Photonics Ireland, Ireland’s National Technology Platform (NTP), brings together Ireland’s photonics companies, technology users and stakeholders; to define a common strategy and identify and execute activities that will increase economic activity, drive job creation and develop technologies to significantly improve all our day to day lives.

Ireland has been active in the field of photonics for many years – from the development of leading edge technology, to its deployment in global markets such as ICT and Life Sciences. By bringing together our Research Performing Organisations (RPOs) and national research centres, such as IPIC, the Irish Photonics Integration Centre; CONNECT, the Centre for Future Networks & Communications and CAPPA, the Centre for Advanced Photonics & Process Analysis, Ireland has established a world class photonics research infrastructure. This includes research in areas such as biophotonics, photonics integration & packaging, optical networks and photonic devices, and its translational into products across many sectors, such as high resolution high efficient displays for AR/VR, smart surgical devices, optical communications, portable diagnostics and environmental sensing.  

The NTP stimulates and supports photonics activities across Ireland and acts as a gateway for international collaboration, both academic and industrial, to deliver market aligned innovation.

We have identified three core areas which are critical to the development of the sector in Ireland:

1. Technology Access to leading edge photonics technology for next generation products.
2. Incubation - Developing and nurturing start ups from idea to launch and subsequent scaling.
3. Training - Access to world class talent in photonics and the ongoing development of skills aligned with industry need.

We are also a partner in Phorwards21-Photonics from research to market, a European wide project that is Empowering Europe’s strategic autonomy, supporting the green deal and securing resilience.