Photonics21 pushes for €2 billion EU photonics program in FP10
Europe risks falling behind in the global photonics race, according to Photonics21, the continent’s leading photonics technology platform. In early October, the organisation, backed by major industrial players including Volkswagen, Zeiss, Bosch, and Trumpf, called for the upcoming EU research framework, FP10, to include a dedicated photonics program with a proposed budget of €2 billion.
The coalition argues that Europe’s photonics industry, currently valued at €124 billion and growing five times faster than the overall EU economy, underpins critical sectors from quantum computing and AI to secure communications, healthcare, defense, and mobility. Without decisive action, the continent risks losing ground to global competitors. Data cited by the group shows Europe’s share of the global photonics market dropped to 15% by 2022, while China’s rose to 32%.
The proposed FP10 program aims to spur private industrial investment, potentially triggering an additional €6–8 billion in spending. Projects, referred to as Photonics Grand Challenges, could attract between €250–900 million each, targeting applications in quantum technologies, defense, and healthcare.
If implemented, the initiative would accelerate the translation of laboratory breakthroughs into market-ready technologies, strengthen Europe’s photonics supply chains, and encourage a proliferation of SMEs and startups. With FP10 set to guide EU research from 2028 to 2034, Photonics21’s unified industrial call may mark a pivotal moment in Europe’s pursuit of technological sovereignty through light-based technologies.
