en.Wedoany.com Reported - Irish integrated photonics company Pilot Photonics has received a recommended investment of up to €10.4 million from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator under the EU's Horizon Europe program. The EIC Accelerator is one of Europe's most competitive deep-tech funding schemes.

Headquartered in Dublin, the company specializes in integrated photonics and has developed patented photonic chip technology. This technology uses lasers to generate ultra-pure wireless signals, designed for AI data centers, satellite communications, and 5G and 6G mobile networks. According to the company, photonic circuits offer higher energy efficiency, higher bandwidth signal processing capabilities, and functions that traditional electronic devices cannot replicate.

Demand for photonic integrated circuits has accelerated in two key areas: data servers adopting the technology to meet AI bandwidth requirements, and the commercial space industry shifting to photonic chips to reduce system size, weight, and power consumption. Pilot Photonics stated that it has received validation from leading international customers in both markets.

Integrating photonic components into compact, scalable chips is also said to lower the entry barrier for industries relying on these capabilities, making the technology both commercially and technically significant.

The EIC Accelerator funding will support the company's next phase of growth, covering product certification, large-scale manufacturing, and team expansion in Ireland and internationally.

William Oppermann, CEO of Pilot Photonics, said that being selected by the EIC is a significant recognition of the company's technology, team, and commercial ambitions. He noted that this support provides a platform to move from breakthrough innovation to industrial scale, enabling the company to build a stronger team in Ireland, certify products for global customers, and establish the supply chain needed for international competition.

Peter Burke (TD), Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, called the investment a testament to the innovation and dedication of the Pilot Photonics team, highlighting the company's contribution to Europe's digital sovereignty in 6G, satellite systems, and secure communications.

Enterprise Ireland, which leads the Irish Horizon Europe National Support Network, supported Pilot Photonics through its EIC National Contact Point support team. Kevin Burke, National Director for Horizon Europe at Enterprise Ireland, said the award is an international recognition of the groundbreaking nature of Pilot Photonics' technology and the team's progress in bringing the product to market.

The EIC Accelerator is part of the EU's Horizon Europe 2021-2027 research and innovation program, offering a blended financing scheme for deep-tech startups and scale-ups, combining grants of up to €2.5 million with equity investments ranging from €500,000 to €10 million.