The EU Chips Act aims at reinforcing the European semiconductor ecosystem and Europe's technological leadership. Within this context, also Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) play an important role as the varying underlying material systems each provide special advantages for the intended applications besides the general advantages of high power efficiency, speed, and bandwidth. The European Technology Platform Photonics21, representing the photonics community of industry and research organisations, has put forward a Joint White Paper on Integrated Photonics together with the European Association on Smart Systems Integration (EPoSS) to identify research, innovation, and industrialisation priorities for further strengthening Europe’s position in PICs. Furthermore, Photonics21 has integrated the topic into the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) of the Photonics Partnership with the EC and handed over R&I priorities on PICs for the work programmes 2025-27. Additionally, Photonics21 supports the activities of PIC pilot lines within Europe in order to support integration into the Chips Joint Undertaking and its calls.
Dr. Lutz Aschke, with over 26 years in photonics, is CEO of the Photonics Systems Group, a leading innovator in laser processing of micromaterials. He became President of Photonics21 in 2022, holding a PhD in physics and additional education in finance, innovation, and quality management. He has held C-level positions in both large enterprises and SMEs and serves on boards in mid-cap enterprises and startups in laser and quantum tech, industry associations (lasers, micro- and nanotechnology, optics), institutes like Fraunhofer, and advisory groups such as the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. His primary focus is on innovation and commercializing technology.