Speakers

Keynote speakers

• 

  Yannick de Koninck

  Senior Engineer

  NVIDIA

  After his PhD on heterogeneous laser integration for silicon photonics in 2014, Yannick moved to San Diego, CA to join Luxtera as device designer. At the time, Luxtera was one of the first companies to commercialize Silicon Photonics. In 2018, Yannick joined imec in Leuven, BE to work on a wide variety of laser integration technologies. In 2021, Yannick joined Nvidia where he is working on silicon photonics based optical engines for next generation AI factories. 

  

  Yannick de Koninck

  Senior Engineer

  NVIDIA

  After his PhD on heterogeneous laser integration for silicon photonics in 2014, Yannick moved to San Diego, CA to join Luxtera as device designer. At the time, Luxtera was one of the first companies to commercialize Silicon Photonics. In 2018, Yannick joined imec in Leuven, BE to work on a wide variety of laser integration technologies. In 2021, Yannick joined Nvidia where he is working on silicon photonics based optical engines for next generation AI factories. 

• 

  Patrick Vandenameele

  Executive Vice President & CEO-elect

  imec

  Patrick Vandenameele serves as Executive Vice President and CEO-elect of imec, a world-leading R&D center in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, where he leads and defines the organization’s R&D strategy and its execution. As chief architect of imec’s research direction, Patrick is responsible for shaping and driving the center’s innovation agenda, ensuring the alignment of research initiatives with emerging market needs, partner priorities and technological frontiers. Previously, as chief portfolio officer at imec until early 2024, he spearheaded strategic initiatives spanning business development, portfolio management, and venture creation.

  His leadership underpins imec’s commitment to addressing market-driven application challenges while advancing its world-class technology platforms through targeted internal investments and external collaborations.

  Holding a PhD from KU Leuven, Patrick began his journey with imec in 1996, contributing to the wireless communications program. In 2000, he transitioned to entrepreneurship, founding and leading several deep-tech ventures, three of which were built on imec technology.

  Throughout his career, Patrick has demonstrated exceptional leadership, serving in senior roles at industry-leading semiconductor companies such as Qorvo and Hisilicon/Huawei. His innovative efforts have culminated in 11 successful product launches and the shipment of over 100 million units globally.

  Returning to imec in 2017, Patrick has been instrumental in scaling its venture development activities, working closely with the deep-tech venturing fund imec.xpand to strengthen imec’s position as a pioneer in technology-driven solutions.

  

  Patrick Vandenameele

  Executive Vice President & CEO-elect

  imec

  Patrick Vandenameele serves as Executive Vice President and CEO-elect of imec, a world-leading R&D center in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, where he leads and defines the organization’s R&D strategy and its execution. As chief architect of imec’s research direction, Patrick is responsible for shaping and driving the center’s innovation agenda, ensuring the alignment of research initiatives with emerging market needs, partner priorities and technological frontiers. Previously, as chief portfolio officer at imec until early 2024, he spearheaded strategic initiatives spanning business development, portfolio management, and venture creation.

  His leadership underpins imec’s commitment to addressing market-driven application challenges while advancing its world-class technology platforms through targeted internal investments and external collaborations.

  Holding a PhD from KU Leuven, Patrick began his journey with imec in 1996, contributing to the wireless communications program. In 2000, he transitioned to entrepreneurship, founding and leading several deep-tech ventures, three of which were built on imec technology.

  Throughout his career, Patrick has demonstrated exceptional leadership, serving in senior roles at industry-leading semiconductor companies such as Qorvo and Hisilicon/Huawei. His innovative efforts have culminated in 11 successful product launches and the shipment of over 100 million units globally.

  Returning to imec in 2017, Patrick has been instrumental in scaling its venture development activities, working closely with the deep-tech venturing fund imec.xpand to strengthen imec’s position as a pioneer in technology-driven solutions.

• 

  Jérôme Bourderionnet

  Optical Scientist

  Thales Research & Technology

  Jérôme Bourderionnet (Dr.) holds a PhD in laser physics. Since 2001, he has been working in the Physics Dept. at Thales Research and Technology, in charge of the development of innovative concepts for radar and active optronic systems and also for fiber based sensors, including non-mechanical beam steering, slow light signal processing… In the past decade, he is particularly involved in the integrated photonics activity, for a various range of applications, including LiDAR, coherent beam combining for high power sources, free space communications, and microwave photonics for signal processing.

  

  Jérôme Bourderionnet

  Optical Scientist

  Thales Research & Technology

  Jérôme Bourderionnet (Dr.) holds a PhD in laser physics. Since 2001, he has been working in the Physics Dept. at Thales Research and Technology, in charge of the development of innovative concepts for radar and active optronic systems and also for fiber based sensors, including non-mechanical beam steering, slow light signal processing… In the past decade, he is particularly involved in the integrated photonics activity, for a various range of applications, including LiDAR, coherent beam combining for high power sources, free space communications, and microwave photonics for signal processing.

• 

  Rutger Thijssen

  Director of Technical Marketing

  Applied Materials

  After obtaining a PhD in nanophotonics at FOM Institute AMOLF in Amsterdam and two years at TNO studying subsurface AFM metrology, in 2016 Rutger joined the Office of the CTO at Applied Materials as one of the founding members of what would become the Photonics Platforms Business. He’s fulfilled many roles in the PPB group, from integration engineer and manager to his current role as Director of Technical Marketing.

  

  Rutger Thijssen

  Director of Technical Marketing

  Applied Materials

  After obtaining a PhD in nanophotonics at FOM Institute AMOLF in Amsterdam and two years at TNO studying subsurface AFM metrology, in 2016 Rutger joined the Office of the CTO at Applied Materials as one of the founding members of what would become the Photonics Platforms Business. He’s fulfilled many roles in the PPB group, from integration engineer and manager to his current role as Director of Technical Marketing.

• 

  Anne Hidma

  Senior Vice President EUR & US

  ASML Executive Team

  Anne is responsible for ASML’s customer and research partnerships, as well as business operations across these regions. As such, Anne’s team addresses customers’ future technology roadmaps, application challenges, and operational requirements.

  Next to the financial and operational management of our customer business, she drives improvements in ASML’s products and services together with the broader ASML organization to better meet customer needs.

  Anne is a member of the Executive Team of ASML.

  Prior to ASML, Anne was a Partner at McKinsey & Company. She led the Advanced Industries practice in the Benelux and was a core part of the Strategy & Corporate Finance practice in Europe.

  Anne obtained her MSc degree in Nanoscience at the faculty Applied Physics of Delft University of Technology. She holds an MBA degree from Columbia University in New York.

  

  Anne Hidma

  Senior Vice President EUR & US

  ASML Executive Team

  Anne is responsible for ASML’s customer and research partnerships, as well as business operations across these regions. As such, Anne’s team addresses customers’ future technology roadmaps, application challenges, and operational requirements.

  Next to the financial and operational management of our customer business, she drives improvements in ASML’s products and services together with the broader ASML organization to better meet customer needs.

  Anne is a member of the Executive Team of ASML.

  Prior to ASML, Anne was a Partner at McKinsey & Company. She led the Advanced Industries practice in the Benelux and was a core part of the Strategy & Corporate Finance practice in Europe.

  Anne obtained her MSc degree in Nanoscience at the faculty Applied Physics of Delft University of Technology. She holds an MBA degree from Columbia University in New York.

• 

  Alexey Kovsh

  Co-founder

  Innolume GmbH

  Alexey Kovsh is co-founder of Innolume GmbH, and CEO of Alfalume Inc. Alexey received his scientific degrees, PhD and Dr.Sci. (Habil) under the guidance of Prof.Zhores Alferov, who won Nobel Prize 2000 for the invention of semiconductor double heterostructure and demonstration of the first room temperature diode laser at Ioffe Institute, known as "Soviet Union Bell Lab". From 2000 till 2003 he was a visiting scientist in ITRI, Taiwan. 

  Together with his colleagues from Ioffe Institute, Alexey started and brought to success two photonics companies Innolume GmbH (2003) and Optogan Oy (2004) serving them in executive positions. Alexey's team at Innolume demonstrated the first semiconductor comb-laser and 10Gbps error-free transmission on each lasing line in 2007. Innolume produces and ships worldwide a broad range of photonics components based on self-assembled semiconductor Quantum Dots. 

  Today Optogan, renamed to Klever-LED after the acquisition in 2019, is the biggest manufacturer of white LED packages in Europe. From 2015 and till Alfalume foundation in 2022 Alexey served several Tier 1 US companies in leading technical roles. 

  

  Alexey Kovsh

  Co-founder

  Innolume GmbH

  Alexey Kovsh is co-founder of Innolume GmbH, and CEO of Alfalume Inc. Alexey received his scientific degrees, PhD and Dr.Sci. (Habil) under the guidance of Prof.Zhores Alferov, who won Nobel Prize 2000 for the invention of semiconductor double heterostructure and demonstration of the first room temperature diode laser at Ioffe Institute, known as "Soviet Union Bell Lab". From 2000 till 2003 he was a visiting scientist in ITRI, Taiwan. 

  Together with his colleagues from Ioffe Institute, Alexey started and brought to success two photonics companies Innolume GmbH (2003) and Optogan Oy (2004) serving them in executive positions. Alexey's team at Innolume demonstrated the first semiconductor comb-laser and 10Gbps error-free transmission on each lasing line in 2007. Innolume produces and ships worldwide a broad range of photonics components based on self-assembled semiconductor Quantum Dots. 

  Today Optogan, renamed to Klever-LED after the acquisition in 2019, is the biggest manufacturer of white LED packages in Europe. From 2015 and till Alfalume foundation in 2022 Alexey served several Tier 1 US companies in leading technical roles. 

• 

  Dr. Hao-Chung Kuo

  Director Semiconductor Research Centre

  Hon Hai Research Institute

  Dr. Hao-Chung Kuo received the B.S. degree in physics from the National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, the M.S. degree in electrical and computer engineering from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, in 1995, and the Ph.D. degree from the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, in 1999. From 1993 to 1995, he was a Research Consultant in Lucent Technologies, Bell Laboratories, and from 1999 to 2001 he was a Member of Technical Staff in Fiber-Optics Division at Agilent Technologies. From 2001 to 2002, he was with LuxNet Corporation. Since October 2002, he has been a Faculty Member of the Institute of Electro-Optical Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan. His current research interests include semiconductor lasers, vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers, blue and UV LED lasers, quantum-confined optoelectronic structures, optoelectronic materials, and solar cell. He has authored or coauthored more than 400 journal papers and holds 35 granted and 20 pending patents.  

  Prof. Kuo’s service to the III-V community is multifaceted. He was elected as the Chairman of IEEE/Photonics Taipei Chapter (since 2012). In addition, he was in the Technical Program Committee for several major technical conferences for the IEEE, the OSA, and the SPIE, which include IEEE/OSA CLEO (2009 – Present), SPIE Photonics West (2009 – Present), and others. He serves as a Panel Member for Taiwan National Science Council (Photonic Program- especially in semiconductor lasers and LEDs). He was the Guest Editor of the IEEE JSTQE (2009) and was an Associate Editor of the OSA/IEEE Journal of lightwave technology (2008-2013) and Associate Editor of the OSA Photonics Research (2019-now). He was the recipient of The Optical Engineering Society of Taiwan (SPIE Taipei Chapter) – Young Researcher Award in 2007. NSC of Taiwan- Dr. Ta-You Wu Award in 2007. Faculty Research Award of NCTU in 2010, 2011. Micro-optics Conference (MOC) Contribution Award-10th MOC Program-committee Chairman (2011). He was recognized by the Photonics community and received OSA(2012), IET (2012), SPIE (2013), IEEE (2015) and IAAM Fellow (2021).

  

  Dr. Hao-Chung Kuo

  Director Semiconductor Research Centre

  Hon Hai Research Institute

  Dr. Hao-Chung Kuo received the B.S. degree in physics from the National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, the M.S. degree in electrical and computer engineering from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, in 1995, and the Ph.D. degree from the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, in 1999. From 1993 to 1995, he was a Research Consultant in Lucent Technologies, Bell Laboratories, and from 1999 to 2001 he was a Member of Technical Staff in Fiber-Optics Division at Agilent Technologies. From 2001 to 2002, he was with LuxNet Corporation. Since October 2002, he has been a Faculty Member of the Institute of Electro-Optical Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan. His current research interests include semiconductor lasers, vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers, blue and UV LED lasers, quantum-confined optoelectronic structures, optoelectronic materials, and solar cell. He has authored or coauthored more than 400 journal papers and holds 35 granted and 20 pending patents.  

  Prof. Kuo’s service to the III-V community is multifaceted. He was elected as the Chairman of IEEE/Photonics Taipei Chapter (since 2012). In addition, he was in the Technical Program Committee for several major technical conferences for the IEEE, the OSA, and the SPIE, which include IEEE/OSA CLEO (2009 – Present), SPIE Photonics West (2009 – Present), and others. He serves as a Panel Member for Taiwan National Science Council (Photonic Program- especially in semiconductor lasers and LEDs). He was the Guest Editor of the IEEE JSTQE (2009) and was an Associate Editor of the OSA/IEEE Journal of lightwave technology (2008-2013) and Associate Editor of the OSA Photonics Research (2019-now). He was the recipient of The Optical Engineering Society of Taiwan (SPIE Taipei Chapter) – Young Researcher Award in 2007. NSC of Taiwan- Dr. Ta-You Wu Award in 2007. Faculty Research Award of NCTU in 2010, 2011. Micro-optics Conference (MOC) Contribution Award-10th MOC Program-committee Chairman (2011). He was recognized by the Photonics community and received OSA(2012), IET (2012), SPIE (2013), IEEE (2015) and IAAM Fellow (2021).

• 

  Gustav Kalbe

  Acting Director in DG Communications Networks, Content and Technology

  European Commission

  Dr. Gustav Kalbe studied Applied Physics at the Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium. In 1991 he studied Applied Optics at the Imperial College of Science in London. In 1995 he completed his studies and earned a PhD in Physics, Molecular Spectroscopy, at the UCL, Belgium.

  He started his professional career as a project manager in photonic networks at the incumbent telecom operator in Belgium. He was R&D manager when he left the company.

  In 1998 he joined the Directorate General Information Society & Media of the European Commission where he started working as Project Officer managing research projects of the European Framework Programs for Research. Over the years he had several assignments in quantum technologies, photonics, and cybersecurity.

  In 2014 Gustav Kalbe became HoU for Administration & Finance in the European Commission, in DG Connect.

  In 2016 he was appointed HoU of the newly created High Performance Computing and Quantum Technology unit in DG Connect.

  In 2018 he became responsible for the establishment and operation of the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking. He occupied the post of Interim Executive Director of the JU until its autonomy by the end of 2020.

  In January 2021, he was appointed Deputy to the Director of DG Connect C “Digital Excellence and Science Infrastructure”.

  Since May 2022 Gustav is the Acting Director of DG Connect C “Digital Excellence and Science Infrastructure”.

  

  Gustav Kalbe

  Acting Director in DG Communications Networks, Content and Technology

  European Commission

  Dr. Gustav Kalbe studied Applied Physics at the Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium. In 1991 he studied Applied Optics at the Imperial College of Science in London. In 1995 he completed his studies and earned a PhD in Physics, Molecular Spectroscopy, at the UCL, Belgium.

  He started his professional career as a project manager in photonic networks at the incumbent telecom operator in Belgium. He was R&D manager when he left the company.

  In 1998 he joined the Directorate General Information Society & Media of the European Commission where he started working as Project Officer managing research projects of the European Framework Programs for Research. Over the years he had several assignments in quantum technologies, photonics, and cybersecurity.

  In 2014 Gustav Kalbe became HoU for Administration & Finance in the European Commission, in DG Connect.

  In 2016 he was appointed HoU of the newly created High Performance Computing and Quantum Technology unit in DG Connect.

  In 2018 he became responsible for the establishment and operation of the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking. He occupied the post of Interim Executive Director of the JU until its autonomy by the end of 2020.

  In January 2021, he was appointed Deputy to the Director of DG Connect C “Digital Excellence and Science Infrastructure”.

  Since May 2022 Gustav is the Acting Director of DG Connect C “Digital Excellence and Science Infrastructure”.

• 

  Devin Brinkley

  SVP & Engineering Lead

  Taara

  Devin Brinkley is SVP, Engineering at Taara, and he leads our Engineering team. He has been active in developing advanced optical communication technologies and products for nearly two decades, and previously led multiple Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) programs, a high-production Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement Systems (MILES) program, and the Wireless Optical Communication hardware development on Project Loon.

  

  Devin Brinkley

  SVP & Engineering Lead

  Taara

  Devin Brinkley is SVP, Engineering at Taara, and he leads our Engineering team. He has been active in developing advanced optical communication technologies and products for nearly two decades, and previously led multiple Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) programs, a high-production Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement Systems (MILES) program, and the Wireless Optical Communication hardware development on Project Loon.

• 

  Azmina Somani

  Vice President, R&D

  Jabil

  Azmina Somani is Jabil's Vice President of Research and Development leading a global, multidisciplinary team dedicated to delivering cutting-edge photonics solutions for Jabil customers. Recognized as a trail blazer in the optical components industry with exceptional strategic skills as a technologist, Azmina has more than 30 years of experience and expertise developing and delivering state-of-the-art subsystems and modules to the market.

  Before joining Jabil in July 2024, Azmina served as Senior Vice President of R&D at Infinera where she oversaw the creation of Coherent ASICs, DSP algorithms, and photonic integrated circuits. Prior to her tenure at Infinera, Azmina held several key positions at Lumentum and JDSU between 2004 and 2020.

  Notably, as Senior Vice President of Operations for Lumentum, she successfully transitioned manufacturing operations from Shenzhen, China, to a newly established facility in Thailand. Also, while serving as Senior Vice President of R&D, Azmina broadened the company’s 3D sensing, telecom transmission, datacom, and high-power pump solutions, contributing significantly to Lumentum’s product development strategy and business growth.

  Azmina holds an Executive MBA from Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management, Ithaca, New York and an MBA from Queen's University, the leading, research-intense university in Canada. She also earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Alberta. Residing in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Azmina balances her professional endeavors with a passion for community service and mentorship.

  

  Azmina Somani

  Vice President, R&D

  Jabil

  Azmina Somani is Jabil's Vice President of Research and Development leading a global, multidisciplinary team dedicated to delivering cutting-edge photonics solutions for Jabil customers. Recognized as a trail blazer in the optical components industry with exceptional strategic skills as a technologist, Azmina has more than 30 years of experience and expertise developing and delivering state-of-the-art subsystems and modules to the market.

  Before joining Jabil in July 2024, Azmina served as Senior Vice President of R&D at Infinera where she oversaw the creation of Coherent ASICs, DSP algorithms, and photonic integrated circuits. Prior to her tenure at Infinera, Azmina held several key positions at Lumentum and JDSU between 2004 and 2020.

  Notably, as Senior Vice President of Operations for Lumentum, she successfully transitioned manufacturing operations from Shenzhen, China, to a newly established facility in Thailand. Also, while serving as Senior Vice President of R&D, Azmina broadened the company’s 3D sensing, telecom transmission, datacom, and high-power pump solutions, contributing significantly to Lumentum’s product development strategy and business growth.

  Azmina holds an Executive MBA from Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management, Ithaca, New York and an MBA from Queen's University, the leading, research-intense university in Canada. She also earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Alberta. Residing in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Azmina balances her professional endeavors with a passion for community service and mentorship.

• 

  Vladimir Kozlov

  CEO

  LightCounting

  Vladimir Kozlov is the founder and CEO of LIGHTCOUNTING, an optical communications market research company.

  LightCounting was established in 2004 with an objective of providing in-depth coverage of market and technologies for high speed optoelectronic interfaces employed in communications. By now, the company employs a team of industry experts and offers comprehensive coverage of optical communications supply chain.

  Dr. Kozlov has more than 20 years of experience in optoelectronics, optical communications and market research. Dr. Kozlov held market analyst, product development and research staff positions at RHK Inc., Lucent Technologies and Princeton University.

  Dr. Kozlov holds several US patents and has numerous publications in the area of optoelectronics. He received M. Sc. at Moscow State University in Russia and Ph. D in Physics at Brown University in the United States.

  

  Vladimir Kozlov

  CEO

  LightCounting

  Vladimir Kozlov is the founder and CEO of LIGHTCOUNTING, an optical communications market research company.

  LightCounting was established in 2004 with an objective of providing in-depth coverage of market and technologies for high speed optoelectronic interfaces employed in communications. By now, the company employs a team of industry experts and offers comprehensive coverage of optical communications supply chain.

  Dr. Kozlov has more than 20 years of experience in optoelectronics, optical communications and market research. Dr. Kozlov held market analyst, product development and research staff positions at RHK Inc., Lucent Technologies and Princeton University.

  Dr. Kozlov holds several US patents and has numerous publications in the area of optoelectronics. He received M. Sc. at Moscow State University in Russia and Ph. D in Physics at Brown University in the United States.

• 

  Valerio Pruneri

  ICFO & ICREA

  Director PIXEurope

  Valerio Pruneri is Corning Inc. Chair leading the Optoelectronics group at the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO). Previously he worked for Avanex, Corning, Pirelli, and the University of Southampton. He is inventor in more than 65 patent families and has given more than 110 invited talks. With his group he has developed technologies for the photonics, quantum, sensing and display industries. These include multifunctional optical surfaces for antireflection and antimicrobial applications, low voltage integrated modulators and tunable lasers for DWDM, quantum random number generators, quantum phase imagers, quantum key distribution systems for cryptography, His work has led to numerous industrial collaborations (e.g. Corning Inc. and Carl Zeiss) and the creation of three spin offs, Quside, ShinePhi Technologies and Luxquanta.

  

  Valerio Pruneri

  ICFO & ICREA

  Director PIXEurope

  Valerio Pruneri is Corning Inc. Chair leading the Optoelectronics group at the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO). Previously he worked for Avanex, Corning, Pirelli, and the University of Southampton. He is inventor in more than 65 patent families and has given more than 110 invited talks. With his group he has developed technologies for the photonics, quantum, sensing and display industries. These include multifunctional optical surfaces for antireflection and antimicrobial applications, low voltage integrated modulators and tunable lasers for DWDM, quantum random number generators, quantum phase imagers, quantum key distribution systems for cryptography, His work has led to numerous industrial collaborations (e.g. Corning Inc. and Carl Zeiss) and the creation of three spin offs, Quside, ShinePhi Technologies and Luxquanta.

• 

  Amir Atabaki

  Co-Founder and CEO

  Perceptra Technologies

  Amir Atabaki is the co-founder and CEO of Perceptra, a sensor technology startup developing chip-scale AI-enabled Raman spectrometers for industrial process automation. Prior to founding Perceptra, Amir was a research scientist at MIT, where he developed system-on-a-chip solutions for optical interconnects and sensing applications. His work has led to breakthroughs in the monolithic integration of photonics and electronics on CMOS platforms. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech and received the Sigma Xi Best Ph.D. Thesis Award.

  

  Amir Atabaki

  Co-Founder and CEO

  Perceptra Technologies

  Amir Atabaki is the co-founder and CEO of Perceptra, a sensor technology startup developing chip-scale AI-enabled Raman spectrometers for industrial process automation. Prior to founding Perceptra, Amir was a research scientist at MIT, where he developed system-on-a-chip solutions for optical interconnects and sensing applications. His work has led to breakthroughs in the monolithic integration of photonics and electronics on CMOS platforms. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech and received the Sigma Xi Best Ph.D. Thesis Award.

• 

  Todd Mahlen

  CMO & VP of Sales

  Tower Semiconductor

  Todd Mahlen was appointed Vice President of North America Sales and General Manager of TowerUSA in May 2013. He has served as Vice President of APAC Sales and Power Business Development since March 2010.

  Previously, he served as Director of Marketing for TowerJazz's Specialty Business Unit and was brought into Jazz Semiconductor in 2006 toestablish a power technology business focus.
  Prior to Jazz, Mr. Mahlen worked at Polarfab, Inc., where he was one of the founding members orchestrating the change from an IDM to a Pure-play foundry in 2000.

  Prior to PolarFab, he contributed as an Application Engineering Manager/Engineer focused on ICs for the hard disk drive market, primarily preamplifiers, servo demodulators and PRML channels since 1993.

  

  Todd Mahlen

  CMO & VP of Sales

  Tower Semiconductor

  Todd Mahlen was appointed Vice President of North America Sales and General Manager of TowerUSA in May 2013. He has served as Vice President of APAC Sales and Power Business Development since March 2010.

  Previously, he served as Director of Marketing for TowerJazz's Specialty Business Unit and was brought into Jazz Semiconductor in 2006 toestablish a power technology business focus.
  Prior to Jazz, Mr. Mahlen worked at Polarfab, Inc., where he was one of the founding members orchestrating the change from an IDM to a Pure-play foundry in 2000.

  Prior to PolarFab, he contributed as an Application Engineering Manager/Engineer focused on ICs for the hard disk drive market, primarily preamplifiers, servo demodulators and PRML channels since 1993.

• 

  Cedric Huyghebaert

  CTO

  Black Semiconductor

  Cedric Huyghebaert is currently Chief Technology Officer at Black Semiconductor, a German start-up that aims to develop technology to inspire the semiconductor world to rethink data transfer in advanced computing systems.  He got his master degree in Physics from the UGhent. He started in 1999 as a junior researcher in the Materials and Component Analyses group at imec. He received his PhD in Physics in 2006 at the KULeuven in Belgium. In 2005 he joined imecs pilot line as a support integration engineer, especially dealing with the process contamination control. He was part of the packaging group from end 2007 till begin 2010, working as a senior integration engineer dealing with 3D-stacked IC integration.  From 2010 to 2019, he led the nano-applications and –material engineering (NAME) group at imec. He guided the transition for 2D materials from lab to fab.  From 2019 to 2022 he worked as Program manager of exploratory processes and modules, dealing with material exploration and early module integration for functional applications. He was the technical lead of the 2D experimental Pilot line division in the Graphene Flagship. He (co-)authored more than 200 journal and conference papers.

  

  Cedric Huyghebaert

  CTO

  Black Semiconductor

  Cedric Huyghebaert is currently Chief Technology Officer at Black Semiconductor, a German start-up that aims to develop technology to inspire the semiconductor world to rethink data transfer in advanced computing systems.  He got his master degree in Physics from the UGhent. He started in 1999 as a junior researcher in the Materials and Component Analyses group at imec. He received his PhD in Physics in 2006 at the KULeuven in Belgium. In 2005 he joined imecs pilot line as a support integration engineer, especially dealing with the process contamination control. He was part of the packaging group from end 2007 till begin 2010, working as a senior integration engineer dealing with 3D-stacked IC integration.  From 2010 to 2019, he led the nano-applications and –material engineering (NAME) group at imec. He guided the transition for 2D materials from lab to fab.  From 2019 to 2022 he worked as Program manager of exploratory processes and modules, dealing with material exploration and early module integration for functional applications. He was the technical lead of the 2D experimental Pilot line division in the Graphene Flagship. He (co-)authored more than 200 journal and conference papers.

• 

  Martijn Boelens

  CTO

  Lely

  Martijn Boelens is Chief Technology Officer at Lely, where he leads the technological strategy and integrates innovative solutions within the agricultural sector. With a strong focus on digitalization, artificial intelligence, and sensor technologies, he plays a key role in accelerating sustainable agricultural innovations.

  Martijn is actively involved in the PhotonDelta ecosystem and serves on the agrifood advisory board, where he is committed to connecting deep tech with practical applications in food production. His mission: to leverage technology for a more efficient, sustainable, and future-proof agriculture.

  

  Martijn Boelens

  CTO

  Lely

  Martijn Boelens is Chief Technology Officer at Lely, where he leads the technological strategy and integrates innovative solutions within the agricultural sector. With a strong focus on digitalization, artificial intelligence, and sensor technologies, he plays a key role in accelerating sustainable agricultural innovations.

  Martijn is actively involved in the PhotonDelta ecosystem and serves on the agrifood advisory board, where he is committed to connecting deep tech with practical applications in food production. His mission: to leverage technology for a more efficient, sustainable, and future-proof agriculture.

• 

  Joost van Kerkhof

  COO & Co-founder

  PHIX

  Joost van Kerkhof started PHIX in 2018 together with Albert Hasper. He has more than 25 years of experience in the micro-nano technology industry. His experience in producing high tech products in scalable volumes already started when he held positions as Director R&D and Director Operations within Texas Instruments (which became Sensata Technologies in 2006). Joost continued in automotive sensing at Sensata Technologies as Director Business Integration. Prior to starting PHIX, Joost was the CEO of XiO Photonics and COO of LioniX International.

  Joost holds M.Sc and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering, specialized in micro-nano technology and (bio)sensors.

  

  Joost van Kerkhof

  COO & Co-founder

  PHIX

  Joost van Kerkhof started PHIX in 2018 together with Albert Hasper. He has more than 25 years of experience in the micro-nano technology industry. His experience in producing high tech products in scalable volumes already started when he held positions as Director R&D and Director Operations within Texas Instruments (which became Sensata Technologies in 2006). Joost continued in automotive sensing at Sensata Technologies as Director Business Integration. Prior to starting PHIX, Joost was the CEO of XiO Photonics and COO of LioniX International.

  Joost holds M.Sc and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering, specialized in micro-nano technology and (bio)sensors.

• 

  Iñigo Artundo

  CEO

  VLC Photonics

  Iñigo Artundo (M) received the M.Sc. in Telecom Engineering at the Universidad Pública de Navarra (Pamplona, Spain) in 2005, and received his Ph.D. on Applied Physics and Photonics at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Brussels, Belgium) in 2009. He holds MBA specializations in Business Financing, Commercial Management and Research, and Strategic Marketing.

  He has been involved in several national and European research projects and networks of excellence focused on reconfigurable optical interconnects, development of micro-optic devices and photonic integrated circuits, and on flexible access and in-building fiber network architectures. Since 2011 he has been involved in VLC Photonics, and he is currently the CEO.

  He has worked as a reviewer for several scientific journals and national funding agencies, including being a member of the high-level steering committee set up by the European Commission for the establishment of the Quantum Technologies Flagship program.

  

  Iñigo Artundo

  CEO

  VLC Photonics

  Iñigo Artundo (M) received the M.Sc. in Telecom Engineering at the Universidad Pública de Navarra (Pamplona, Spain) in 2005, and received his Ph.D. on Applied Physics and Photonics at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Brussels, Belgium) in 2009. He holds MBA specializations in Business Financing, Commercial Management and Research, and Strategic Marketing.

  He has been involved in several national and European research projects and networks of excellence focused on reconfigurable optical interconnects, development of micro-optic devices and photonic integrated circuits, and on flexible access and in-building fiber network architectures. Since 2011 he has been involved in VLC Photonics, and he is currently the CEO.

  He has worked as a reviewer for several scientific journals and national funding agencies, including being a member of the high-level steering committee set up by the European Commission for the establishment of the Quantum Technologies Flagship program.

• 

  Pieter Dumon

  CEO & Co-founder

  Luceda Photonics

  Pieter Dumon is CEO of Luceda Photonics. He obtained the EE MSc and PhD degrees from Ghent University in 2002 and 2007, respectively, with a dissertation on silicon photonics wavelength filter devices. Pieter contributed to the imec silicon photonics platform and coordinated ePIXfab, the first multi-project wafer service for photonic ICs, from 2007 to 2014. He grew ePIXfab to a network of partners offering chips, packaging, and design services to worldwide industry and academic customers. Being fascinated by software, semiconductor technology, and manipulating light on tiny chips, Pieter co-founded Luceda in 2014.

  

  Pieter Dumon

  CEO & Co-founder

  Luceda Photonics

  Pieter Dumon is CEO of Luceda Photonics. He obtained the EE MSc and PhD degrees from Ghent University in 2002 and 2007, respectively, with a dissertation on silicon photonics wavelength filter devices. Pieter contributed to the imec silicon photonics platform and coordinated ePIXfab, the first multi-project wafer service for photonic ICs, from 2007 to 2014. He grew ePIXfab to a network of partners offering chips, packaging, and design services to worldwide industry and academic customers. Being fascinated by software, semiconductor technology, and manipulating light on tiny chips, Pieter co-founded Luceda in 2014.

• 

  Diedrik Vermeulen

  Co-founder & CEO

  SiPhox Health

  Diedrik Vermeulen is a co-founder of SiPhox and serves as its Chief Executive Officer. Diedrik brings more than 13 years of experience and pioneering work in integrated photonics to SiPhox. Prior to co-founding SiPhox, Diedrik was the Director of Engineering at Analog Photonics commercializing chip-scale LiDAR and tunable lasers. He was a research scientist at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and previously worked at Acacia Communications bringing the first silicon photonics-based coherent transceiver for long-haul and metro optical fiber communication to market. 

  Diedrik holds over 20 patents and has published more than 100 papers and conference contributions in letters, journals, and conferences which have received thousands of citations.

  

  Diedrik Vermeulen

  Co-founder & CEO

  SiPhox Health

  Diedrik Vermeulen is a co-founder of SiPhox and serves as its Chief Executive Officer. Diedrik brings more than 13 years of experience and pioneering work in integrated photonics to SiPhox. Prior to co-founding SiPhox, Diedrik was the Director of Engineering at Analog Photonics commercializing chip-scale LiDAR and tunable lasers. He was a research scientist at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and previously worked at Acacia Communications bringing the first silicon photonics-based coherent transceiver for long-haul and metro optical fiber communication to market. 

  Diedrik holds over 20 patents and has published more than 100 papers and conference contributions in letters, journals, and conferences which have received thousands of citations.

• 

  Ana González

  Vice President

  iPRONICS

  Dr. Ana González is currently VP of Business at iPRONICS. Former R&D Manager at EPIC (European Photonics Industry Consortium), she has a solid network at the photonic industry with a large experience reaching out commercial partners and new adopters of photonic integrated technologies. Her expertise lies in the development of optical systems and investigation of applications for datacom and AI clusters. She received her PhD degree in photonic integrated circuits from the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2).

  

  Ana González

  Vice President

  iPRONICS

  Dr. Ana González is currently VP of Business at iPRONICS. Former R&D Manager at EPIC (European Photonics Industry Consortium), she has a solid network at the photonic industry with a large experience reaching out commercial partners and new adopters of photonic integrated technologies. Her expertise lies in the development of optical systems and investigation of applications for datacom and AI clusters. She received her PhD degree in photonic integrated circuits from the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2).

• 

  Chris Phare

  CSO

  Voyant Photonics

  Chris Phare is the co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Voyant Photonics, where he leads architecture and roadmaps for complex silicon photonic LIDAR.  Before founding Voyant, Dr. Phare received his PhD from the Lipson Nanophotonics Group at Cornell University and served as a postdoc at Columbia University, where he worked on high speed modulators and heterogeneous integration of new materials into photonic circuits.

  

  Chris Phare

  CSO

  Voyant Photonics

  Chris Phare is the co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Voyant Photonics, where he leads architecture and roadmaps for complex silicon photonic LIDAR.  Before founding Voyant, Dr. Phare received his PhD from the Lipson Nanophotonics Group at Cornell University and served as a postdoc at Columbia University, where he worked on high speed modulators and heterogeneous integration of new materials into photonic circuits.

• 

  Wenchi Chang

  Senior Technical Manager

  TSMC

  Wenchi has spent over 25 years at TSMC, growing from process integration and product engineering into his current role as Senior Technical Manager in Field Technical Support and Marketing. He has been working closely with customers on advanced semiconductor technology, helping resolve complex issues and translate advanced process know-how into practical solutions.

  Wenchi’s current work includes collaborations with leading industry companies on cutting-edge CMOS technologies, silicon photonics integration, and TSMC’s COUPE platform. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
   

  

  Wenchi Chang

  Senior Technical Manager

  TSMC

  Wenchi has spent over 25 years at TSMC, growing from process integration and product engineering into his current role as Senior Technical Manager in Field Technical Support and Marketing. He has been working closely with customers on advanced semiconductor technology, helping resolve complex issues and translate advanced process know-how into practical solutions.

  Wenchi’s current work includes collaborations with leading industry companies on cutting-edge CMOS technologies, silicon photonics integration, and TSMC’s COUPE platform. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
   

• 

  Matteo Rossetto

  Space Systems Engineer

  OHB System AG

  M. Sc. in Telecommunication Engineering with expertise in Communication Networks, Quantum Communication, Optical Communication, and (Integrated) Photonics. Extensive research experience on Programmable Photonic Integrated Circuits, from designing to developing automated testing and calibration procedures.

  Since 2024, I'm working at OHB System AG as Systems Engineer in the Quantum Communication Networks department. Here, my duties range from being responsible for the performance evaluation of the photonic assembly of EAGLE-1 QRNG to technically leading internal R&D projects related to QKD. I'm also project and technical manager for the Next-Gen QRBG project, aiming for designing and assembling a breadboard to support the development of the next generation space QRNGs.

  

  Matteo Rossetto

  Space Systems Engineer

  OHB System AG

  M. Sc. in Telecommunication Engineering with expertise in Communication Networks, Quantum Communication, Optical Communication, and (Integrated) Photonics. Extensive research experience on Programmable Photonic Integrated Circuits, from designing to developing automated testing and calibration procedures.

  Since 2024, I'm working at OHB System AG as Systems Engineer in the Quantum Communication Networks department. Here, my duties range from being responsible for the performance evaluation of the photonic assembly of EAGLE-1 QRNG to technically leading internal R&D projects related to QKD. I'm also project and technical manager for the Next-Gen QRBG project, aiming for designing and assembling a breadboard to support the development of the next generation space QRNGs.

• 

  Laurens Weers

  CFO

  PhotonDelta

  Laurens Weers is an executive board member of PhotonDelta, where he oversees (amongst others) the foundation's funding activities. With a substantial part of his career dedicated to M&A and fundraising for technology scaleups, Laurens brings a wealth of experience to the table with respect to the challenges in fundraising and growing scaleups. He holds a degree from the University of Tilburg and Nyenrode, where he earned his certification as a Certified Public Auditor (Registeraccountant).

  

  Laurens Weers

  CFO

  PhotonDelta

  Laurens Weers is an executive board member of PhotonDelta, where he oversees (amongst others) the foundation's funding activities. With a substantial part of his career dedicated to M&A and fundraising for technology scaleups, Laurens brings a wealth of experience to the table with respect to the challenges in fundraising and growing scaleups. He holds a degree from the University of Tilburg and Nyenrode, where he earned his certification as a Certified Public Auditor (Registeraccountant).

• 

  Stephan Botz

  Co-Founder

  Gritd

  Stephan Botz is the co-founder of Gritd and one of the driving forces behind milestone-driven startup development in Europe. Having contributed to the launch of over 1,000 startups, Stephan brings a decade of experience in guiding founders toward product–market fit and investment readiness. His data-driven approach to venture building helps reduce risk and accelerate growth. Driven by the belief that Europe’s next wave of innovation will come from ventures built on real market demand, he continues to push startup development toward measurable impact.

  

  Stephan Botz

  Co-Founder

  Gritd

  Stephan Botz is the co-founder of Gritd and one of the driving forces behind milestone-driven startup development in Europe. Having contributed to the launch of over 1,000 startups, Stephan brings a decade of experience in guiding founders toward product–market fit and investment readiness. His data-driven approach to venture building helps reduce risk and accelerate growth. Driven by the belief that Europe’s next wave of innovation will come from ventures built on real market demand, he continues to push startup development toward measurable impact.

• 

  Kaylee Hakkel

  COO

  MantiSpectra

  Kaylee Hakkel is the COO of MantiSpectra, where she leads operations to bring the company’s advanced sensor technology to the market. Her expertise lies in transforming deep-tech innovations into scalable, mass-producible products, with a strong focus on building an efficient and resilient supply chain. She obtained her Ph.D. in Applied Physics at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), where her research on the design, fabrication, and characterization of novel sensors laid the foundation for MantiSpectra’s current technology. During her Ph.D., she also founded and served as the first president of the Photonics Society Eindhoven, promoting optics and photonics among young researchers.

  

  Kaylee Hakkel

  COO

  MantiSpectra

  Kaylee Hakkel is the COO of MantiSpectra, where she leads operations to bring the company’s advanced sensor technology to the market. Her expertise lies in transforming deep-tech innovations into scalable, mass-producible products, with a strong focus on building an efficient and resilient supply chain. She obtained her Ph.D. in Applied Physics at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), where her research on the design, fabrication, and characterization of novel sensors laid the foundation for MantiSpectra’s current technology. During her Ph.D., she also founded and served as the first president of the Photonics Society Eindhoven, promoting optics and photonics among young researchers.

• 

  Thomas Hessler

  CEO

  Ligentec
  

  Thomas Hessler

  CEO

  Ligentec

Panellists

• 

  Martijn Heck

  Professor

  TU Eindhoven

  Martijn Heck is professor in the Photonic Integration group of the Electrical Engineering department at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). Heck is a globally recognized and internationally oriented expert in photonic integration, with broad experience in ground-breaking basic research, applied research and technology transfer. 

  He has specific interest in the application of this technology in sensors, microwave and terahertz photonics, quantum technology, and interconnects. He has worked with all the major photonic integration platforms, i.e., indium phosphide, silicon photonics and silicon nitride, and the heterogeneous integration thereof.

  

  Martijn Heck

  Professor

  TU Eindhoven

  Martijn Heck is professor in the Photonic Integration group of the Electrical Engineering department at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). Heck is a globally recognized and internationally oriented expert in photonic integration, with broad experience in ground-breaking basic research, applied research and technology transfer. 

  He has specific interest in the application of this technology in sensors, microwave and terahertz photonics, quantum technology, and interconnects. He has worked with all the major photonic integration platforms, i.e., indium phosphide, silicon photonics and silicon nitride, and the heterogeneous integration thereof.

• 

  Frans van Ette

  Defence, Safety & Security

  TNO

  Frans holds a MSc in Business Economics from the Erasmus University Rotterdam. He started his career in telecommunications at KPN in product management and moved on to join the KPN joint venture Unisource in Switzerland in commercial roles. 

  In 11 years at Swets & Zeitlinger he held positions such as Regional Director Asia Pacific located in Singapore and Director Business Development and member of the Exec Board. 

  The next stop was Atos where he was Business Director of Managed Services in The Benelux and Nordics. 

  Since 2017, Frans is working for TNO. He currently holds the function of Division Director Autonomous Systems and Decision Support at the Defense Safety and Security Unit.

  

  Frans van Ette

  Defence, Safety & Security

  TNO

  Frans holds a MSc in Business Economics from the Erasmus University Rotterdam. He started his career in telecommunications at KPN in product management and moved on to join the KPN joint venture Unisource in Switzerland in commercial roles. 

  In 11 years at Swets & Zeitlinger he held positions such as Regional Director Asia Pacific located in Singapore and Director Business Development and member of the Exec Board. 

  The next stop was Atos where he was Business Director of Managed Services in The Benelux and Nordics. 

  Since 2017, Frans is working for TNO. He currently holds the function of Division Director Autonomous Systems and Decision Support at the Defense Safety and Security Unit.

• 

  Peppino Primiani

  Integrated Photonics Researcher

  Leonardo S.p.A

  Peppino Primiani is a researcher in Integrated Photonics at Leonardo S.p.A. He carried out his Ph.D. work at Thales Research and Technology France, where he specialized in PICs for microwave photonics. Before joining Leonardo in 2024, he served as Project Lead at Smart Photonics and Cordon Electronics Italia, where he directed projects spanning the design, packaging, testing, and industrialization of photonic-based platforms and systems. His current research is dedicated to advancing photonic integrated circuits for next-generation defence applications, with a particular focus on secure communications, high-performance sensing, and enabling technologies for emerging quantum systems.

  

  Peppino Primiani

  Integrated Photonics Researcher

  Leonardo S.p.A

  Peppino Primiani is a researcher in Integrated Photonics at Leonardo S.p.A. He carried out his Ph.D. work at Thales Research and Technology France, where he specialized in PICs for microwave photonics. Before joining Leonardo in 2024, he served as Project Lead at Smart Photonics and Cordon Electronics Italia, where he directed projects spanning the design, packaging, testing, and industrialization of photonic-based platforms and systems. His current research is dedicated to advancing photonic integrated circuits for next-generation defence applications, with a particular focus on secure communications, high-performance sensing, and enabling technologies for emerging quantum systems.

• 

  Eric Belhaire

  Head of Electro-Optical technologies

  Thales

  Eric Belhaire holds a PhD in Physics and Electrical Engineering from the University of Paris-Saclay, and graduated in Applied Physics from the École Normale Supérieure de Paris-Saclay, with a Master’s degree as well as the agrégation in Applied Physics. He served as a research scientist at CNRS (French National Centre for Scientific Research) from 1992 to 2007, where he led a research group at the Institute of Fundamental Electronics (IEF) at University Paris-Saclay. His work focused on analog and mixed-signal integrated circuit design, with a particular interest in vision circuits (image sensors, silicon retinas), microsystems, and emerging technologies in system-on-chip design. From 1998 onwards, Dr. Belhaire also acted as a scientific advisor to Thales, contributing to the development of advanced infrared detectors. In 2008, he joined Thales full-time. He is currently Senior Expert in Electro-Optical Technologies within the Technical Directorate. He is a member of the Executive Board of Photonics21 and chairs its Space, Security, and Defence workgroup.

  

  Eric Belhaire

  Head of Electro-Optical technologies

  Thales

  Eric Belhaire holds a PhD in Physics and Electrical Engineering from the University of Paris-Saclay, and graduated in Applied Physics from the École Normale Supérieure de Paris-Saclay, with a Master’s degree as well as the agrégation in Applied Physics. He served as a research scientist at CNRS (French National Centre for Scientific Research) from 1992 to 2007, where he led a research group at the Institute of Fundamental Electronics (IEF) at University Paris-Saclay. His work focused on analog and mixed-signal integrated circuit design, with a particular interest in vision circuits (image sensors, silicon retinas), microsystems, and emerging technologies in system-on-chip design. From 1998 onwards, Dr. Belhaire also acted as a scientific advisor to Thales, contributing to the development of advanced infrared detectors. In 2008, he joined Thales full-time. He is currently Senior Expert in Electro-Optical Technologies within the Technical Directorate. He is a member of the Executive Board of Photonics21 and chairs its Space, Security, and Defence workgroup.

• 

  Stefan Jung

  Head of Innovation & Technology

  Diehl Defence

  Dr. Stefan Jung holds a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Stuttgart and the University of Toronto, and a Ph.D. in Interfacial Physics and Micro-Thermodynamics from ETH Zurich, where he later served as a Postdoctoral Researcher and Lecturer in energy conversion technologies. He also completed an Executive MBA in Innovation and Business Creation at the TUM School of Management.

  In industry, he has held diverse technical and leadership roles, including engineering positions at Airbus, where he worked on advanced aerospace products and programs, and later served as Chief Engineer and Project Manager for scientific and operational space payloads at Airbus Defence and Space. He subsequently advanced into Innovation and Technology Management at Diehl Defence, bridging scientific expertise with strategic business innovation.

  

  Stefan Jung

  Head of Innovation & Technology

  Diehl Defence

  Dr. Stefan Jung holds a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Stuttgart and the University of Toronto, and a Ph.D. in Interfacial Physics and Micro-Thermodynamics from ETH Zurich, where he later served as a Postdoctoral Researcher and Lecturer in energy conversion technologies. He also completed an Executive MBA in Innovation and Business Creation at the TUM School of Management.

  In industry, he has held diverse technical and leadership roles, including engineering positions at Airbus, where he worked on advanced aerospace products and programs, and later served as Chief Engineer and Project Manager for scientific and operational space payloads at Airbus Defence and Space. He subsequently advanced into Innovation and Technology Management at Diehl Defence, bridging scientific expertise with strategic business innovation.

• 

  Ivan Nikitski

  Technology Expert

  EPIC

  Dr. Ivan Nikitski serves as a Photonics Technology Expert at EPIC, the European Photonics Industry Consortium, which stands as the world's largest association of photonics companies with over 800 corporate members. Ivan earned his Ph.D. with honors in photonics from ICFO, the Institute of Photonic Sciences. 

  After successfully transitioning to an expert role in the semiconductor industry in France, he now provides a special blend of academic and industrial views on integrated photonics, optoelectronics, advanced materials, and quantum technologies.

  

  Ivan Nikitski

  Technology Expert

  EPIC

  Dr. Ivan Nikitski serves as a Photonics Technology Expert at EPIC, the European Photonics Industry Consortium, which stands as the world's largest association of photonics companies with over 800 corporate members. Ivan earned his Ph.D. with honors in photonics from ICFO, the Institute of Photonic Sciences. 

  After successfully transitioning to an expert role in the semiconductor industry in France, he now provides a special blend of academic and industrial views on integrated photonics, optoelectronics, advanced materials, and quantum technologies.

• 

  Michiel Boermans

  Sr. Product Marketing Manager

  SMART Photonics

  Michiel Boermans began his photonics journey in 1985 at Philips Nat.Lab, pioneering GaAs/AlInGaP lasers with breakthroughs in red and green light. At TE Connectivity, he managed high-speed optical interconnects for supercomputers and wireless systems. After roles in technical marketing and sensors, Michiel returned to transceivers at EFFECT Photonics. He now serves as Senior Product Marketing Manager at SMART Photonics, driving success in InP technologies for AI/data centers, telecom, passive optical networks, and optical sensing markets.

  

  Michiel Boermans

  Sr. Product Marketing Manager

  SMART Photonics

  Michiel Boermans began his photonics journey in 1985 at Philips Nat.Lab, pioneering GaAs/AlInGaP lasers with breakthroughs in red and green light. At TE Connectivity, he managed high-speed optical interconnects for supercomputers and wireless systems. After roles in technical marketing and sensors, Michiel returned to transceivers at EFFECT Photonics. He now serves as Senior Product Marketing Manager at SMART Photonics, driving success in InP technologies for AI/data centers, telecom, passive optical networks, and optical sensing markets.

• 

  Sander Roosendaal

  Senior R&D Leader

  Synopsys

  Sander Roosendaal is a senior R&D leader at Synopsys, where he drives the development of the Photonic Integrated Circuit design suite.

  With a Ph.D. in Physics from Utrecht University, Sander began his career as a scientist at Philips Research, contributing to and leading industrial R&D in the fields of Liquid Crystal Displays and electronic paper. 

  From 2008 to 2020, Sander served as a program manager and technical leader at Honeywell Aerospace, overseeing Honeywell’s involvement in the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) joint undertaking.

  In this role, he managed EU-funded projects and consortia and led a team of 50+ R&D engineers, honing his expertise in large-scale program management and cross-disciplinary collaboration. 

  Since 2020, Sander has been the R&D leader for Photonic Systems at Synopsys, where he bridges the gap between physics (photonics) and professional software development. His interests span program management, industrial R&D, innovation, numerical simulation, and software development, with a particular passion for projects where these fields intersect to create cutting-edge technologies.

  

  Sander Roosendaal

  Senior R&D Leader

  Synopsys

  Sander Roosendaal is a senior R&D leader at Synopsys, where he drives the development of the Photonic Integrated Circuit design suite.

  With a Ph.D. in Physics from Utrecht University, Sander began his career as a scientist at Philips Research, contributing to and leading industrial R&D in the fields of Liquid Crystal Displays and electronic paper. 

  From 2008 to 2020, Sander served as a program manager and technical leader at Honeywell Aerospace, overseeing Honeywell’s involvement in the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) joint undertaking.

  In this role, he managed EU-funded projects and consortia and led a team of 50+ R&D engineers, honing his expertise in large-scale program management and cross-disciplinary collaboration. 

  Since 2020, Sander has been the R&D leader for Photonic Systems at Synopsys, where he bridges the gap between physics (photonics) and professional software development. His interests span program management, industrial R&D, innovation, numerical simulation, and software development, with a particular passion for projects where these fields intersect to create cutting-edge technologies.

• 

  Jesse Robbers

  Regional Managing Director

  imec the Netherlands

  Jesse Robbers serves as Regional Managing Director at imec the Netherlands, bringing extensive leadership experience in deep-tech, quantum technology, digital infrastructure, and telecommunications. 

  Previously, Jesse co-founded and served on the Executive Board of Quantum Delta NL (QDNL), the Netherlands' National Quantum Initiative. At QDNL, he directed the "Industry & Digital Infrastructure" sector and coordinated national and international Quantum Network developments. 

  His international representation includes serving as the National representative on the EuroQCI Board, the European Quantum Declaration, member of the Research and Innovation Advisory Group (RIAG) of EuroHPC JU, and advisory roles in different European quantum initiatives including the Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA). He participated also in the development of the Dutch National Technology Strategy (NTS).

  

  Jesse Robbers

  Regional Managing Director

  imec the Netherlands

  Jesse Robbers serves as Regional Managing Director at imec the Netherlands, bringing extensive leadership experience in deep-tech, quantum technology, digital infrastructure, and telecommunications. 

  Previously, Jesse co-founded and served on the Executive Board of Quantum Delta NL (QDNL), the Netherlands' National Quantum Initiative. At QDNL, he directed the "Industry & Digital Infrastructure" sector and coordinated national and international Quantum Network developments. 

  His international representation includes serving as the National representative on the EuroQCI Board, the European Quantum Declaration, member of the Research and Innovation Advisory Group (RIAG) of EuroHPC JU, and advisory roles in different European quantum initiatives including the Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA). He participated also in the development of the Dutch National Technology Strategy (NTS).

• 

  Stefan Hengesbach

  CEO

  QuiX Quantum

  Dr.-Ing. Stefan Hengesbach is CEO of the Dutch Quantum Computing company QuiX Quantum, which sells photonic quantum processors and full systems based on integrated photonic circuits. QuiX Quantum is the world market leader regarding the number of processors sold, their quality (fidelity) as well as the number of inputs and outputs, the so-called Qumodes.

  Dr. Hengesbach, who took over as CEO in May 2022, previously served as Managing Director of the quantum startup Q.ANT in Stuttgart, Germany. Having been in the photonics industry for more than 10 years, he has already worked for renowned companies such as TRUMPF and the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft.

  For his dissertation, Dr. Hengesbach was awarded the Borchers Badge of RWTH Aachen University, and for his research in the field of laser technology, he received the prestigious Hugo Geiger Prize of the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft and the WLT Prize of the Scientific Society for Laser Technology.

  

  Stefan Hengesbach

  CEO

  QuiX Quantum

  Dr.-Ing. Stefan Hengesbach is CEO of the Dutch Quantum Computing company QuiX Quantum, which sells photonic quantum processors and full systems based on integrated photonic circuits. QuiX Quantum is the world market leader regarding the number of processors sold, their quality (fidelity) as well as the number of inputs and outputs, the so-called Qumodes.

  Dr. Hengesbach, who took over as CEO in May 2022, previously served as Managing Director of the quantum startup Q.ANT in Stuttgart, Germany. Having been in the photonics industry for more than 10 years, he has already worked for renowned companies such as TRUMPF and the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft.

  For his dissertation, Dr. Hengesbach was awarded the Borchers Badge of RWTH Aachen University, and for his research in the field of laser technology, he received the prestigious Hugo Geiger Prize of the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft and the WLT Prize of the Scientific Society for Laser Technology.

• 

  San-Liang Lee

  Chairman

  HiSPA

  San-Liang Lee received his Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He joined National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST) in 1988, became Full Professor in 2002, and Chair Professor in 2019. He has served as Vice President of NTUST, Dean of Academic Affairs, and Chair of the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering. Dr. Lee directed several national research programs on silicon photonics and image display technology and was Director of the Photonic Division at Taiwan’s National Science and Technology Council. He is currently Director of the Heterogeneous Integrated Silicon Photonic Integration Research Center (HiSiPIC) and Chairperson of the International Heterogeneously Integrated Silicon Photonics Alliance (HiSPA). His international experience includes visiting positions at MIT and the University of Tokyo. He has served on editorial boards including Journal of the Chinese Institute of Engineers and is currently Senior Editor of IEEE Access.

  His research interests include semiconductor optoelectronic components, photonic integrated circuits, nanophotonics, and optical networking technologies. He has published more than 250 referred papers in international journals and conferences and holds >30 patents. He is a Senior Member of IEEE and a Fellow of Taiwan Photonics Society.

  

  San-Liang Lee

  Chairman

  HiSPA

  San-Liang Lee received his Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He joined National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST) in 1988, became Full Professor in 2002, and Chair Professor in 2019. He has served as Vice President of NTUST, Dean of Academic Affairs, and Chair of the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering. Dr. Lee directed several national research programs on silicon photonics and image display technology and was Director of the Photonic Division at Taiwan’s National Science and Technology Council. He is currently Director of the Heterogeneous Integrated Silicon Photonic Integration Research Center (HiSiPIC) and Chairperson of the International Heterogeneously Integrated Silicon Photonics Alliance (HiSPA). His international experience includes visiting positions at MIT and the University of Tokyo. He has served on editorial boards including Journal of the Chinese Institute of Engineers and is currently Senior Editor of IEEE Access.

  His research interests include semiconductor optoelectronic components, photonic integrated circuits, nanophotonics, and optical networking technologies. He has published more than 250 referred papers in international journals and conferences and holds >30 patents. He is a Senior Member of IEEE and a Fellow of Taiwan Photonics Society.

• 

  Chien-Chung Lin

  Division R&D Director

  Industrial Technology Research Institute

  Chien-Chung Lin received the Ph.D. degree in EE from Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA. He joined National Taiwan University in August, 2021 as professor of Graduate Institute of Photonics and Optoelectronics. From 2009 to 2021, he was with National Chiao Tung University (NCTU). His research efforts are in design and fabrication of novel semiconductor optoelectronic devices, including LEDs, solar cells, and lasers. Since 2016, he has been jointly appointed by the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), where he participates and leads several projects in the micro LEDs, 3DIC, and silicon photonics. Before NCTU, he worked for start-ups, including E2O communications and Santur, in USA. 

  From 2015 to 2017, he was the recipient of the Young Investigator Research Grant by Ministry of Science and Technology of Taiwan. He served as the chairperson of the Taipei chapter of the IEEE Photonics Society (2019-2020) and the Optoelectronic Devices Committee member of the IEEE Electron Device Society (2020-2021). Currently he serves as the Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices (TED) and IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics (JQE). He has more than 300 journal and conference publications and is a Fellow of the OPTICA (formerly OSA) and a senior member of the IEEE.

  

  Chien-Chung Lin

  Division R&D Director

  Industrial Technology Research Institute

  Chien-Chung Lin received the Ph.D. degree in EE from Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA. He joined National Taiwan University in August, 2021 as professor of Graduate Institute of Photonics and Optoelectronics. From 2009 to 2021, he was with National Chiao Tung University (NCTU). His research efforts are in design and fabrication of novel semiconductor optoelectronic devices, including LEDs, solar cells, and lasers. Since 2016, he has been jointly appointed by the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), where he participates and leads several projects in the micro LEDs, 3DIC, and silicon photonics. Before NCTU, he worked for start-ups, including E2O communications and Santur, in USA. 

  From 2015 to 2017, he was the recipient of the Young Investigator Research Grant by Ministry of Science and Technology of Taiwan. He served as the chairperson of the Taipei chapter of the IEEE Photonics Society (2019-2020) and the Optoelectronic Devices Committee member of the IEEE Electron Device Society (2020-2021). Currently he serves as the Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices (TED) and IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics (JQE). He has more than 300 journal and conference publications and is a Fellow of the OPTICA (formerly OSA) and a senior member of the IEEE.

• 

  Hann-Huei Tsai

  Research Fellow & Deputy Director General

  Taiwan Semiconductor Research Institute

  Hann-Huei Tsai received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in electrical engineering from National Cheng-Kung University, Taiwan, in 1992 and 1994, respectively. He had worked in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacture Company as a process integration engineer and section manager from 1996 to 2006. He joined the National Chip Implementation Center (CIC), National Applied Research Laboratories (NARLabs) in 2006 and focused on CMOS heterogeneous chip integration, including MEMS, BioMEMS, mixed-signal, power management and silicon photonics applications. He is now the research fellow and division deputy director general in Taiwan Semiconductor Research Institute (TSRI), National Institutes of Applied Research (NIAR). He has published over 50 journal and conference papers and own 37 patents.

  

  Hann-Huei Tsai

  Research Fellow & Deputy Director General

  Taiwan Semiconductor Research Institute

  Hann-Huei Tsai received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in electrical engineering from National Cheng-Kung University, Taiwan, in 1992 and 1994, respectively. He had worked in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacture Company as a process integration engineer and section manager from 1996 to 2006. He joined the National Chip Implementation Center (CIC), National Applied Research Laboratories (NARLabs) in 2006 and focused on CMOS heterogeneous chip integration, including MEMS, BioMEMS, mixed-signal, power management and silicon photonics applications. He is now the research fellow and division deputy director general in Taiwan Semiconductor Research Institute (TSRI), National Institutes of Applied Research (NIAR). He has published over 50 journal and conference papers and own 37 patents.

• 

  Jay Tang

  Sr. Department Manager

  ASE

  Shih-Chieh Tang leads the architecture team at ASE, focusing on advanced sensor development in areas such as silicon photonics and ESG-related applications. With nearly 10 years at ASE, he has helped drive the company’s sensor technologies into widespread adoption, enabling smarter and more efficient systems.

  Previously, he was an R&D Principal Engineer at FOREPI (later acquired by Epistar), specializing in LED fabrication, wafer-level chip-scale packaging (WLCSP), and optical technologies. At ASE, he applies this expertise to collaborate with tier-one customers on packaging innovation and sensor integration, highlighting the pivotal role of packaging in both chip reliability and sensor functionality. His leadership continues to position ASE at the forefront of semiconductor packaging and next-generation sensor applications.

  

  Jay Tang

  Sr. Department Manager

  ASE

  Shih-Chieh Tang leads the architecture team at ASE, focusing on advanced sensor development in areas such as silicon photonics and ESG-related applications. With nearly 10 years at ASE, he has helped drive the company’s sensor technologies into widespread adoption, enabling smarter and more efficient systems.

  Previously, he was an R&D Principal Engineer at FOREPI (later acquired by Epistar), specializing in LED fabrication, wafer-level chip-scale packaging (WLCSP), and optical technologies. At ASE, he applies this expertise to collaborate with tier-one customers on packaging innovation and sensor integration, highlighting the pivotal role of packaging in both chip reliability and sensor functionality. His leadership continues to position ASE at the forefront of semiconductor packaging and next-generation sensor applications.

• 

  Andrew Chen

  Deputy Director

  WIN Semiconductors

  Andrew Chen joined WIN Semiconductors in 2015. Since then he has been involved in NPI and process development of GaAs and InP OE products, including 6" GaAs VCSEL for face ID, 4" InP IQM, 4" highly integrated tunable InP transmitter, and 4" high speed InP CDM. Before joining WIN Semi, Andrew served as product manager at Source Photonics, responsible for the development of high speed optical devices.

  

  Andrew Chen

  Deputy Director

  WIN Semiconductors

  Andrew Chen joined WIN Semiconductors in 2015. Since then he has been involved in NPI and process development of GaAs and InP OE products, including 6" GaAs VCSEL for face ID, 4" InP IQM, 4" highly integrated tunable InP transmitter, and 4" high speed InP CDM. Before joining WIN Semi, Andrew served as product manager at Source Photonics, responsible for the development of high speed optical devices.

• 

  Ivana Sersic Vollenbroek

  Senior Investment Manager

  Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij

  High-tech professional with over 15 years of experience in managing strategic projects in industry and academia, from low TRL levels to commercialization. After completing a PhD in photonics, previous roles were in the oil and gas, semicon, and pharmaceutical sectors. Currently acting as an investment manager at the regional development agency (BOM) with a focus on deeptech ventures and the photonics ecosystem.

  

  Ivana Sersic Vollenbroek

  Senior Investment Manager

  Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij

  High-tech professional with over 15 years of experience in managing strategic projects in industry and academia, from low TRL levels to commercialization. After completing a PhD in photonics, previous roles were in the oil and gas, semicon, and pharmaceutical sectors. Currently acting as an investment manager at the regional development agency (BOM) with a focus on deeptech ventures and the photonics ecosystem.

• 

  Sujatha Ramanujan

  Chief Investment Officer

  NextCorps

  Sujatha Ramanujan is a serial entrepreneur and seasoned executive with 25 years of experience in Clinical Devices and in Consumer Electronics. Sujatha has started, built, and grown three startup businesses in cardiac surgical equipment, optical communications, and nano materials. In addition, as CTO and Product Line Manager of Mammography CAD and Pediatric Businesses within Kodak and Carestream, her team developed and launched clinical equipment and Clinical IT on every continent. Sujatha has held scientific, technical leadership, and laboratory head positions in Chrysler Corporation, GE, Kodak, Carestream, and Intrinsiq Materials. She holds 28 issued US patents. As a corporate investor for Kodak, then later working with regional investment councils she provides guidance to startups, M&A strategies for growing businesses, and vetting of technologies to investors. She has served on investment advisories in US, Canada, and Israel. Dr. Ramanujan holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan and is an Executive Board Member of the National Women’s Hall of Fame.

  

  Sujatha Ramanujan

  Chief Investment Officer

  NextCorps

  Sujatha Ramanujan is a serial entrepreneur and seasoned executive with 25 years of experience in Clinical Devices and in Consumer Electronics. Sujatha has started, built, and grown three startup businesses in cardiac surgical equipment, optical communications, and nano materials. In addition, as CTO and Product Line Manager of Mammography CAD and Pediatric Businesses within Kodak and Carestream, her team developed and launched clinical equipment and Clinical IT on every continent. Sujatha has held scientific, technical leadership, and laboratory head positions in Chrysler Corporation, GE, Kodak, Carestream, and Intrinsiq Materials. She holds 28 issued US patents. As a corporate investor for Kodak, then later working with regional investment councils she provides guidance to startups, M&A strategies for growing businesses, and vetting of technologies to investors. She has served on investment advisories in US, Canada, and Israel. Dr. Ramanujan holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan and is an Executive Board Member of the National Women’s Hall of Fame.

• 

  Joachim de Sterke

  Co-Founder & GP

  PhotonVentures

  Before pioneering PhotonVentures, Joachim de Sterke co-founded PhotonDelta, where he played a crucial role in expediting the development of the Dutch and EU integrated photonics markets. His impactful contributions include meticulously constructing a robust ecosystem and investment portfolio, and strategically cultivating individual partnerships and a global network to bolster the industry's growth. With a rich entrepreneurial history, Joachim brings not only in-depth sector and investment knowledge but also a proven track record of building. He founded two internationally backed SaaS companies and established the Creative Capital Studio fund, reflecting his entrepreneurial and innovative mindset and multifaceted expertise in navigating and nurturing ventures from inception to success. Joachim’s academic background is rooted in an MSc of Finance from the Erasmus University Rotterdam.

  

  Joachim de Sterke

  Co-Founder & GP

  PhotonVentures

  Before pioneering PhotonVentures, Joachim de Sterke co-founded PhotonDelta, where he played a crucial role in expediting the development of the Dutch and EU integrated photonics markets. His impactful contributions include meticulously constructing a robust ecosystem and investment portfolio, and strategically cultivating individual partnerships and a global network to bolster the industry's growth. With a rich entrepreneurial history, Joachim brings not only in-depth sector and investment knowledge but also a proven track record of building. He founded two internationally backed SaaS companies and established the Creative Capital Studio fund, reflecting his entrepreneurial and innovative mindset and multifaceted expertise in navigating and nurturing ventures from inception to success. Joachim’s academic background is rooted in an MSc of Finance from the Erasmus University Rotterdam.

• 

  Reinhard Voelkel

  Co-Chair

  Global Photonics Economic Forum (GPEF)

  Reinhard Voelkel, member of Optica Corporate Engagement Council, he is renowned for being one of the leaders of the volume production of micro-optics. He currently serves as the Corporate Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) at Focuslight Technologies. With over two decades of dedicated service, including a significant tenure as CEO of SUSS Micro-Optics, he has spearheaded transformative initiatives in micro-optics and photonics. Reinhard's strategic influence extends to advisory roles in prestigious organizations like the SwissChips Initiative and Sand Hill Angels. Armed with a Ph.D. in Physics from FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, his academic journey laid the foundation for groundbreaking contributions to optical sciences. Reinhard's career epitomizes a relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence.

  

  Reinhard Voelkel

  Co-Chair

  Global Photonics Economic Forum (GPEF)

  Reinhard Voelkel, member of Optica Corporate Engagement Council, he is renowned for being one of the leaders of the volume production of micro-optics. He currently serves as the Corporate Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) at Focuslight Technologies. With over two decades of dedicated service, including a significant tenure as CEO of SUSS Micro-Optics, he has spearheaded transformative initiatives in micro-optics and photonics. Reinhard's strategic influence extends to advisory roles in prestigious organizations like the SwissChips Initiative and Sand Hill Angels. Armed with a Ph.D. in Physics from FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, his academic journey laid the foundation for groundbreaking contributions to optical sciences. Reinhard's career epitomizes a relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence.

• 

  Wouter Deelman

  Entrepreneur

  ThreeFive Photonics
  

  Wouter Deelman

  Entrepreneur

  ThreeFive Photonics
• 

  Steven Konsek

  Investment Director

  Applied Ventures

  Steven Konsek is an Investment Director at Applied Ventures where he focuses on photonics and displays in addition to supporting investments and startup ecosystem engagement in Europe and Israel.

  Prior to joining Applied Ventures in 2022, Steven spent nearly two decades working with and funding deep-tech startups in the U.S. and Europe. He was most recently Director of Business Development at Aledia, a French photonics startup. Prior to Aledia, Steven led innovation programs at the U.S. National Science Foundation, where he ran NSF’s portfolio funding startups in the semiconductor, photonics, advanced materials, and IoT sectors as well as leading the Innovation Corps program for deep-tech startups. Prior to NSF, Steven held leadership positions in several semiconductor/photonics startups, including Illumitex, Glo/Qunano, and Nantero.

  Steven has a PhD in Physics from the University of Washington and BS in Mathematics from Purdue University. He is based in Geneva, Switzerland.

  

  Steven Konsek

  Investment Director

  Applied Ventures

  Steven Konsek is an Investment Director at Applied Ventures where he focuses on photonics and displays in addition to supporting investments and startup ecosystem engagement in Europe and Israel.

  Prior to joining Applied Ventures in 2022, Steven spent nearly two decades working with and funding deep-tech startups in the U.S. and Europe. He was most recently Director of Business Development at Aledia, a French photonics startup. Prior to Aledia, Steven led innovation programs at the U.S. National Science Foundation, where he ran NSF’s portfolio funding startups in the semiconductor, photonics, advanced materials, and IoT sectors as well as leading the Innovation Corps program for deep-tech startups. Prior to NSF, Steven held leadership positions in several semiconductor/photonics startups, including Illumitex, Glo/Qunano, and Nantero.

  Steven has a PhD in Physics from the University of Washington and BS in Mathematics from Purdue University. He is based in Geneva, Switzerland.

• 

  Daniel de Cruz

  Senior Director Sales & Partnerships | Quantum Computing

  IonQ
  

  Daniel de Cruz

  Senior Director Sales & Partnerships | Quantum Computing

  IonQ
• 

  Wladick Hartmann

  CTO

  Pixel Photonics GmbH

  Dr. Wladick Hartmann studied physics at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), focusing his research during his diploma thesis on superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs), exploring their potential applications in quantum information processing and communication. 

  To broaden his expertise, Wladick pursued a master's degree during a stay abroad in lasers and optoelectronics at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, gaining valuable insights into optical systems and laser technologies. He then went to the University of Münster for his Ph.D., where he conducted groundbreaking research on nanophotonic integrated spectrometers utilizing tailored disorder in combination with waveguide integrated SNSPDs.  

  Embracing his entrepreneurial spirit, Wladick co-founded Pixel Photonics GmbH, a pioneering quantum technology startup in Münster, alongside four colleagues. The company specializes in developing state-of-the-art traveling wave SNSPD systems catering to the emerging quantum computing and quantum key distribution (QKD) markets. Wladick’s current role at Pixel Photonics is co-managing director and CTO.  

  

  Wladick Hartmann

  CTO

  Pixel Photonics GmbH

  Dr. Wladick Hartmann studied physics at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), focusing his research during his diploma thesis on superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs), exploring their potential applications in quantum information processing and communication. 

  To broaden his expertise, Wladick pursued a master's degree during a stay abroad in lasers and optoelectronics at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, gaining valuable insights into optical systems and laser technologies. He then went to the University of Münster for his Ph.D., where he conducted groundbreaking research on nanophotonic integrated spectrometers utilizing tailored disorder in combination with waveguide integrated SNSPDs.  

  Embracing his entrepreneurial spirit, Wladick co-founded Pixel Photonics GmbH, a pioneering quantum technology startup in Münster, alongside four colleagues. The company specializes in developing state-of-the-art traveling wave SNSPD systems catering to the emerging quantum computing and quantum key distribution (QKD) markets. Wladick’s current role at Pixel Photonics is co-managing director and CTO.  

Side-event: Future of Integrated Photonics

• 

  Imran Avci

  Assoc. Prof.

  VU Amsterdam

  Imran Avci received her Ph.D. in 2012 from the Integrated Optical Microsystems Group at the University of Twente, The Netherlands, where she developed on-chip optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems. From 2013 to 2015, she was a postdoctoral researcher in Prof. Yun’s laboratory at Harvard Medical School, working on OCT vibrography for assessing corneal biomechanics. She is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at VU Amsterdam. Her group pioneers multimodal biophotonics, creating photonic instruments that sense, image, and stimulate biological systems to reveal new biomarkers.

  

  Imran Avci

  Assoc. Prof.

  VU Amsterdam

  Imran Avci received her Ph.D. in 2012 from the Integrated Optical Microsystems Group at the University of Twente, The Netherlands, where she developed on-chip optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems. From 2013 to 2015, she was a postdoctoral researcher in Prof. Yun’s laboratory at Harvard Medical School, working on OCT vibrography for assessing corneal biomechanics. She is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at VU Amsterdam. Her group pioneers multimodal biophotonics, creating photonic instruments that sense, image, and stimulate biological systems to reveal new biomarkers.

• 

  Amir H. Ghadimi

  CEO & Co-Founder

  Lightium

  Dr. Amir H. Ghadimi co-founded Lightium AG in Sep 2023 and is leading Lightium’s development to advance thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) photonic integrated circuits (PICs) technology for high-volume production. With 15+ years of expertise in integrated photonics, MEMS, and micro/nano technology, he previously led PIC research activities at CSEM. He is the recipient of several awards and grants such as Swiss national funding (SNF) Sinergia grant (2021), SNF Bridge discovery grant (2020), Swiss Physical Society (SPS) 2019 young scientist award, Swiss Nanotechnology best PhD award (2018) to name a few. He has secured significant funding from private investors and public grants, including the coordination of several large H2020 and HorizonEurope international projects such as ELENA, PATTERN, INGINIOUS (Xecs) to name a few. Holding a PhD from EPFL (2018), he drives Lightium to redefine high-speed, energy-efficient photonics for datacenters, Al, quantum computing, and telecom.

  

  Amir H. Ghadimi

  CEO & Co-Founder

  Lightium

  Dr. Amir H. Ghadimi co-founded Lightium AG in Sep 2023 and is leading Lightium’s development to advance thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) photonic integrated circuits (PICs) technology for high-volume production. With 15+ years of expertise in integrated photonics, MEMS, and micro/nano technology, he previously led PIC research activities at CSEM. He is the recipient of several awards and grants such as Swiss national funding (SNF) Sinergia grant (2021), SNF Bridge discovery grant (2020), Swiss Physical Society (SPS) 2019 young scientist award, Swiss Nanotechnology best PhD award (2018) to name a few. He has secured significant funding from private investors and public grants, including the coordination of several large H2020 and HorizonEurope international projects such as ELENA, PATTERN, INGINIOUS (Xecs) to name a few. Holding a PhD from EPFL (2018), he drives Lightium to redefine high-speed, energy-efficient photonics for datacenters, Al, quantum computing, and telecom.

• 

  Philippe Bouyer

  Professor

  TU Eindhoven

  Philippe Bouyer is a Professor, Board Member, and Chair at Quantum Delta NL (QDNL), where he provides strategic leadership to advance the Dutch quantum technology ecosystem. A leading expert in quantum physics and precision measurement, he also serves as Editor-in-Chief of AIP-AVS Quantum Science. His career spans academia, research, and entrepreneurship—he co-founded one of the first startups in quantum sensing, served as Research Director at CNRS, and held senior positions at prestigious institutions including Institut d’Optique Paris-Saclay and Stanford University.

  

  Philippe Bouyer

  Professor

  TU Eindhoven

  Philippe Bouyer is a Professor, Board Member, and Chair at Quantum Delta NL (QDNL), where he provides strategic leadership to advance the Dutch quantum technology ecosystem. A leading expert in quantum physics and precision measurement, he also serves as Editor-in-Chief of AIP-AVS Quantum Science. His career spans academia, research, and entrepreneurship—he co-founded one of the first startups in quantum sensing, served as Research Director at CNRS, and held senior positions at prestigious institutions including Institut d’Optique Paris-Saclay and Stanford University.

• 

  Peter Zijlstra

  Professor

  TU Eindhoven

  Peter Zijlstra is a Professor of Molecular Plasmonics at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), where he leads a research group focused on nano-optical biosensing. His work combines nanophotonics, optical microscopy, and electromagnetic modeling to detect and study biomolecules for applications in biobhysics and diagnostics.

  

  Peter Zijlstra

  Professor

  TU Eindhoven

  Peter Zijlstra is a Professor of Molecular Plasmonics at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), where he leads a research group focused on nano-optical biosensing. His work combines nanophotonics, optical microscopy, and electromagnetic modeling to detect and study biomolecules for applications in biobhysics and diagnostics.

• 

  Anne Lena Schall - Giesecke

  Professor

  Fraunhofer IMS University of Duisburg

  Anna Schall-Giesecke is Professor at the University of Duisburg‑Essen and Head of the Technology Department at Fraunhofer IMS, Duisburg. Her research focuses on semiconductor and photonic technologies, with emphasis on electro‑optical devices, heterogeneous material integration, and photonic–electronic co‑integration. She studied Physics at Leibniz University Hannover (Diploma 2009) and obtained her PhD from Heinrich‑Heine‑University Düsseldorf (2013) on ultrafast laser–plasma interactions.

  Following work in ultrafast laser physics, she joined AMO GmbH in Aachen (2014–2021), where she became Head of the Nanophotonics group, advancing CMOS‑compatible photonics and realizing the first integrated perovskite laser. At Fraunhofer IMS she established photonic structure integration, forming the foundation for her current role.

  Her research combines material processing, device integration, and photonic circuit design for applications in photonic computing, biosensing, quantum technologies, and communication. She is active on international program committees (ECOC, ECIO, CLEO), advisory boards (cluster of excellence, DFG, Quantum Computing Board), has coordinated EU and national projects, and serves as Associate Editor of Optica Continuum.

  

  Anne Lena Schall - Giesecke

  Professor

  Fraunhofer IMS University of Duisburg

  Anna Schall-Giesecke is Professor at the University of Duisburg‑Essen and Head of the Technology Department at Fraunhofer IMS, Duisburg. Her research focuses on semiconductor and photonic technologies, with emphasis on electro‑optical devices, heterogeneous material integration, and photonic–electronic co‑integration. She studied Physics at Leibniz University Hannover (Diploma 2009) and obtained her PhD from Heinrich‑Heine‑University Düsseldorf (2013) on ultrafast laser–plasma interactions.

  Following work in ultrafast laser physics, she joined AMO GmbH in Aachen (2014–2021), where she became Head of the Nanophotonics group, advancing CMOS‑compatible photonics and realizing the first integrated perovskite laser. At Fraunhofer IMS she established photonic structure integration, forming the foundation for her current role.

  Her research combines material processing, device integration, and photonic circuit design for applications in photonic computing, biosensing, quantum technologies, and communication. She is active on international program committees (ECOC, ECIO, CLEO), advisory boards (cluster of excellence, DFG, Quantum Computing Board), has coordinated EU and national projects, and serves as Associate Editor of Optica Continuum.

• 

  Lantian Chang

  Assistant Professor

  University of Twente

  Dr. Lantian Chang is an Assistant Professor in the Integrated Optical Systems group (IOS) at the University of Twente and a member of the MESA+ Institute. He received his Ph.D. degrees from the University of Twente in 2016. His research focuses on integrated photonics, particularly the development of advanced on-chip sensors and coupling techniques for biosensing and environmental monitoring. He also contributes as the deputy head of education for the department of Applied Nanophotonics (ANP), overseeing academic programs and mentoring students.

  

  Lantian Chang

  Assistant Professor

  University of Twente

  Dr. Lantian Chang is an Assistant Professor in the Integrated Optical Systems group (IOS) at the University of Twente and a member of the MESA+ Institute. He received his Ph.D. degrees from the University of Twente in 2016. His research focuses on integrated photonics, particularly the development of advanced on-chip sensors and coupling techniques for biosensing and environmental monitoring. He also contributes as the deputy head of education for the department of Applied Nanophotonics (ANP), overseeing academic programs and mentoring students.

• 

  Gillen Beck

  Doctoral Student

  ETH Zurich

  Gillenhaal Beck is in his final year as a doctoral student in Physics at ETH Zurich in Switzerland, where his work in Prof. Jonathan Home’s Trapped Ion Quantum Information Group has focused on the design and operation of next-generation ion trap devices. In particular, this has included the development of versatile design workflows for rapid flexibility across foundries and material stacks, new packaging approaches for fiber-chip interfacing of UV light at cryogenic temperatures, and spearheading developments in integrated laser modulation and control. Gillenhaal holds a Master’s degree in physics from ETH Zurich, and a Bachelor’s of Science in both physics and mathematics from Washington and Lee University in the United States.

  

  Gillen Beck

  Doctoral Student

  ETH Zurich

  Gillenhaal Beck is in his final year as a doctoral student in Physics at ETH Zurich in Switzerland, where his work in Prof. Jonathan Home’s Trapped Ion Quantum Information Group has focused on the design and operation of next-generation ion trap devices. In particular, this has included the development of versatile design workflows for rapid flexibility across foundries and material stacks, new packaging approaches for fiber-chip interfacing of UV light at cryogenic temperatures, and spearheading developments in integrated laser modulation and control. Gillenhaal holds a Master’s degree in physics from ETH Zurich, and a Bachelor’s of Science in both physics and mathematics from Washington and Lee University in the United States.

• 

  Milan Milosevic

  Director of Research & Innovation

  PHIX

  Milan Milosevic is Director of Research and Innovation at PHIX Photonics Assembly, leading R&I for next‑generation products and services. He has 18 years of experience in technology innovation, leadership, intellectual property, and product development across optical datacom, communications, and photonics. He has worked in the UK, US, and Japan in various roles, pioneering high‑speed optical transceivers for datacom and mid‑infrared silicon photonics for sensing and biomedicine. He holds a Diplom‑Ingenieur in optoelectronics from the University of Belgrade and a PhD in silicon photonics from the University of Surrey.

  

  Milan Milosevic

  Director of Research & Innovation

  PHIX

  Milan Milosevic is Director of Research and Innovation at PHIX Photonics Assembly, leading R&I for next‑generation products and services. He has 18 years of experience in technology innovation, leadership, intellectual property, and product development across optical datacom, communications, and photonics. He has worked in the UK, US, and Japan in various roles, pioneering high‑speed optical transceivers for datacom and mid‑infrared silicon photonics for sensing and biomedicine. He holds a Diplom‑Ingenieur in optoelectronics from the University of Belgrade and a PhD in silicon photonics from the University of Surrey.

• 

  Lukas Puts

  Postdoctoral Researcher

  Eindhoven University of Technology

  Lukas Puts is a postdoctoral researcher in the Photonic Integration Group at TU/e’s Casimir Institute. His research involves laser dynamics, laser modeling and design, photonic neural networks, and extensive optical lab measurements, all focused on developing spiking laser neurons on the generic InP-based photonic technology platform. After finalizing his PhD on this topic, Lukas continued his research on spiking laser neurons and how these integrated laser neurons can be cascaded on chip-level. He is actively involved in the development of novel neuromorphic photonic hardware and is passionate about the exciting developments in this field.

  

  Lukas Puts

  Postdoctoral Researcher

  Eindhoven University of Technology

  Lukas Puts is a postdoctoral researcher in the Photonic Integration Group at TU/e’s Casimir Institute. His research involves laser dynamics, laser modeling and design, photonic neural networks, and extensive optical lab measurements, all focused on developing spiking laser neurons on the generic InP-based photonic technology platform. After finalizing his PhD on this topic, Lukas continued his research on spiking laser neurons and how these integrated laser neurons can be cascaded on chip-level. He is actively involved in the development of novel neuromorphic photonic hardware and is passionate about the exciting developments in this field.

• 

  Daan Stellinga

  CTO

  QSA Technology BV

  Daan Stellinga has a broad background in optics and photonics. From a PhD in silicon photonics and metasurfaces, through postdocs in computational imaging and complex media. After several years as research scientist in the R&D department of MSquared Lasers he recently joined QSA Technology as CTO and cofounder, where he drives the development of fully optical hardware authentication modules for telecommunication in a quantum age.

  

  Daan Stellinga

  CTO

  QSA Technology BV

  Daan Stellinga has a broad background in optics and photonics. From a PhD in silicon photonics and metasurfaces, through postdocs in computational imaging and complex media. After several years as research scientist in the R&D department of MSquared Lasers he recently joined QSA Technology as CTO and cofounder, where he drives the development of fully optical hardware authentication modules for telecommunication in a quantum age.

• 

  Wenjing Tian

  Researcher

  imec Netherlands

  Dr. Wenjing Tian is a researcher at imec with expertise in photonic integration and packaging technologies. She currently leads laser integration and packaging efforts at imec. Her work focuses on the development of lasers, modulators, and versatile integrated photonic circuits for a wide range of optical systems. She earned her Ph.D. from Eindhoven University of Technology, where she collaborated with Microsoft Research and industry partners on scalable photonic assembly. She has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications and received recognitions, including the IEEE Women in Photonics Travel Grant, Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship, and Best Poster Award at PIC Summit Europe.

  

  Wenjing Tian

  Researcher

  imec Netherlands

  Dr. Wenjing Tian is a researcher at imec with expertise in photonic integration and packaging technologies. She currently leads laser integration and packaging efforts at imec. Her work focuses on the development of lasers, modulators, and versatile integrated photonic circuits for a wide range of optical systems. She earned her Ph.D. from Eindhoven University of Technology, where she collaborated with Microsoft Research and industry partners on scalable photonic assembly. She has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications and received recognitions, including the IEEE Women in Photonics Travel Grant, Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship, and Best Poster Award at PIC Summit Europe.

• 

  David Marpaung

  Co-founder & Chief Scientist

  Sabratha Photonics

  David Marpaung is a co-founder and the chief scientist of Sabratha Photonics. He is a full professor leading the Nonlinear Nanophotonics group at the University of Twente, the Netherlands. He is a fellow of Optica (formerly OSA). He was awarded the 2022 ERC Consolidator grant on the topic of 3D photonic circuits for Brillouin scattering and the 2023 ERC Proof-of-Concept on the topic of Brillouin-Kerr frequency combs. His research interests include integrated photonics, nonlinear optics, and microwave photonics.

  

  David Marpaung

  Co-founder & Chief Scientist

  Sabratha Photonics

  David Marpaung is a co-founder and the chief scientist of Sabratha Photonics. He is a full professor leading the Nonlinear Nanophotonics group at the University of Twente, the Netherlands. He is a fellow of Optica (formerly OSA). He was awarded the 2022 ERC Consolidator grant on the topic of 3D photonic circuits for Brillouin scattering and the 2023 ERC Proof-of-Concept on the topic of Brillouin-Kerr frequency combs. His research interests include integrated photonics, nonlinear optics, and microwave photonics.

Hosts

• 

  Irene Rompa

  Host PIC Summit Europe

  De Foundary

  Irene Rompa studied Psychology at VU University. Her love for sustainability led her to the US in the year after her graduation (2011), where she led the international expansion of Dutch reusable waterbottle company Dopper. 

  After returning back home in 2015, she worked in the Dutch tech ecosystem in a wide variety of roles, leading accelerators, facilitating Dutch startups' international expansions and organizing large innovation events. 

  Until recently, she served as the Head of Communication at Quantum Delta NL, a public-private partnership that scales the Netherlands' quantum technology ecosystem. 

  Currently, she's a mediator and facilitates family constellations next to her work as an event host. 

  

  Irene Rompa

  Host PIC Summit Europe

  De Foundary

  Irene Rompa studied Psychology at VU University. Her love for sustainability led her to the US in the year after her graduation (2011), where she led the international expansion of Dutch reusable waterbottle company Dopper. 

  After returning back home in 2015, she worked in the Dutch tech ecosystem in a wide variety of roles, leading accelerators, facilitating Dutch startups' international expansions and organizing large innovation events. 

  Until recently, she served as the Head of Communication at Quantum Delta NL, a public-private partnership that scales the Netherlands' quantum technology ecosystem. 

  Currently, she's a mediator and facilitates family constellations next to her work as an event host. 

• 

  Eelko Brinkhoff

  CEO

  PhotonDelta

  Eelko Brinkhoff has been working for 25 years in economic development before joining PhotonDelta in February 2024. In his previous role as Managing Director Internationalisation at the Brabant Development Agency (BOM) he gained a lot of experience and knowledge in the field of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), internationalisation of SME's, innovation cooperation and economic development. He has built a strong network in the Netherlands and abroad towards business, government, knowledge institutes and universities. In his role as CEO of PhotonDelta the challenge is to mature the organisation after a period of rapid growth and to become an internationally recognised accelerator for the photonic chip industry. PhotonDelta plays a key role in making the integrated photonics ecosystem indispensable for the goals and challenges that we face today. Photonic chips will become critical in various applications such as quantum computing, robotics, sustainable agriculture and autonomous driving. PhotonDelta as a Dutch world leading ecosystem will be a driving force to make this happen.

  

  Eelko Brinkhoff

  CEO

  PhotonDelta

  Eelko Brinkhoff has been working for 25 years in economic development before joining PhotonDelta in February 2024. In his previous role as Managing Director Internationalisation at the Brabant Development Agency (BOM) he gained a lot of experience and knowledge in the field of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), internationalisation of SME's, innovation cooperation and economic development. He has built a strong network in the Netherlands and abroad towards business, government, knowledge institutes and universities. In his role as CEO of PhotonDelta the challenge is to mature the organisation after a period of rapid growth and to become an internationally recognised accelerator for the photonic chip industry. PhotonDelta plays a key role in making the integrated photonics ecosystem indispensable for the goals and challenges that we face today. Photonic chips will become critical in various applications such as quantum computing, robotics, sustainable agriculture and autonomous driving. PhotonDelta as a Dutch world leading ecosystem will be a driving force to make this happen.

• 

  Peter van Arkel

  CTO

  PhotonDelta

  Peter van Arkel is Chief Technology Officer at PhotonDelta. He has a background in both physics and business. After working as R&D engineer in an electrotechnical company, he worked at Berenschot as consultant Integrated Photonics. He has been working as the roadmap director of the Integrated Photonics Systems Roadmap -International (IPSR-I) for seven years. Furthermore he wrote many Integrated Photonic project proposals, did project management in multilateral R&D collaborations and performed ecosystem analysis for regional and national governments.

  

  Peter van Arkel

  CTO

  PhotonDelta

  Peter van Arkel is Chief Technology Officer at PhotonDelta. He has a background in both physics and business. After working as R&D engineer in an electrotechnical company, he worked at Berenschot as consultant Integrated Photonics. He has been working as the roadmap director of the Integrated Photonics Systems Roadmap -International (IPSR-I) for seven years. Furthermore he wrote many Integrated Photonic project proposals, did project management in multilateral R&D collaborations and performed ecosystem analysis for regional and national governments.