were present.
High-tech campus and TNO
Located at High Tech Campus Eindhoven, the facility is a joint project between TNO and the campus. By linking research and development with scalable production, the factory aims to accelerate the transition of photonic technology from the lab to the market. Photonic chips that process data using light instead of electricity are essential for the next generation of energy-efficient AI data centres, 6G networks, and supercomputers.
The €150 million investment is a direct result of the European Chips Act and the pan-European PIXEurope consortium. Undeniably, the project is designed to ensure that the “brains” of the future digital economy are developed and produced within Europe, bolstering the continent’s strategic autonomy.
Jobs and economic growth
“With this factory, TNO is taking a unique step by building an industrial pilot line,” said Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi, CEO of TNO. He noted that bringing research and production together helps companies scale up high-quality technology more efficiently while strengthening the Dutch position in the semiconductor landscape.
Minister Heleen Herbert emphasised that the facility is vital for Dutch jobs, economic growth, and national security. The project is a public-private partnership involving TNO, TU/e, PhotonDelta, SMART Photonics, and High Tech Campus Eindhoven. In essence, government advisor Peter Wennink compared the impact of integrated photonics to the rise of integrated electronics decades ago. According to Wennink, the factory is a “launching pad” for Europe’s digital future.
The facility will initially employ approximately 40 specialists, with staff numbers expected to grow as production scales up.
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