Training Opportunities PIC Bootcamp

Gain practical, and hands-on industry relevant skills in photonic integrated circuits.

The PIC Bootcamp is an immersive training initiative providing participants with hands-on experience in the design, fabrication, and testing of PICs. This programme is tailored to equip individuals with the technical know-how and practical skills required to excel in the exciting field of Silicon Photonics.

Developed by leading organisations in the field, including CORNERSTONE, Bay Photonics, Wave Photonics, and Anchored In Ltd, PIC Bootcamp provides a unique opportunity to learn about PIC design, fabrication and packaging.

Who is it for?

Researchers and academics interested in advancing their Silicon Photonics knowledge.

Start-ups, SMEs, and industry professionals seeking practical skills in PICs.

Students and early-career engineers aspiring to a career in the photonics industry.

What you can expect:

Collaborative learning: A mix of lectures, workshops, and hands-on labs led by industry and academic experts.

Comprehensive training: Coverage of key areas including PIC design software, prototyping, and testing methodologies.

Networking opportunities: Connect with peers, innovators, and thought leaders in the field of photonics.

Why should you attend?

Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned experts actively working in the field of PICs.

Practical Skills: Master key competencies in PIC design, fabrication, and packaging.

Career Development: Build foundational skills and knowledge to excel in various PIC-related roles.

Six Modules to Suit Your Goals

 

Stream

Format and Location

Dates

Delivered by

Key Learnings

Registration link

1. Explorer Module – Free Online Introduction 

1 hour, online

15 January 2026

CORNERSTONE

  • What PICs are, why they are used, their benefits and limitations

  • Commercial considerations (cost, development time, market viability)

  • Panel discussion with Q&A sharing real-world experiences

  • Entry point for anyone curious about PICs

Register here

2. Enthusiast Module – Hands-on Introduction to PICs

1 day, in person, Southampton

24 March 2026

Light Trace Photonics

  • Practical exploration using Lightport training boxes

  • Introduction to PIC components, functions, and performance variability

  • Assembling circuits with plug-and-play systems and Python control

  • Bridges theory from Explorer to practical experience

Register here

3. Design Module – Introduction to Simulation (Ansys Lumerical)

1 day, in person, Southampton

25 March 2026

Wave Photonics

  • Practical introduction to Ansys Lumerical
  • From creating components to simulating full systems
  • Provides confidence in driving industry-standard simulation tools
Register here

4. Design Module – Chip Layout and PDKs for Fabrication (Luceda IPKISS)

1 day, in person, Southampton

26 March 2026

Wave Photonics

  • Introduction to the final stages of PIC design before fabrication

  • Understanding Process Design Kits (PDKs) and foundry compatibility 

  • Hands-on training with Luceda's IPKISS software, integrated with Ansys Lumerical

  • Prepares participants to translate designs into fabrication-ready layouts

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5. Fabrication Module – Introduction to Fabrication

2 days, in person, Southampton

28 and 29 April 2026

CORNERSTONE

  • Lectures on fabrication processes and constraints

  • Hands-on training across cleanroom stations in small groups covering key fabrication processes Understanding how fabrication challenges influence design decisions

  • Supports creation of manufacturable designs with lower failure rates

Register here

6. Packaging Module – Introduction to Photonic Packaging

1 day, in person, Torbay

19 May 2026

Bay Photonics

  • Fundamentals of packaging, including optical and electronic design considerations  Demonstrations and hands-on exposure to packaging methods (alignment, bonding, fibre coupling, thermal management)

  • Case studies on packaging and electronic integration challenges 

  • Completes the pathway by linking design and fabrication to real-world deployment

Register here