Shanghai backs SiPh innovation
Shanghai's Zhangjiang High-Tech 895 Incubator is strengthening the city's silicon photonics ecosystem by supporting startups developing optical interconnects, optical computing, and AI chip technologies.
Shanghai is accelerating the development of its silicon photonics ecosystem through the Zhangjiang High-Tech 895 Incubator, which is supporting startups in optical computing, optical interconnects, and next-generation AI infrastructure.
The incubator has nurtured more than 1,600 technology companies since its launch in 2015, helping startups move from laboratory research to commercial deployment through funding, industry partnerships, and entrepreneurial support.
Among the companies benefiting from the ecosystem is optical computing specialist Lightelligence, which relocated its operations from Boston to Shanghai in 2020.
The company cited Zhangjiang's integrated semiconductor supply chain, manufacturing capabilities, and support for emerging technologies as key factors behind the move.
Lightelligence CEO Shen Yichen said silicon photonic chips could account for more than 30% of chips used in computing centers within five years, compared with less than 3% today, driven by growing demand for AI infrastructure.
The ecosystem also supports startups such as optical computing company Lightening AGI, which leverages Zhangjiang's close network of design, tape-out, testing, packaging, and application development capabilities to accelerate commercialization.
Beyond silicon photonics, Zhangjiang has built a comprehensive semiconductor ecosystem spanning chip design, advanced packaging, testing, optical interconnects, thermal management, and power delivery technologies, positioning Shanghai as a key innovation hub for next-generation AI hardware.
