Europe’s tech giants unite to secure photonics future
In a joint statement, some of Europe’s biggest industrial names, including Bosch, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Nokia Bell Labs, Zeiss, Trumpf, Ams-Osram and EssilorLuxottica have urged the EU to create a €2 billion photonics programme in the next EU Framework Programme (FP10).
The call from companies across Europe’s defence, automotive, healthcare, manufacturing, and telecoms sectors, aims to unlock €6–8 billion in private co-investment and secure Europe’s tech sovereignty.
They argue that without a bold and dedicated strategy, Europe risks falling further behind China and the US in the global race for photonics – the light-based technologies that underpin 20 percent of the EU economy.
The joint statement calls on the EU to establish a €2 billion stand-alone photonics programme under FP10; to launch Photonics Grand Challenge proposals in fields such as AI, space, quantum, and defence; and to strengthen resilient European supply chains for critical photonics components and materials.
“Photonics is the invisible force behind everything from AI and quantum computing to secure communications, energy, healthcare, defence, and mobility,” said Lutz Aschke, president of Photonics21. “But Europe is at risk of losing its critical, competitive edge unless FP10 delivers a stand-alone €2 billion photonics programme, capable of unlocking €6–8 billion in industrial co-investment.”
The signatories stress that photonics is one of the few digital technologies where Europe has long been a leader, but warn that China’s share of the global photonics market has surged from 10 percent in 2005 to 32 percent in 2022, while Europe’s has slipped to 15 percent.
“Photonics is a strategic technology for Europe’s prosperity, autonomy, and security. This joint statement shows that Europe’s industrial leaders stand united,” said Aschke.
