Dutch chipmaking equipment firm ASML and research organization TNO have teamed up to strengthen Europe’s photonic chip ecosystem and speed the path to large-scale manufacturing.
The collaboration will center on TNO’s new Photonic Chip Pilot Line, currently under construction at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. The facility is expected to serve as a key hub for integrated photonics development in Europe.
Under the agreement, ASML will deploy lithography systems, including DUV and I-Line scanners, within the pilot-line facility. The companies will use the site as a shared research and development environment to improve manufacturing processes and help move photonic technologies from the laboratory to commercial production.
The partnership is also intended to strengthen Europe’s semiconductor supply chain as countries and companies seek to expand domestic chip capabilities and reduce dependence on overseas manufacturing.
Integrated photonics uses light instead of electricity to process and transmit information. The technology is viewed as a promising way to improve data transfer speeds while reducing energy consumption in future electronic systems.
The new pilot line is expected to support high-volume production of advanced Indium Phosphide (InP) photonic chips using 6-inch wafers, a significant step toward industrial-scale manufacturing.
By combining TNO’s research infrastructure with ASML’s lithography expertise, the companies aim to address some of the key challenges involved in scaling photonic chip production. The facility will also host technical workshops, joint research activities, and demonstrations for customers and industry partners.
“This partnership with ASML reinforces our commitment to building European unicorns in the semiconductor landscape. By combining our R&D capabilities with world-class equipment, we are creating a unique pilot-line environment that will benefit the entire industry,” said Arnaud de Jong, Managing Director TNO High Tech Industry.
The collaboration comes as demand grows for photonic technologies that can support next-generation telecommunications networks, advanced sensing systems, healthcare applications, and data center infrastructure.
Beyond manufacturing, the project is expected to support broader research efforts across the Netherlands. TNO, Eindhoven University of Technology, and the University of Twente are already working together through the Photonic Integration Technology Centre (PITC), which focuses on turning photonic chip research into commercial products.
The new agreement with ASML is designed to strengthen that ecosystem by providing access to manufacturing tools and production expertise earlier in the development process. According to the companies, one of the key goals is to shorten the path between research breakthroughs and commercial deployment.
“Scaling photonic chip technology requires a seamless transition from cutting-edge research to high-volume manufacturing. By integrating our lithography systems into TNO’s pilot line, we are bridging that gap,” said Stanislas Baron, Senior Vice President at ASML.
The executive added that the collaboration will help optimize manufacturing processes for integrated photonics and accelerate the technology’s time to market.
As Europe seeks to expand its position in advanced semiconductor technologies, the new partnership aims to create a production environment capable of supporting both startups and established companies working on photonic chip innovations.
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With over a decade-long career in journalism, Neetika Walter has worked with The Economic Times, ANI, and Hindustan Times, covering politics, business, technology, and the clean energy sector. Passionate about contemporary culture, books, poetry, and storytelling, she brings depth and insight to her writing. When she isn’t chasing stories, she’s likely lost in a book or enjoying the company of her dogs.
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