Optics & Photonics Hub

“Photonics, or the science and technology of light, is undoubtedly THE technology of the 21st century that is revolutionizing and will continue to revolutionize our uses, given its major scientific discoveries and infinite technological possibilities in all fields of application, particularly for major societal issues. Photonics must therefore be known, recognized and supported for its assets and capabilities, particularly in France where the excellence of research and industry is still too little known, even though it is one of the major countries on the international scene!”

If France is recognized as a world leader in optics, it is because it can rely on a historic network of excellence research organizations and a community of entrepreneurs throughout its territory. Today, French photonics represents 80,000 skilled jobs generating an estimated 15 billion euros in a global market that is expected to reach 525 billion euros by 2022.

Two major missions have been clearly identified for the Optics & Photonics Hub:

1. To assert the “Optics & Photonics” leadership of the Paris Region:
   • Promote the players individually and collectively: Industry, Research, Platform, Training
   • Promote the contribution of photonics through Open Innovation operations and initiate a flow of flagship R&I projects that provide market solutions
   • Value the region’s major facilities and platforms
   • Increase the attractiveness of our start-ups
2. Linking photonics with other Deep Tech sectors, both in terms of market access and in terms of cross-cutting issues such as access to talents, visibility and promotion of entrepreneurial culture

In a few figures, the Paris region is home to 30 new photonics start-ups created every year, feeding a rich and varied ecosystem that includes more than 40 universities and over 600 companies, including world-renowned players such as Thales, Safran, Essilor and Valeo.

This fertile, booming ground can also count on the excellence of its research laboratories and the dynamism of the 200 student entrepreneurs who work there. With more than 45% of the industry’s activities located in the region, Paris Region is well positioned to spearhead the French photonics industry.

The ambition of the Optics & Photonics Hub is simple: to become a recognized player in the sector, promoting the industry and uniting the Paris Region community, while remaining connected to France, Europe and the world !

The regional players in the photonics sector are now united around the Optics & Photonics Hub of the Systematic cluster, whose governance is described below.

The aim of our Hub is to support, at all levels, the passion and commitment of all players in this rapidly expanding sector (manufacturers, students, academics, public authorities, etc.).

This action is part of the national dynamic initiated by the members of Photonics France and within a Europe that has already recognized the potential of the sector and supports it.

To establish the Hub’s leadership, actions to promote the sector and unite the Paris Region community are being carried out. Priority projects include:

1. Strategic intelligence
2. Promotion of skills
3. Animation of the community