P4Q brings together research institutes, semiconductor foundries, and deep tech companies
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Image: Tyndall Institute
A major new European initiative, Photonics for Quantum (P4Q), will launch in 2026 across 12 countries, marking a decisive step in Europe’s effort to accelerate quantum technology development and manufacturing. In Ireland, P4Q is hosted at Tyndall National Institute (based at University College Cork), and is co-funded by the Dept of Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Skills (DFHERIS), reflecting the strategic national priority to build sovereign capability in advanced semiconductors and quantum technologies.
Coordinated by the University of Twente in the Netherlands, P4Q brings together research institutes, semiconductor foundries, and deep tech companies on a mission is to create the manufacturing ecosystem Europe needs to produce high quality quantum photonic chips at scale.
Photonic chips are a key quantum technology, enabling breakthroughs in quantum sensing, communication, and computing. The major challenge today is scale: future quantum systems will require large numbers of high-quality photonic chips, produced reliably and in high volumes.
As a key partner Tyndall will contribute its specialist expertise in advanced packaging of quantum photonic chips, a critical component in the development of scalable quantum systems.
Tyndall’s work will focus on one of the major challenges in quantum technology: packaging chips designed to operate at ultralow (cryogenic) temperatures. These processes must deliver extreme precision and performance, while also being scalable for high volume production as quantum markets emerge.
Prof William Scanlon, CEO, Tyndall, said: “We are proud to be playing a leading role in P4Q, which represents an important milestone for Europe’s quantum and semiconductor ambitions. Advancing the packaging of quantum photonic chips is essential for building a scalable manufacturing base in Europe. This partnership reinforces Ireland’s leadership in quantum and enabling technologies innovation and supports our national strategy to grow a resilient, future focused semiconductor ecosystem.”
Commenting on the announcement, Prof Peter O’Brien, head of photonics packaging, Tyndall, said: “P4Q provides Ireland with a unique opportunity to lead the development of advanced packaging technologies for quantum devices. With our state-of-the-art infrastructure and unique expertise, Ireland is exceptionally well positioned to stay at the forefront of quantum research and industrialisation, fully aligned with our national semiconductor strategy.”
The P4Q partners include Tyndall National Institute, University of Twente (coordinator), AIT, Aluvia, AMIRES, AQT, C2N, CEA-Leti, Delft Networks, ICFO, IMEC, IMS CHIPS, Leonardo, Ligentec, LioniX International, New Origin, PlanQC GmbH, Q*bird, QphoX, QuiX Quantum, SINTEF, Sparrow Quantum, Thales Alenia Space, Thales R&T, TNO, TU Delft, TU Eindhoven, VTT, and Quandela.
TechCentral Reporters