Photonic chips are rapidly emerging as one of Europe’s most strategic technologies in the global race toward practical quantum systems.
From 2026, a major new European pilot project – Photonics for Quantum (P4Q) – will unite expertise from across the continent to turn fragile laboratory breakthroughs into robust, manufacturable quantum-ready components.
Spanning 12 European countries and backed by significant public investment, P4Q is designed to tackle one of the biggest bottlenecks in quantum innovation: reliably producing photonic chips that perform consistently at scale.
From lab experiments to industrial-grade photonic chips
Quantum technologies depend heavily on light. Photons are used to transmit information, enable ultra-precise measurements, and form the backbone of quantum communication networks. Yet many photonic chips still struggle to move beyond experimental environments.
P4Q addresses this challenge head-on by focusing on repeatability, standardisation, and manufacturability. Rather than proving that a quantum photonic device can work once, the project aims to ensure it works every time – under real-world conditions and at industrial volumes.
This shift marks a critical transition from academic research to deployable technology, strengthening Europe’s position in quantum manufacturing and reducing reliance on non-European supply chains.
Real-world applications: Sensors, computing and secure networks
The impact of more reliable photonic chips extends far beyond the quantum lab.
In sensing applications, these chips could enable the detection of extremely small traces of pollutants in water systems or allow medical laboratories to measure ultra-weak biological signals with unprecedented accuracy.
In computing, photonic chips are essential building blocks for scalable quantum computers, helping control, route, and measure quantum states.
Meanwhile, in communications, they underpin quantum-secure networks that use entangled photons to protect data against interception.
To support these demanding applications, P4Q is improving key performance metrics, including reduced optical losses, stability at cryogenic temperatures, and seamless integration into larger quantum systems.
Building a shared European manufacturing ecosystem
One of P4Q’s defining strengths is its scale and diversity. The project brings together 29 partners, including universities, research and technology organisations, start-ups, foundries and major industrial players.
A central focus is the development of Process Design Kits (PDKs) and Assembly Design Kits (ADKs). These tools help designers and manufacturers work from the same standards, reducing errors and speeding up innovation.
Multiple photonic platforms are supported, including silicon nitride (SiN), thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) and alumina (AlOx), giving developers flexibility to choose the best technology for each application.
Equally important is the expansion of testing and production facilities. By scaling up shared infrastructure, P4Q lowers the barrier to entry for smaller companies and start-ups, enabling them to access high-quality manufacturing without prohibitive upfront costs.
Investment, timeline and technology readiness
The total investment in P4Q amounts to €50m, split evenly between European funding and national contributions.
The project is structured into eight coordinated work packages and targets Technology Readiness Level 8 (TRL-8) and Manufacturing Readiness Level 8 (MRL-8), meaning technologies will be ready for large-scale demonstrations and further industrialisation.
Strengthening Europe’s quantum future
By focusing on dependable, scalable photonic chips, P4Q lays the groundwork for a new generation of quantum technologies that can move confidently from prototype to production.
As global competition intensifies, this coordinated European effort positions photonic chips not just as a scientific breakthrough but as a cornerstone of future digital infrastructure.
