A group of European research institutions and companies has launched Nano-Photonics Materials and Technologies for Multicolor High-Power Sources, a common initiative to develop semiconductor thin-disk layers. The aim of the project is to foster material and systems research on optically pumped semiconductor vertical external cavity surface-emitting lasers using advances in semiconductor material, micro-optics, and miniaturized system design and packaging. The group will develop formats of the lasers at the UV/visible wavelengths for commercial applications, with an approach that involves the use of thermally conductive optical windows bonded to the intracavity surface of the laser chip. The collaboration includes Tampere University of Technology’s Optical Research Center in Finland, and Technical University of Berlin.The three-year project is supported by the European Commission and coordinated by the Optoelectronics Research Centre. Its $4.6 million budget will support field trials, demonstrations and R&D.