VPIPHOTONICS GMBH

Their core work

VPIphotonics develops photonics simulation and design software used to model optical communication systems and photonic integrated circuits (PICs). Their tools enable the design, testing, and optimization of optoelectronic components before physical fabrication — reducing cost and time-to-market for photonic chip developers. In H2020 projects, they contribute simulation platforms and process design kits (PDKs) that help consortia validate photonic designs across telecom, automotive, and quantum communication applications. Based in Berlin, they serve as the software backbone for Europe's integrated photonics ecosystem.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

VPIphotonics started their H2020 participation (2018-2019) focused on classical telecom — SDN-powered transponders, coherent optics, and wideband network planning — alongside a foray into quantum communication (UNIQORN). From 2019 onward, their work shifted decisively toward photonic integrated circuit ecosystems: indium phosphide and lithium niobate material platforms, process design kits, and emerging applications like neuromorphic computing and automotive LiDAR. The trajectory shows a company moving from pure telecom simulation toward becoming a cross-platform PIC design infrastructure provider.

VPIphotonics is positioning itself as the go-to simulation partner for Europe's emerging PIC foundry ecosystem, expanding from telecom into automotive, AI hardware, and new material platforms like lithium niobate.

How they like to work

VPIphotonics operates exclusively as a participant — never coordinating — which is consistent with their role as a specialized software tool provider embedded in larger hardware-driven consortia. With 65 unique partners across 16 countries in just 7 projects, they work in large, diverse consortia (averaging ~10 partners per project). This makes them a well-connected but non-dominant player: easy to bring into a consortium as the simulation/design software partner without competing for coordination roles.

Broad European network spanning 65 partners in 16 countries, built through participation in large multi-partner consortia. No obvious geographic concentration — their software tool role naturally connects them to photonics labs and foundries across the continent.

What sets them apart

VPIphotonics occupies a rare niche: they are one of very few European companies providing commercial-grade photonics simulation software for integrated circuit design. Where most consortium partners bring hardware, fabrication, or end-user expertise, VPIphotonics brings the design environment itself — making them a natural fit for any project developing new photonic components or platforms. Their ability to work across material systems (InP, LiNbO3, plasmonics) and application domains (telecom, quantum, automotive, neuromorphic) makes them unusually versatile for a specialist company.

Highlights from their portfolio

• QAMeleon
  Highest single-project funding (EUR 358,750) and represents their core telecom heritage — SDN-powered elastic optical networks.
• ELENA
  Most recent project (2022-2025), signals their move into lithium niobate — a rapidly growing PIC platform attracting major industry investment.
• PlasmoniAC
  Unusual intersection of plasmonics and neuromorphic computing — shows VPIphotonics expanding simulation capabilities into AI hardware territory.