PIXEurope is the fifth Pilot Line initiative launched through the European Chips Joint Undertaking, established under the European Chips Act, to accelerate the development of photonic integrated circuit (PIC) technology – a critical enabler for high-speed computing, communications, quantum information systems, and beyond. It will be Europe’s first fully integrated, distributed Pilot Line connecting the entire PIC value chain – from design and fabrication to integration, packaging, and testing – across multiple coordinated European sites within a unified and standardized framework.

With a budget of €400 million and the participation of 20 institutions from 11 European countries (Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom), PIXEurope will leverage its expertise in key technology platforms spanning a broad range of materials – from silicon and silicon nitride to indium phosphide, lithium niobate, and beyond – while also supporting hybrid integration and the co-integration of photonic and electronic chips. Through prototyping services, including Multi-Project Wafer runs, as well as access to advanced equipment and infrastructure, collaborative R&D projects, training and consultancy, the Pilot Line will serve companies of all sizes through a centralized open-access gateway.