LUMIPHASE AG

Their core work

Lumiphase AG is a Swiss SME specializing in plasmonic and photonic integrated circuit technologies for high-speed data communications and neuromorphic computing. They develop CMOS-compatible plasmonic modulators and transceivers operating at 100+ Gbaud speeds, targeting data center interconnect applications. Their core contribution is bridging plasmonics with silicon photonics to enable ultra-fast, energy-efficient optical components that can be manufactured at wafer scale using standard semiconductor processes.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Lumiphase began in 2017 with a focus on raw photonic hardware — plasmonic modulators, BiCMOS integration, wavelength and space division multiplexing for high-speed data links (plaCMOS). By 2020, their work shifted decisively toward neuromorphic computing applications, with three concurrent projects exploring how plasmonic and photonic circuits can perform brain-inspired computation (NEBULA, PlasmoniAC, NEoteRIC). This evolution shows a company moving from component-level photonic engineering toward intelligent optical systems that combine hardware speed with AI-like processing capabilities.

Lumiphase is converging on AI-capable photonic hardware, positioning for the growing demand for energy-efficient alternatives to electronic neural network accelerators.

How they like to work

Lumiphase operates exclusively as a participant, never as a coordinator, which is typical for a deep-tech SME contributing specialized plasmonic technology to larger research consortia. With 27 unique partners across 9 countries in just 4 projects, they work in moderately large consortia and show a broad partner network rather than loyalty to a few repeat collaborators. This suggests they are a sought-after specialist that different research groups invite for their specific plasmonic expertise.

Lumiphase has built a broad European network of 27 partners across 9 countries through 4 RIA projects, all within the ICT pillar. Their Swiss base and wide geographic spread suggest strong connections to photonics and semiconductor research hubs across Europe.

What sets them apart

Lumiphase occupies a rare niche at the intersection of plasmonics and neuromorphic computing — few companies worldwide can deliver CMOS-compatible plasmonic components for both data communications and brain-inspired processing. Their Swiss base provides access to strong semiconductor ecosystem talent, and their consistent RIA participation (EUR 1.18M total) demonstrates they are a credible technology partner trusted by multiple independent consortia. For anyone building a photonic computing or next-generation data center interconnect project, Lumiphase brings hard-to-find plasmonic integration expertise.

Highlights from their portfolio

• NEoteRIC
  Largest single funding (EUR 459K) and represents the most advanced convergence of photonics with AI/ML for image processing applications.
• NEBULA
  Targets the commercially critical 112 Gbaud transceiver market for data center interconnects, bridging neuromorphic processing with practical co-packaged optics.
• PlasmoniAC
  Directly addresses neuromorphic computing architectures using plasmonic circuits, featuring concepts like plasmonic weights and linear neurons.