HUBER+SUHNER POLATIS LIMITED

Their core work

HUBER+SUHNER Polatis is a Cambridge-based SME specializing in all-optical switching technology for high-performance networking. They develop fiber-optic switch matrices used in data center interconnects and satellite communication payloads. Their core product expertise — transparent optical cross-connects — makes them a component-level technology provider for systems that route light signals without converting them to electrical signals, enabling lower latency and power consumption. In H2020 projects, they contributed optical switching hardware to both terrestrial (data center disaggregation) and space (satellite optical links) applications.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

HUBER+SUHNER Polatis entered H2020 in 2016 with parallel efforts in terrestrial data centers (dReDBox) and satellite photonics (OPTIMA), applying the same optical switching expertise to two different domains. By 2018, their focus shifted decisively toward space optical communications with SODaH, adding a software-defined control layer to their hardware capabilities. The trajectory shows a company moving from pure hardware provision toward more integrated, programmable optical systems — particularly for space applications.

Moving from terrestrial data center optics toward space-segment photonic systems with software-defined programmability — a partner well-positioned for future EU space connectivity programs.

How they like to work

Exclusively a participant, never a coordinator — consistent with their role as a specialist component provider embedded in larger system-integration consortia. With 20 unique partners across just 3 projects, they work in medium-to-large consortia (averaging 7+ partners) and appear to bring a specific, hard-to-replace capability rather than broad project management. This makes them a reliable technical partner who delivers a defined component without competing for leadership.

Collaborated with 20 unique partners across 8 countries in just 3 projects, indicating they integrate well into diverse European consortia. Their Cambridge base and space-sector involvement suggest strong connections to both UK photonics clusters and European space industry networks.

What sets them apart

Polatis occupies a rare niche: they are one of very few European SMEs manufacturing all-optical (non-electrical) switch matrices at commercial scale. This gives them a dual-use advantage — the same core technology applies to both data center and satellite applications, making them unusually versatile for their size. For consortium builders, they offer a proven, flight-relevant photonic component supplier based in the UK's strongest photonics cluster.

Highlights from their portfolio

• dReDBox
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 404,558) — tackled fundamental data center architecture by replacing electrical interconnects with optical switching for disaggregated computing
• SODaH
  Most recent project combining space optical communications with software-defined networking — signals the company's strategic direction toward programmable space photonics