We are excited to formally open the doors of the new CORNERSTONE Photonics Innovation Centre (C-PIC). Serving as the UK’s primary technology hub for SiPh, it will facilitate the translation of exceptional SiPh research into scalable, industry-ready solutions capable of supporting a variety of existing and emerging applications.

Since its founding in 2014 through an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council EPSRC grant, CORNERSTONE has been at the forefront of SiPh innovation. Affiliated with the University of Southampton, the University of Glasgow, and the UK’s Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), we’ve established ourselves as a go-to resource for state-of-the-art prototyping and open-access technology platforms. Over the years, with continued funding and collaboration, we’ve supported numerous research projects and industrial advancements in the dynamic SiPh field.

The new innovation centre will build on this work by making it easier to develop and scale SiPh technologies for commercial use. It will provide a space for collaboration across industries, foster innovation, and support the development of new applications, from faster and more energy-efficient data centres to LiDAR for autonomous vehicles, advanced healthcare technologies, and even quantum computing.

C-PIC will also provide a range of services to make SiPh innovation more accessible, including prototyping, design support, funding opportunities, standard component libraries, and networking events. These resources are aimed at reducing barriers for researchers, start-ups, and businesses, helping them to bring fresh ideas to market.

Professor Graham Reed, Head of School at the University of Southampton, shares his enthusiasm:

“The launch of the CORNERSTONE Photonics Innovation Centre marks a significant milestone in furthering the UK’s position as a global leader in silicon photonics innovation. By fostering a collaborative environment between academia and industry, we will accelerate the translation of cutting-edge research into transformative commercial technologies. This initiative will not only enhance our high-tech economy but also pave the way for advancements in critical sectors such as telecommunications, healthcare, and environmental monitoring.”

We will be celebrating this exciting milestone with an official launch event on 12 February at the House of Lords, featuring a keynote address by Dr Dave Smith, the UK National Technology Advisor