Unlocking Photonics Potential in Northern Ireland
From quantum computing breakthroughs to next-generation optical communications, photonics technologies are transforming how the world connects, computes, and innovates. The UK is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation. But realising this leadership requires more than world-class research: it demands that we close the commercialisation gap and bring photonics from lab to fab, at scale.
Why Photonics Matters
Photonics the science of light underpins a wide range of critical technologies, from high-speed internet and AI acceleration to precision medicine and quantum encryption. It is also a cornerstone of the emerging quantum technology stack, where precise control of individual photons is enabling transformative breakthroughs with far-reaching implications across industries. To fully capitalise on this technological shift, it is essential to take a UK-wide perspective recognising and leveraging the unique strengths that exist across the regions. In particular, Northern Ireland offers specialised capabilities in photonics and advanced manufacturing that policymakers must consider as part of any coordinated national or cross-border innovation strategy.
Seagate uses advanced photonics in its data storage technologies to achieve ultra-precise laser writing at higher data densities a critical enabler for the future of cloud and edge infrastructure.
Northern Ireland already has a robust photonics ecosystem that’s primed to scale.
Smart Nano NI was awarded £42.3m from UK Research and Innovation’s Strength in Places Fund. It shares capabilities around nano-manufacturing and world-leading knowledge in photonics and is pushing the boundaries of photonics, smart manufacturing and nano technology innovation across Northern Ireland.
Strengthening the region’s photonics ecosystem, this Seagate-led consortium includes members from industry, education and innovation partners. The Consortium goal is to create a self-sustaining local ecosystem through research and innovation with opportunities for new technololgy applications across multiple sectors including analytics, healthcare, diagnostics and data storage.
⚙️ From Lab to Fab: Northern Ireland’s Opportunity
Seagate water fab in Derry, Nothern Ireland
Seagate’s wafer fabrication facility in , Northern Ireland produces advanced thin-film recording head wafers used in around 25% of the world’s hard drives. The site has become a key R&D hub, particularly in nanophotonics developing cutting-edge technologies that support next-generation data storage.
The challenge?
Despite the clear potential, most photonics and quantum innovations remain stuck at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3–6 strong in theory but far from deployment. The next step? Investing in later-stage R&D and shared infrastructure that allows ideas to scale:
1. Shared Infrastructure for Scaling Innovation
The “valley of death” between university breakthroughs and real-world deployment is still a major barrier. Access to scalable fabrication, packaging, and test infrastructure is essential.
Seagate is exploring shared capital models through Smart Nano NI, helping start-ups and researchers gain access to tools without duplicating high-cost facilities.
2. Targeted R&D Investment
Northern Ireland would benefit from:
- Co-investment in scalable photonic modules
- Support for hybrid technologies like AI + photonics
Cross-Border and International Collaboration
Photonics doesn’t stop at national borders. Innovation relies on global knowledge exchange and frictionless R&D mobility.
Northern Ireland holds a unique economic advantage under the Windsor Framework, with privileged access to both UK and EU markets.
Seagate’s operations benefit from cross-border research ties with Ulster University, Tyndall, and ATU a foundation now strengthened by SPEAR, which brings together institutions and stakeholders across Northern Ireland and the Republic.
We support
- Joint UK-Ireland innovation programmes
- Expanding re-engagement with Horizon Europe and similar collaborations
- Global standards leadership for photonics and quantum
- Fast-tracking visas and mobility for high-skilled photonics professionals
Skills and Mobility: Building the Workforce of Tomorrow
Photonics growth depends on a flexible, mobile workforce. The region is already laying strong foundations:
- Programmes through Smart Nano NI and Digital Catapult NI
- Talent development via Ulster University, QUB, ATU, and Tyndall
- Support for industry-academia secondments, upskilling in fab design, AI integration, and secure communication
It’s Time to Act
Northern Ireland has:
- The research base
- The industrial footprint
- The cross-border advantage
Now we need:
- Continued support for innovation clusters like Smart Nano NI
- Formal recognition at the UK and EU levels of Northern Ireland’s strengths and growth potential in advanced technologies, specifically photonics
- Targeted investment in infrastructure, including energy access, equipment, and funding, to scale and strengthen the cluster
- International collaboration focused on attracting talent and investment to the region
Let’s Lead in Photonics
Photonics isn’t a side story it’s a platform technology for the 21st century. From quantum communications to net-zero data infrastructure, its potential is vast.
With the right support, Northern Ireland can propel the UK and Europe to global photonics leadership.
Let’s invest, collaborate, and build the future in light.
techUK – Unleashing UK Tech and Innovation
The UK is home to emerging technologies that have the power to revolutionise entire industries. From quantum to semiconductors; from gaming to the New Space Economy, they all have the unique opportunity to help prepare for what comes next.
techUK members lead the development of these technologies. Together we are working with Government and other stakeholders to address tech innovation priorities and build an innovation ecosystem that will benefit people, society, economy and the planet - and unleash the UK as a global leader in tech and innovation.
For more information, or to get in touch, please visit our Innovation Hub and click ‘contact us’.
Upcoming events
Latest news and insights
Other forms of content
Sprint Campaigns
techUK's sprint campaigns explore how emerging and transformative technologies are developed, applied and commercialised across the UK's innovation ecosystem.
Activity includes workshops, roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, and flagship reports (setting out recommendations for Government and industry).
Each campaign runs for 4-6 months and features regular collaborations with programmes across techUK.
techUK's latest sprint campaign is on Robotics & Automation technologies. Find out how to get involved by clicking here.
Running from September to December 2023, this sprint campaign explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of space technologies, bring more non-space companies into the sector, and ultimately realise the benefits of the New Space Economy.
These technologies include AI, quantum, lasers, robotics & automation, advanced propulsion and materials, and semiconductors.
Activity has taken the form of roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, thought leadership pieces, policy recommendations, and a report. The report, containing member case studies and policy recommendations, was launched in March 2024 at Satellite Applications Catapult's Harwell campus.
Get in touch below to find out more about techUK's ongoing work in this area.
Event round-ups
Report
Insights
Get in touch
Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.
Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.
Today, Rory leads techUK's emerging technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse.
This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/
Running from January to May 2024, this sprint campaign explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of the technologies set to underpin the Gaming & Esports sector of the future.
These include AI, augmented / virtual / mixed / extended reality, haptics, cloud & edge computing, semiconductors, and advanced connectivity (5/6G).
Activity took the form of roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, and thought leadership pieces. A report featuring member case studies and policy recommendations was launched at The National Videogame Museum in November 2024.
Get in touch below to find out more about techUK's future plans in this space.
Report
Event round-ups
Insights
Get in touch
Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.
Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.
Today, Rory leads techUK's emerging technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse.
This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/
Running from July to December 2024, this sprint campaign explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of web3 and immersive technologies.
These include blockchain, smart contracts, digital assets, augmented / virtual / mixed / extended reality, spatial computing, haptics and holograms.
Activity took the form of roundtables, workshops, panel discussions, networking sessions, tech demos, Summits, thought leadership pieces, policy recommendations, and a report (to be launched in 2025).
Get in touch below to find out more about techUK's future plans in this space.
Event round-ups
Insights
Get in touch
Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.
Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.
Today, Rory leads techUK's emerging technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse.
This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/
Running from February to June 2025, this sprint campaign is exploring how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of robotic & automation technologies.
These include autonomous vehicles, drones, humanoids, and applications across industry & manufacturing, defence, transport & mobility, logistics, and more.
Activity is taking the form of roundtables, workshops, panel discussions, networking sessions, tech demos, Summits, thought leadership pieces, policy recommendations, and a report (to be launched in Q4 2025).
Get in touch below to get involved or find out more about techUK's future plans in this space.
Upcoming events
Insights
Event round-ups
Get in touch
Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.
Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.
Today, Rory leads techUK's emerging technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse.
This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/
Campaign Weeks
Our annual Campaign Weeks enable techUK members to explore how the UK can lead on the development and application of emerging and transformative technologies.
Members do this by contributing blogs or vlogs, speaking at events, and highlighting examples of best practice within the UK's tech sector.
Summits
Tech and Innovation Summit 2025
Tech and Innovation Summit 2023
Tech and Innovation Summit 2024
Receive our Tech and Innovation insights
Tech and Innovation updates
Sign-up to get the latest updates and opportunities across Technology and Innovation.
