On November 27th, 2024, the partners of the PhotoGeNIC project convened for a technical meeting in Olen, Belgium. Hosted by project partner Umicore, the gathering was a crucial opportunity to align on the project’s ambitious goals as it enters the final nine months of its planned duration.
The PhotoGeNIC project is centered on integrating Germanium (Ge) substrates into the VCSEL manufacturing process—a breakthrough aimed at transforming the photonics industry. Discussions during the meeting were highly technical, reflecting the complexity and innovative nature of the project.
A highlight of the day was the visit to Umicore’s state-of-the-art Germanium production facilities. This visit provided the partners with an in-depth look at the cutting-edge processes and technologies that support the project’s core vision.
With the end of the project timeline approaching, the consortium is considering a project extension to ensure all objectives are met and the ambitious targets are fully realized. The dedication of the partners, coupled with the promising progress so far, underscores the transformative potential of PhotoGeNIC for the photonics industry.