Global Photonics Engineering Contest 2026
Design the next generation application with Photonic Chips
Last year's Global Photonics Engineering Contest brought to light how photonic chips can unlock innovative and groundbreaking applications when pushed beyond traditional boundaries. The results showed strong technical depth, real system thinking, and clear potential for impact.
From data centers to sensing and wireless infrastructure, system requirements continue to rise in terms of performance, size, and efficiency. In many of these applications, Photonic Chip technology is becoming essential rather than optional. Photonic Integrated Circuits enable systems that are faster, smaller, and more energy efficient, while opening up new architectural possibilities.
This year's Global Photonics Engineering Contest invites engineering teams to present PIC-based applications that demonstrate strong system thinking and a clear role for Photonic Chip technology. Submissions should show solid engineering choices and a credible path toward real-world use, whether the work focuses on a new application or the advancement of an existing architecture.
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for submissions that:
Address a clearly defined technical or system-level problem
Use photonic integrated circuits in a justified and essential way
Improve performance, integration, reliability, or scalability
Describe the next technical steps required to validate, prototype, or integrate this solution into a real system.
Submissions should explain the system context, the role of the PIC, and the engineering decisions behind the approach. This applies both to new system directions and to further development of existing solutions.
Key Dates
Contest Launch: 19 January 2026
Early Submission Deadline: 2 March 2026
Teams submitting by this date will receive feedback from PhotonDelta Technical Experts and will have the opportunity to refine their submission before final evaluation.
Final Submission Deadline: 19 June 2026
Focus Application Areas
Submissions must be based on Photonic Chip technology and address challenges within one or more of the following domains:
Communication & Computing
Applications related to high-speed optical communication and computing systems. This can include chip-scale optical interconnects, transceivers, switching technologies, photonic computing approaches, quantum photonics, or secure communication systems such as QKD and more.
Imaging
Photonic solutions for imaging systems where size, performance, and integration matter. Examples include LiDAR architectures, Optical Coherence Tomography, and photonic components for AR or mixed-reality platforms and more.
Sensing
Integrated photonic approaches for precise and scalable sensing. This can include biosensing platforms, gas or chemical detection, and inertial or rotation sensing using photonic gyroscopes and more.
Wireless
Photonic technologies that support or enhance wireless systems. Examples include photonics for 6G infrastructure, high-frequency signal generation, and Free Space Optics for high-bandwidth wireless links and more.
Who Should Apply
The contest is open to professional engineering teams working on advanced photonic applications, including:
Startups and scale-ups
Industrial R&D teams
OEMs and system builders
Hardware-focused deep-tech ventures
Applied research teams with a clear system or product focus
Submissions may build on existing platforms or explore new system concepts, as long as the role of Photonic Chip technology is clearly defined.
Early Submission Deadline: 2 March 2026
Teams submitting by this date will receive feedback from PhotonDelta Technical Experts and will have the opportunity to refine their submission before final evaluation.
How Submissions Are Evaluated
Entries will be judged on:
Technical innovation and system-level thinking
How effectively the solution addresses a real engineering challenge
Clear and credible use of Photonic Chip technology
Technical and commercial feasibility
Quality of diagrams, schematics, and supporting visuals
The contest entries will be reviewed by a multidisciplinary jury panel of experts from PhotonDelta, ALUVIA Photonics, Bright Photonics, Epiphany-Design, imec, Ligentec, LioniX International, PHIX Photonics Assembly, SMART Photonics, XIVER MEMS Foundry, New Origin, PhotonVentures, and SBT Industries.
Prize & Support
One Winning Team!
€100,000 worth of technology services from the PhotonDelta ecosystem to support design, prototyping, and system development
Opportunity to receive up to €2 million in pre-seed funding (company must be based in the Netherlands)
Two tickets, including travel and accommodation, to pitch at a major international tech event
International PR exposure through articles, interviews, and video coverage
Learn more about the previous winner of the Global Photonics Engineering Challenge.
What the €100,000 Technology Package Includes
Design & Validation
Work with experienced PIC design experts to review and validate your design. The focus is on performance, manufacturability, and alignment with foundry requirements, using proven building blocks where possible.
Manufacturing & Prototyping
Access cost-effective prototyping through Multi-Project Wafer (MPW) runs, with support to move toward pilot production or scale-up when ready.
Packaging & System Integration
Professional packaging and assembly to combine photonic and electronic components into robust, testable modules suitable for real-world use.
Please note: services and corresponding prize money are subject to the relevance and selection of participating sponsors supporting the product’s development.
Key Dates
Contest Launch: 19 January 2026
Early Submission Deadline: 2 March 2026
Teams submitting by this date will receive feedback from PhotonDelta Technical Experts and will have the opportunity to refine their submission before final evaluation.
Final Submission Deadline: 19 June 2026
Evaluation & Judging Period: 20 June to 31 July 2026
Public Winner Announcement: Early August 2026
About PhotonDelta
PhotonDelta is a non-profit organisation supporting an end-to-end value chain for photonic chips that designs, develops, and manufactures innovative solutions that contribute to a better world. We do so by creating global awareness and promoting the benefits and potential of the photonic chip industry and its technologies.
PhotonDelta is committed to facilitating the growth of startups, the creation of new photonic chip applications, as well as the development of infrastructure and talent. Leveraging funding from the National Growth Fund, alongside strategic investments, we catalyse the acceleration of the photonic chip industry by stimulating industrialisation of Photonic Chip technology and PIC-based application building, and forging connections with viable markets and stakeholders.
In-kind Sponsors
ALUVIA Photonics
ALUVIA Photonics specialises in photonic integrated circuits (PICs) based on the Al₂O₃ platform, offering a broad spectral range (200 nm to ~3 μm), low propagation losses, and optical amplification through rare-earth ion doping. PICs are available via dedicated or quarterly multi-project wafer (MPW) runs, enabling advanced solutions for diverse photonic applications.
About Bright Photonics
BRIGHT Photonics is an independent design house for Photonic Integrated Circuits (PIC) in Silicon, III-V, SiN, Silica and Polymers. They support companies and researchers in PIC development from application ideas to prototypes and design for volume production. BRIGHT also commercially supports PIC design platform ‘Nazca-Design’ for lowering barriers to utilising photonic technologies.
About Epiphany-Design
Epiphany is a photonic design company based in the Netherlands, specialising in fabless solutions. With expertise in photonic integrated circuits, the company bridges current and future technologies to bring a vision to life. The services offered support the transformation of ideas into reality, ensuring that specific needs are met at every stage, making it a reliable partner for the success of any project. As a full-service company, guidance is provided from the initial concept to the production of a customized photonic integrated circuit (PIC). As a fabless company, the flexibility to combine various technologies and design frameworks is available to best match individual requirements.
About imec
Imec is a world-leading independent research center in nanoelectronics and nanotechnology. Imec is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, and has offices in Belgium, the Netherlands, Taiwan, US, China and Japan. With its More than Moore research, imec invents technology for nomadic embedded systems, wireless autonomous transducer solutions, biomedical electronics, photovoltaics, organic electronics and GaN power electronics. Imec’s research bridges the gap between the fundamental research at universities and R&D in the industry. It has unique processing and system know-how, intellectual property portfolio, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a strong and worldwide network position. This makes imec a key partner for shaping the technology of the future.
About Ligentec
LIGENTEC is a company specialising in the fabrication of low-loss silicon nitride photonic integrated circuits (PICs). Founded in 2016 as a spin-off from EPFL, LIGENTEC offers a proprietary all-nitride-core platform that enables high-performance PICs for applications in telecommunications, LiDAR, biosensing, and quantum technologies. Their technology supports a broad spectral range from visible to mid-infrared and is designed for scalability, from prototyping to volume production. With facilities in Ecublens, Switzerland, and Corbeil-Essonnes, France, LIGENTEC serves global customers in advanced technology sectors.
About LioniX International
LioniX International is a global leader in providing customised microsystem solutions in scalable production volumes. The company specializes in fabricating silicon nitride chips and delivering complete modules. With a vertically integrated approach, LioniX International supports the entire product development cycle, from design to final device. The company offers tailored solutions for OEMs and system integrators, ensuring strong technology leadership and a secure IP position. LioniX International focuses on Photonic Integrated Circuits (PIC) enabled modules, utilising its proprietary waveguide technology (TriPleX®), along with core competencies in micro-fluidics, opto-fluidics, and MEMS. Its vertical integration enables the delivery of comprehensive solutions to OEM customers, from initial design through to volume manufacturing.
About PHIX Photonics Assembly
PHIX manufactures photonic chip-based components and modules at scalable volumes, specialising in photonic integrated circuit (PIC) assembly and packaging. From prototypes to high-volume production, PHIX collaborates with clients to optimise designs early, ensuring a smooth transition to manufacturing. With a tailored, one-stop-shop approach, PHIX delivers innovative solutions ready for tomorrow’s challenges.
About SMART Photonics
SMART Photonics is a leading foundry for integrated photonic circuits, harnessing the power of light to enable energy-efficient, faster, and more precise microchips. Their solutions aim to address global challenges, from reducing energy consumption and enhancing healthcare to advancing data communication and sensing technologies like LiDAR.
About XIVER MEMS Foundry
XIVER MEMS Foundry B.V. is Europe’s only independent, Dutch-owned MEMS foundry, specialising in the development, industrialisation, and manufacturing of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and thin-film devices. With a legacy rooted in precision and innovation, XIVER serves industries including MedTech, automotive, industrial, and photonics. The company operates a 2,650 m² cleanroom facility at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven, Netherlands, utilising 200mm wafer technology to deliver tailored solutions from R&D to medium-volume production. XIVER’s expertise includes advanced ultrasound platforms, such as capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs), enabling next-generation portable and wearable imaging devices.
Communication Sponsors
About New Origin
New Origin is a soon-to-be-built manufacturing facility that emerges as the culmination of three decades of expertise in silicon nitride technology in The Netherlands. In close collaboration with the University of Twente, MESA+ Nanolab, and photonic companies, New Origin will establish itself as an independent pure-play foundry, revolutionising the industry by producing cutting-edge silicon nitride photonic chips.
About PhotonVentures
PhotonVentures is a deep tech venture capital firm, purely focused on the key enabling technology of integrated photonics. As a spin-off and strategic partner of PhotonDelta , the European hub for the integrated photonics industry, we have in-house expertise that gives us a thorough understanding of the industry's success drivers and value inflection points. This allows us to identify and invest capital, time, and network in Europe’s best integrated photonics companies.
About SBT Industries
SBT Industries is the world’s longest-running recruiting firm dedicated to the semiconductor, photonics, and deep tech sectors. For decades, we’ve helped pioneering companies secure exceptional talent—partnering closely with founders, boards, and leadership teams to help turn bold ideas into real innovation.
About Wevolver
Wevolver is the global knowledge and community platform for engineers and tech companies. Wevolver reaches millions of engineers every month who use the platform to stay up to date about the latest technologies, and connect with peers and innovative companies. On the platform, companies, universities, and individual engineers publish blog articles, videos, reports, and podcasts. Topics include semiconductors, 3D printing, AI, robotics, IoT, and more.
Have a system-level idea that depends on photonic chips?
Join the Global Photonics Engineering Contest 2026 and turn your design into a real, buildable solution.
*The Global Photonics Engineering Contest 2026 is operated by Wevolver on behalf of PhotonDelta