The collaboration brings together two of the leading ecosystems focused on semiconductors and photonics. Both companies will work to enable photonics startups to scale successfully by providing a range of services, from access to subject matter experts and advisors, go-to-market business development and access to investors. This will provide a vital avenue for early-stage photonics startups to gain access to unparalleled expertise and funding opportunities. PhotonDelta will provide support from its world-leading photonics ecosystem to the Silicon Catalyst Portfolio Companies.

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. Leveraging funding from the National Growth Fund of the Netherlands, alongside strategic investments, PhotonDelta is focused on accelerating the innovation cycle for early-stage companies targeting the photonic chip industry.

Silicon Catalyst has developed an unparalleled support ecosystem with over 500 partners, for its semiconductor startups, providing a strong network of Strategic Partners, technical and business advisors, investors, and industry professionals who help companies to launch and scale in the market. In addition, the incubator’s In-Kind Partners provide privileged access to services, expertise, and intellectual property that can help commercialise their companies’ technological innovation.

PhotonDelta’s ecosystem currently comprises over 70 different organisations that form a complete value chain, including design services, multiple foundries for photonic chip fabrication, packaging, assembly and testing, and an increasing number of fabless companies that use PIC technology for innovative solutions. It runs scores of R&D programmes, leads international road mapping activities, and invests in pioneering startups that apply photonics technology.

Eelko Brinkhoff, CEO at PhotonDelta: “In many ways the photonics sector is in the same position as the semiconductor industry was 30 years ago. There is unprecedented potential for growth, innovation and disruption. However, we are at a delicate part of the journey. To grasp the opportunities in the market, photonics companies need the right intellectual, practical and financial support to achieve their potential. The collaboration is the latest step in PhotonDelta’s mission to accelerate the global integrated photonics industry and provides a unique and powerful combination of expertise, partners and funding opportunities which will help cultivate a new generation of global companies.”

Pete Rodriguez, CEO, Silicon Catalyst: “Silicon Catalyst has established an unparalleled incubator + accelerator ecosystem within the semiconductor industry. PhotonDelta has built a world-leading photonics ecosystem, historically serving the European market. Our collaboration with PhotonDelta is akin to pairing a research and development lab with our full-service business development program for early-stage photonics enterprises. By combining the power of our complementary ecosystems, PhotonDelta and Silicon Catalyst hope to unleash a new wave of transformative innovation and growth within the photonics sector on both sides of the Atlantic.”

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