Ateneo expands PIC research collaboration
Ateneo de Manila University is strengthening international cooperation in photonics research through its Research on Optical and Electronic Systems Laboratory (ROSES Lab), the country’s first facility dedicated to designing Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) and training local PIC engineers.
Founded in 2017 by physicist Benjamin B. Dingel, the laboratory has evolved into a national centre for optical sciences and photonics engineering, supporting the Philippines’ efforts to build capabilities in light-based electronics and next-generation communication technologies.
The lab recently hosted the Workshop on Advanced Photonics Technologies for Emerging ICT and Sensing Applications at Ateneo’s Loyola Heights campus, bringing together researchers from Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, and the Philippines under international research initiatives, including the e-Asia Joint Research Program and ASEAN collaborative projects.
Participating institutions included Waseda University, the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, and Chiang Mai University, alongside regional industry partners.
With more than 85 scientific publications and support from national research agencies, the ROSES Lab aims to position the Philippines as an emerging contributor to global PIC design and photonics innovation.
The initiative focuses on advancing hybrid electronic-photonic systems for applications spanning telecommunications, computing, medical devices, and sensing technologies.
According to Dingel, expanding international collaboration remains central to accelerating local innovation and enabling the country to participate more actively in the global photonics ecosystem.
The development highlights growing efforts across Southeast Asia to strengthen PIC design expertise and photonics research infrastructure amid rising global demand for optical technologies.
