SIEC BADAWCZA LUKASIEWICZ - INSTYTUT MIKROELEKTRONIKI I FOTONIKI

Their core work

Łukasiewicz Institute of Microelectronics and Photonics is a Polish research centre specializing in semiconductor device fabrication, photonics technologies, and advanced materials — particularly graphene and 2D materials. They develop sensors, optical components, and power electronics through pilot line manufacturing and device modeling. Their practical work spans from crystal growth and nanophotonics research to prototyping smart systems for industrial IoT and harsh-environment applications. They serve as a technology access point, helping SMEs adopt photonics and microelectronics innovations through open-access infrastructure programs.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 period (2015-2018), the institute focused on foundational research in graphene, mid-IR sensing, and broadband light sources, building core competencies in materials science and photonics. From 2019 onward, the focus shifted decisively toward pilot line manufacturing (SiC wafers, graphene 2D pilot lines), device modeling (TCAD, LKMC), and SME-facing innovation hubs — signaling a transition from research to technology transfer and industrial readiness. The emergence of keywords like "pilot line," "SMEs," and "technology entrepreneurship" in recent projects confirms a deliberate move toward commercialization infrastructure.

Moving from materials research toward manufacturing-ready infrastructure and open-access technology services for industry, making them increasingly relevant as a prototyping and scale-up partner.

How they like to work

Exclusively a participant across all 17 projects — never a coordinator — which positions them as a reliable specialist contributor rather than a consortium leader. With 467 unique partners across 35 countries, they operate in large, flagship-scale consortia (Graphene Flagship, PhotonHub Europe) and bring specific technical capabilities rather than project management. Their breadth of partnerships suggests they are easy to integrate into diverse teams and are well-networked across European photonics and microelectronics communities.

Extensively networked with 467 unique consortium partners across 35 countries, largely through participation in major European flagship and coordination actions. Their network spans virtually all EU member states with particularly strong connections in the photonics and semiconductor research communities.

What sets them apart

As part of Poland's Łukasiewicz Research Network, they combine deep materials science expertise (graphene, SiC, metamaterials) with hands-on pilot line and prototyping infrastructure — a rare combination in Central-Eastern Europe. Their dual role as both a research lab and an SME innovation access point (through ACTPHAST, PhotonHub, DIH-World) makes them a one-stop partner for taking photonics concepts from lab to demonstrator. For consortium builders, they offer competitive cost structures within a well-equipped facility connected to major European flagship programs.

Highlights from their portfolio

• GrapheneCore1
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 847,750) and entry into the Graphene Flagship — Europe's biggest materials research initiative — where they remained for all three phases.
• ENSEMBLE3
  Centre of Excellence in nanophotonics running across two phases (2017-2026), representing Poland's flagship effort to build world-class photonics research capacity.
• 2D-EPL
  Part of the Graphene Flagship's Experimental Pilot Line, directly bridging graphene research to industrial-scale manufacturing of 2D materials.