CORNERSTONE

We make cutting-edge technology more open and available to improve everyday life.

Find out more

CORNERSTONE is an open source, license free silicon photonics rapid prototyping foundry.

We offer seven photonics technology platforms to accommodate a broad spectrum of applications, including telecoms, sensing, LiDAR, quantum, and more. Each platform features a standard component library, helping to lower entry barriers and foster innovation by allowing engineers to focus on their applications. Our unique approach allows us to assist in the development of early-stage R&D projects and build proof-of-concept prototypes, helping to drive silicon photonics innovation.

CORNERSTONE Photonics Innovation Centre

CORNERSTONE is now officially an Innovation and Knowledge Centre, having secured £11m in funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Innovate UK. This funding ensures the continuation of our foundry service for the next 5 years while enabling us to expand and enhance our offerings to the community

 

“C-PIC will enable CORNERSTONE to become more than just a foundry. We will launch a suite of technical and non-technical training, act as a united voice for the UK silicon photonics community to policy makers and the public and look to seed new interdisciplinary collaborations around the UK.”

C-PIC Manager, Callum Littlejohns

 

“CORNERSTONE Photonics Innovation Centre, Community Survey 2025”

Help shape the future of CORNERSTONE – take our short user survey.

  • Open to all individuals – multiple responses per organisation welcome

  • You could win a £100 Amazon voucher.
  • Deadline: 28th April 2025

Live MPW calls

MPW #43 220 nm SOI

Sign up deadline: 16/04/2025. Soft-Mask submission deadline: 14/05/2025

MPW Sign Up

Complete this form to participate in any upcoming CORNERSTONE MPW batch.

How to Access CORNERSTONE

Signing up for an MPW run couldn’t be easier.

Submit your design

Complete the design submission form here.

Follow us

To stay up to date with the latest MPW runs and news from CORNERSTONE, follow us on LinkedIn. 

Meet the Team

Our diverse team are experts in silicon photonics and cutting-edge technologies.

Our Services

  • Multi-project-wafer (MPW) services on a variety of platforms
  • Deep-UV projection lithography service
  • Bespoke fabrication batches with a tape-out date to suit your requirements
  • Electronic-photonic integration via flip-chip bonding
  • Design consultancy
  • Training courses
  • Research and development

The CORNERSTONE team prides ourselves on the level of service and personal touch provided to our users.

We offer flexibility in our process flows with a fast turnaround time.

“Wave Photonics has been working with CORNERSTONE since the company was founded. We’ve managed to build and validate a design technology to improve fabrication tolerance and rapidly adapt to any material or wavelength – this wouldn’t have been possible without the rapid availability of custom wafer runs on a photolithography process and the flexibility and openness of the CORNERSTONE team.”

James Lee
CEO, Wave Photonics

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