How the Netherlands Is Building a World-Leading Photonics Ecosystem
A globally connected high tech ecosystem enabling companies to innovate, scale and advance integrated photonics
The Netherlands has established itself as a leading hub for integrated photonics, not only through technological expertise, but through a highly connected and scalable high tech ecosystem. For companies developing photonic integrated circuits and applications, the Netherlands offers a complete environment to accelerate innovation and commercialization.
At the core of this success is a strong national approach, where public investment, industry collaboration, and world class research come together to support the full value chain.
A national ecosystem built around PhotonDelta
A key driver of the Dutch photonics ecosystem is PhotonDelta, a non-profit organization funded through the National Growth Fund, which acts as a growth accelerator for the global integrated photonics industry. It plays a central role in strengthening the end-to-end value chain by connecting companies, research institutions, and infrastructure.
The PhotonDelta ecosystem is primarily centered around Eindhoven and Twente, where a concentration of expertise and facilities enables companies to develop, test, and scale photonic technologies. Together, these regions form one of Europe’s leading centers for integrated photonics, offering access to the full value chain across the mainInP and SiN photonic integrated circuit platforms.
This coordinated approach allows companies to move efficiently from design to manufacturing, supported by a collaborative network that accelerates development and reduces time to market.
A strong network of leading companies
The Netherlands is home to a growing number of companies active across the integrated photonics value chain, from chip development to packaging and system integration.
Key players in the ecosystem include:
- Bright Photonics, a design house for photonic integrated circuits
- SMART Photonics, a leading foundry for indium phosphide based photonic chips, enabling scalable production for a wide range of applications
- PHIX, a packaging foundry specializing in advanced photonic chip packaging and assembly
- Photon First, a pioneer in next-generation fiber optic sensing solutions
These companies operate within a broader industrial ecosystem that includes global technology leaders such as ASML and NXP Semiconductors, whose expertise in semiconductor manufacturing, lithography, and chip design strengthens the foundation for photonics innovation. In addition, application driven innovation centers such as Holst Centre and the Photonic Integration Technology Centre (PITC) support the development of real world use cases and help bridge the gap between research and commercialization.
The strength of this ecosystem is further demonstrated by continued international investment. Companies such as StarIC, a semiconductor design company, have chosen the Netherlands as a base to expand their European operations, while Dai Nippon Printing has established its first overseas R&D hub in Eindhoven. These investments highlight the Netherlands’ attractiveness as a strategic location for high tech and integrated photonics related innovation.
Together, this network creates a powerful environment where startups, scaleups, and multinational companies can collaborate and scale.
From research to industrial scale
The Dutch ecosystem is built on close collaboration between academia and industry. Leading institutions such as Eindhoven University of Technology, University of Twente, and Delft University of Technology contribute cutting edge research and a steady pipeline of highly skilled talent.
This research strength is complemented by access to shared facilities, pilot lines, and manufacturing capabilities, allowing companies to move from early stage development to industrial scale production within a single, connected ecosystem.
For companies working on integrated photonic technologies, this ability to scale efficiently is a critical advantage.
A strategic link to the semiconductor ecosystem
Photonics in the Netherlands is deeply connected to its world leading semiconductor ecosystem. With companies like ASML, a global leader in advanced lithography systems, and NXP Semiconductors, a key player in chip design and automotive and secure connectivity solutions, the Netherlands offers unmatched expertise in microelectronics and system integration.
This connection enables strong synergies between electronic and photonic technologies, supporting the development of hybrid systems that combine the strengths of both. The Chip Integration Technology Center (CITC) focusses specially on heterogenous integration. It also provides access to established supply chains, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and engineering expertise.
As a result, photonics benefits directly from the Netherlands’ position as a global leader in semiconductors and high tech systems.
Why companies choose the Netherlands
For companies in integrated photonics, the Netherlands offers a unique combination of advantages:
- A complete and connected value chain, from research to manufacturing
- A strong industrial base, including leading integrated photonics companies and global semiconductor players
- Access to top talent, supported by world class technical universities
- Strategic public investment, including National Growth Fund support
- A highly collaborative ecosystem that accelerates innovation and scaling
This environment allows companies to reduce development risks, speed up time to market, and build long term partnerships.
Expanding your business in the Netherlands
For international companies looking to establish or grow their photonics activities, the Netherlands provides dedicated support to ensure a smooth entry and long term success. Through the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency and its partners in the nation-wide Invest in Holland network, companies can access tailored guidance, strategic connections, and insights into the Dutch innovation ecosystem.
Ready to explore opportunities in the Dutch integrated photonics ecosystem?
Contact the NFIA to discover how your company can benefit from the Netherlands’ strong high tech ecosystem and global connectivity: https://investinholland.com/contact-us