The European Commission announced that it is investing €5M to launch a new photonics education and training network.

Phortify, short for “Photonics education network for next-gen innovation and digital skills excellence for industry and society”, will link Europe’s leading classrooms and laboratories to build a talent pipeline for industry.

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This initiative will create a photonics curriculum across seven Master’s programs, developed in collaboration with industry.

This will help students and professionals earn recognised credentials and access top labs, instructors, and resources throughout Europe. 

Consortium of 12 organisations across Europe

Phortify is a Digital Europe Programme action delivered by a consortium of 12 leading organisations across Europe, coordinated by Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in Belgium, along with Universiteit Gent (UGent).

It includes: 

  • Italy – Politecnico di Milano (POLIMI) and the Istituto di Fotonica e Nanotecnologie, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IFN-CNR)
  • Germany – Active Fiber Systems GmbH (AFS), Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena (FSU), and the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz-IPHT).
  • Spain – Institut de Ciències Fotòniques (ICFO-CERCA)
  • The Netherlands – Technische Universiteit Eindhoven (TU/e) and SMART Photonics B.V
  • Poland – The Warsaw University of Technology (WUT)
  • Finland – The University of Eastern Finland (UEF)

What is Photonics?

Photonics is the study and use of light.

It involves creating, controlling, and detecting tiny particles of light called photons to perform tasks that electronics usually handle.

Photonics is foundational to modern industries, from high-speed communications and healthcare imaging to advanced manufacturing and AI.

Globally, photonics is currently worth nearly €0.85T as of 2024. It is projected to grow to €1.4T by 2032.

Phortify: Covers the full photonics value chain

Phortify is looking to cover the full photonics value chain – from fundamentals to design, fabrication, packaging, testing, and deployment.

The initiative is offering a shared photonics curriculum as electives within local Master’s programmes, with a certificate awarded to students who complete 30 ECTS.

The programme is directly aligned with the EU’s Digital Europe mission to build strategic digital capacities.

Professor Heidi Ottevaere, Project Coordinator, VUB, Belgium, says, “Phortify is more than a project, it is a strategic investment in Europe’s digital future. By building a harmonised photonics education network, we are equipping the next generation with the innovation mindset and digital skills excellence that industry and society urgently need. This launch marks the beginning of a powerful collaboration across borders, disciplines and sectors.”

Going beyond the classroom

In addition to the Master’s level, Phortify will introduce lifelong learning modules developed in collaboration with industry professionals.

These self-contained modules will offer stackable micro-credentials, allowing individuals to upskill in specific areas without taking long breaks from their careers.

Phortify will also create an open-access digital library for high-quality photonics training, accessible to students, researchers, and professionals.

Participants will have access to a wide range of courses and facilities. The learning experience will combine online resources with in-person activities, including XR-enabled remote labs, short on-site sessions, internships, and guest lectures.

Students can also benefit from short, focused mobility windows and industry-supervised challenges, while an expanding library of software, datasets, and remote lab interfaces supports independent learning and team projects.

Chief Technology Officer at Active Fibre Systems, Germany, Tino Eidam says, “Europe needs photonics talent, such as engineers who understand the entire chain from design to deployment. Phortify’s curriculum, stackable modules, and hands-on projects help build exactly those skills. For companies, this means access to well-prepared professionals who can contribute to innovation and support the development of advanced photonics solutions in a more targeted and efficient way.”

Promoting diversity and inclusion

The project focuses on promoting diversity and inclusion through financial aid, mentoring, and outreach.

Phortify will create a support system to attract top students from underrepresented groups. This system will provide scholarships, fee waivers, cost-of-living support, and travel grants.

Phortify benefits everyone involved: students and researchers gain access to top courses, labs, and mentors, earning recognised credentials.

Professionals receive flexible training that meets the Digital Europe Programme’s advanced digital skills requirements.

Companies gain access to a wide talent pool trained in practical tools and workflows, working together through internships, guest lectures, and collaborative projects.

The project is co-funded by the European Commission under the Digital Europe Programme.