Netherlands, Taiwan Pick Four Photonics Projects
The TechBridge program has selected four new joint research projects in integrated photonics pairing Dutch and Taiwanese partners.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Quantum Computing
The Netherlands and Taiwan have selected four new TechBridge innovation projects focused on integrated photonics. The projects pair Dutch and Taiwanese companies and research organisations for long-term collaborative research and development.
Why it matters
Growing global demand for AI, faster connectivity, and quantum computing is increasing the need for photonic technologies. TechBridge aims to build long-term R&D partnerships and commercial pathways between the two countries' complementary strengths.
The HEROIC module targets 3.2 terabits per second using 400 Gbps per lane, while MAP-Connect uses a 40-channel polarisation-maintaining fibre array. The source does not disclose funding amounts or development timelines for these projects.
The players
TechBridge
TechBridge is a bilateral Netherlands-Taiwan collaboration mechanism that funds joint research and development in integrated photonics.
Eindhoven University of Technology
Eindhoven University of Technology is a public research university in the Netherlands and a partner in the HEROIC project.
Hon Hai Research Institute
Hon Hai Research Institute is the research arm of Hon Hai Technology Group, the Taiwan-based electronics manufacturer known as Foxconn.
The details
PhoDAS, partnering Sabratha of the Netherlands with TMYTEK of Taiwan, develops photonics-enabled millimetre-wave radio units for fronthaul. QSPAD pairs QuiX Quantum and Brillink on quantum photonics, while HEROIC pairs Formerica OE, Hon Hai Research Institute, SMART Photonics and Eindhoven University of Technology on high-speed optical interconnects.
Timeline
November 5, 2026: Four newly selected TechBridge projects were announced.
Market Landscape
The TechBridge Call pairs the Netherlands' strength in photonic chip design and packaging with Taiwan's semiconductor manufacturing base. The collaboration positions both countries to compete in the photonics supply chain that underpins AI and quantum computing hardware.
The projects target faster optical links and photonic quantum hardware that could eventually support data centres and AI infrastructure. The source does not give a timeline for when these technologies would reach consumers.
The takeaway
Cross-border partnerships pairing design expertise with manufacturing scale are becoming a template for advanced photonics. Readers tracking AI and quantum hardware should watch whether these early TechBridge projects move into commercial production.
Further reading
For related developments in photonic quantum hardware, see Quantum Computing.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Photonicsonline.
