ART PHOTONICS

Their core work

ART Photonics is a Berlin-based SME specializing in fiber optic components and probes for spectroscopic applications, particularly in the infrared and Raman spectroscopy domains. They supply specialized optical fibers and fiber-coupled probes that enable partners to perform advanced sensing and imaging in biomedical and industrial settings. Their H2020 involvement spans life science process monitoring (ModLife), Raman-based visual genetics (VISGEN), and mid-infrared medical imaging for arthroscopy (MIRACLE), consistently playing the role of photonics hardware provider within multidisciplinary consortia.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

ART Photonics' early H2020 involvement (2015) focused on industrial process monitoring and optimization through the ModLife project, applying their fiber optic expertise to life science manufacturing. By 2017-2018, they shifted decisively toward biomedical applications — Raman spectroscopy for genetic visualization (VISGEN) and mid-infrared imaging for clinical diagnostics (MIRACLE). This trajectory shows a company moving from industrial sensing toward higher-value medical and diagnostic photonics applications.

ART Photonics is moving from industrial sensing toward medical diagnostics and in-vivo imaging, suggesting future collaborations should target clinical photonics applications.

How they like to work

ART Photonics never leads consortia — they join as a specialist technology supplier, contributing photonic hardware (fibers, probes, optical components) to projects led by universities and research institutes. With 42 unique partners across 13 countries from just 3 projects, they work in large, diverse consortia rather than small focused teams. This pattern is typical of a component manufacturer that integrates into larger system-level research efforts.

Despite only 3 projects, ART Photonics has built a broad network of 42 partners across 13 countries, reflecting their participation in large MSCA training networks and innovation actions. Their reach spans well beyond Germany into a wide European research ecosystem.

What sets them apart

ART Photonics fills a specific niche: they are one of few SMEs that can supply custom mid-infrared and Raman fiber optic probes ready for integration into research prototypes. For consortium builders, they offer a rare combination — an industrial partner that can manufacture the actual photonic hardware needed to turn a lab concept into a working demonstrator. Their SME status and MSCA track record also make them attractive for proposals requiring industry involvement in researcher training.

Highlights from their portfolio

• MIRACLE
  Largest funding (EUR 320,688) — an Innovation Action developing a mid-infrared imaging system for real-time clinical arthroscopy, representing ART Photonics' push into medical device territory.
• VISGEN
  Applies Raman spectroscopy to visualize genetic processes — an unusual intersection of photonics and molecular biology that showcases the company's versatility beyond industrial applications.