10 Most important trends in optical systems & integrated photonics

The Netherlands is experiencing rapid growth in its photonics sector, contributing to a €30 billion revenue and an expected annual job growth of 5-20%. Recent strategic partnerships between Dutch universities and global tech firms have accelerated commercialisation pathways for photonic innovations. The PhotonDelta initiative has secured over €1.1 billion in public-private investments through 2030, creating a sustainable ecosystem for long-term growth.

When we started with our silicon nitride platform, people thought we were crazy. Now, companies like IMEC and Intel are copying it.”

- Hans van den Vlekkert, CEO Chilas B.V.

 

The country offers exceptional support for photonics startups, such as a comprehensive startup visa program, tax benefits for innovative companies, access to international talent pools, and a strong network of mentorship and investment platforms.

Its vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems in photonics include:

PhotonDelta: An ecosystem that supports startups and scale-ups in the photonics industry, offering access to funding, research facilities, and networking opportunities.

HighTechXL: A venture builder that helps deep-tech startups, including those in the photonics sector, to scale and bring innovative solutions to the market.

StartLife: An accelerator focused on agrifood tech startups, leveraging photonics technologies for sustainable solutions.

With strong educational pathways, diverse roles available, and a supportive entrepreneurial environment, this sector is an attractive destination for international talent.

Dutch photonics research and development aims to address global issues such as climate change, health crises, and sustainable development. Recent breakthroughs in photonic biosensors have enabled rapid, point-of-care diagnostic tools for infectious diseases, reducing detection times from days to minutes. Photonic technologies are also being implemented in smart city infrastructure across the Netherlands, optimising energy usage and reducing urban carbon emissions by up to 30%.

DWDM technology, which allows multiple signal transmissions on the same optical fibre, is key to expanding broadband networks and enabling higher data transmission rates.

Companies like EFFECT Photonics are developing ‘Optical System-on-Chip’ technology to meet the growing demand for bandwidth in telecommunications.

Recent innovations have pushed DWDM capacity to over 800 wavelengths per fibre, dramatically increasing data transmission capabilities.

Researchers at TU Eindhoven have demonstrated DWDM systems that reduce power consumption by up to 75% compared to traditional solutions, making them essential for sustainable digital infrastructure.

Applications of integrated photonics are broadening beyond telecommunications into fields like automotive sensors, medical diagnostics, quantum computing, AI, and industrial automation—opening new markets for growth.

Photonic neuromorphic computing chips, which mimic human brain functions, are being developed to process AI algorithms at unprecedented speeds with minimal energy consumption. The market for photonic sensors in Dutch automotive manufacturing has grown by 45% annually, with lidar systems becoming standard in autonomous driving platforms.

Different regions in the Netherlands are developing specialised photonics expertise, such as medical photonics in Amsterdam, microelectronics integration in Nijmegen, and nanophotonics in Twente.

Leiden Bio-Science Park has emerged as a major hub for life sciences and biophotonics, hosting over 150 biomedical and biotech companies alongside leading research institutions like Leiden University and Leiden University Medical Centre. The park supports international collaboration through regular events and offers state-of-the-art facilities, attracting researchers from Europe and beyond. Companies like LioniX International, based in Enschede and LUMICKS outside Leiden, known respectively for photonic biosensors and optical tweezers technology, are also key players in the Dutch photonics ecosystem.

Rotterdam’s maritime sector has advanced its regional specialisation by integrating photonic sensing technologies to enhance port security and vessel navigation. Photonics-driven innovations, such as emerging LiDAR systems for wave and environmental monitoring, are being explored to improve offshore operational safety and situational awareness. These cutting-edge photonics technologies have attracted international maritime tech firms, fostering a diverse community of experts working on next-generation maritime photonics solutions in the Port of Rotterdam.

Initiatives like PhotonicsNL and PhotonDelta facilitate collaboration among businesses, researchers, and investors—promoting knowledge exchange that spurs innovation across sectors.

Events such as the DutchPhotonicsEvent in Enschede, the PIC Summit Europe, and the new PIConnect gathering in Utrecht attract global and regional professionals to discuss trends and foster innovative solutions. International conferences such as the 4th Edition International Conference on Optics, Lasers and Photonics and EOSAM in Delft further strengthen collaboration within the optics and photonics community, enhancing the Netherlands’ role in the European photonics innovation corridor.

Cross-border collaborations with German and Belgian photonics clusters have increased by 65% in the past two years, creating a European photonics innovation corridor. Virtual networking platforms designed especially for the photonics industry have connected over 5,000 professionals across 25 countries with Dutch expertise.

Investment in education and talent development is a key priority, with universities and companies offering specialised programs and internships to develop the next generation of photonics experts.

The Dutch government has committed €75 million to photonics-specific educational programs over the next five years. Industry-academia partnerships in the Netherlands have launched the MasterPlus Programme in Optics & Photonics, offered by three leading technical universities—Delft University of Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology, and University of Twente. This specialised program integrates advanced coursework, industry internships, and research projects to prepare highly skilled professionals, with scholarship and relocation grants available for outstanding international students.

Sustainability is the country’s priority, with ongoing research into energy-efficient technologies that reduce power consumption without compromising performance. Innovations such as low-power photonic devices and energy-saving fibre optics are helping reduce energy consumption while improving performance.

“Integrated Photonics offers unmatched energy efficiency, making it crucial for handling the ever-growing demand for data while supporting global sustainability goals.”

- Dr. Abdul Rahim, Ecosystem Manager PhotonDelta

Photonic integrated circuits developed in the Netherlands have demonstrated energy savings of up to 90% compared to electronic alternatives in data centres. Solar cell efficiency has increased by 22% by applying photonic crystal structures developed at Dutch research institutions.

Researchers are making significant strides in quantum communication, cryptography, and computing. Quantum technologies within photonics applications offer distinctive capabilities in secure communication networks, which could revolutionise information security protocols.

“Quantum photonic computers will exhibit a computational power comparable to 1000 existing supercomputers, a potential breakthrough that will dramatically accelerate our understanding of the current and future world.”

- Simone Cardarelli, Co-founder MicroAlign

QuTech in Delft has demonstrated the first multi-node quantum network based on photonic connections, a crucial step toward a quantum internet. Dutch researchers have achieved quantum encryption key distribution over distances exceeding 100km using integrated photonic circuits, setting new benchmarks for secure communications.

New initiatives focus on developing advanced sensing and monitoring technologies to promote sustainable practices within food production chains.

“One of the trends we see is city farming—growing crops in completely closed systems within buildings. It allows for extremely clean farming without pesticides, optimising the vitamin content of crops.”

- Wilbert Ijzerman, Research Manager Signify

 

Dutch greenhouses equipped with photonic sensors have reduced water usage by 40% while increasing crop yields by 25%. Drone-mounted hyperspectral imaging systems developed in Wageningen allow farmers to identify plant diseases up to two weeks before visible symptoms appear, drastically reducing pesticide use.