Duke of Edinburgh visits CORNERSTONE Photonics Innovation Centre
The Southampton-based silicon photonics research hub also recently co-hosted a panel discussion at the Labour Party Annual Conference, highlighting the importance of photonics for technological advancement and economic growth
On 3 October, the Duke of Edinburgh visited the Southampton-based CORNERSTONE Photonics Innovation Centre (C-PIC), the UK’s dedicated Innovation and Knowledge Centre (IKC) for silicon photonics. The visit highlighted how ground-breaking light-based technology is helping to power the UK’s economic growth, C-PIC commented.
During the tour, the Duke of Edinburgh met academics focused on developing silicon photonics and saw how this technology is currently being used in datacentres, as well as its emerging applications in healthcare, AI, and quantum technology.
The Duke of Edinburgh also met college students from Ringwood School, in Hampshire, to hear about ongoing work to inspire young people to explore careers in science, as well as young entrepreneurs who have established start-ups with support from the University of Southampton.
As the UK’s focal point for silicon photonics innovation, C-PIC provides a wide range of services to academics, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and industry partners to aid the development of new photonics technologies for use in telecoms, defence, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy.
“By uniting leading entrepreneurs and researchers we’re delivering a step-change in the silicon photonics industry that will foster growth, create skilled jobs and position the UK as a hub of global innovation,” said Graham Reed, director of CORNERSTONE and professor at the University of Southampton.
Mark E. Smith, vice-chancellor and president of the University of Southampton, commented: “Our University is building skills for the future and inspiring the next generation of students and researchers to explore the opportunities offered by silicon photonics. I’m delighted to have welcomed the Duke of Edinburgh to see our pioneering work and to meet the students and business partners we are working with. This work creates a pipeline of talent and enterprise aligned with the Government’s skills agenda and industrial strategy.”
C-PIC also recently co-hosted a panel discussion at the Labour Party Annual Conference, together with New Statesman magazine, underlining the growing recognition of photonics as a driver of innovation, economic growth, and national resilience.
