Astrape Networks to Develop Sustainable Data Center; Xenics Expands in North America: Week in Brief: 09/15/23

Integrated photonics-based optical networks developer Astrape Networks secured a pre-seed funding round of €1.6 million ($1.7 million) to develop sustainable data centers by eliminating multiple electrical-optical conversions during use. The startup will use the funds to develop PICs to build faster, cooler, and more energy-efficient data centers. This could generate an estimated 20% in energy savings, according to the company. A consortium of investors and loan providers, including PhotonDelta, helped raise the funds.

The Astrape team, from left: chief architect Nicola Calabretta, CTO Willem Jan Withagen, and CEO Francesco Pessolano. Courtesy of PhotonDelta.

MERIGNAC, France — Photonis subsidiary Xenics expanded its operations in North America. Frédéric Aubrun, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Photonis’ advanced imaging business, was appointed sales director for North America.

The director of KAIST GCC, Choi Mun Kee, and the deputy director of CEA-Leti, Jean-René Lèquepeys. Courtesy of CEA-Leti.

GRENOBLE, France — CEA-Leti Electronic and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) and the Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST GCC) signed a three-year memorandum of understanding to collaborate on joint R&D projects. Initiatives are to include development of semiconductor and photonic devices technology, device and circuits technologies for 5G and 6G, and other areas mutually agreed upon by the parties.

The 2023 SPIE Startup Challenge winner, Swave Photonics. From left: Jenoptik’s Ralf Kuschnereit, Swave co-founder Theo Marescaux, Swave CEO Mike Noonen, and 2023 SPIE vice president Peter de Groot. Courtesy of SPIE.

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — The 2024 SPIE Startup Challenge, the annual entrepreneurial pitch competition held by SPIE, is open to applications. The challenge provides a platform for optics and photonics startups that are creating innovative products, applications, and technologies and will hear from teams of finalists pitching new products in photonics-enabled health care and deep tech. The application deadline is Oct. 16.

DUNEDIN, New Zealand — The Te Whai Ao – Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies is developing New Zealand’s Quantum Technologies Research Programme, focusing on increasing international connectivity and domestic capability by leveraging the principles of quantum physics to build new and advanced technologies. The program will receive up to 12 million NZD ($7.1 million) over five years and will seek collaboration with the U.K., Japan, U.S., and Singapore, among others.

OSLO, Norway — Maritime, aerospace, and photonics developer Exail is opening a business office in Norway led by Lars Sorfang, general manager for Exail AS and regional sales manager for Scandinavia.

Representatives from Heraeus and aiXscale. From left: Carsten Diehl, Steffen Metzger, Jeremy Witzens, Florian Merget, and Martin Bochenek. Courtesy of Heraeus.

HANAU, Germany — Health care, semiconductor, and electronics company Heraeus invested in Aachen, Germany-based startup aiXscale Photonics GmbH. The collaboration will focus on the challenges faced when using optical fiber and photonics integrated circuits (PICs) to deliver optical data transmissions.

ENDICOTT, N.Y. — Amphenol Industrial Operations, an interconnect systems developer, is opening a solar product factory in Mesa, Ariz. The facility will be focused on manufacturing solar junction boxes, connectors, and other advanced interconnect assemblies to support the solar energy industry.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Energy will distribute $73 million for 11 projects focused on accelerating the transition from discovery to commercialization of new technologies that will form the basis of future industries. Projects include the Brookhaven National Laboratory’s work with angstrom era semiconductor patterning material; the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory’s research in superconducting photon detector technology; SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory’s work with 3D integrated sensing solutions; and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s development of real-time sensing and adaptive computing.

WILMER, Texas — Smart solar products and solutions provider Trina Solar will build a solar photovoltaic manufacturing facility in Wilmer, Texas. The company is investing more than $200 million in property and equipment. The facility is expected to be completed by 2024.