The launch of the CORNERSTONE Photonics Innovation Centre

The centre provides flexible prototyping, design consultancy, startup support, and networking opportunities. It offers access to open-source, licence-free technology, supporting a diverse range of users.

CORNERSTONE provides seven photonics technology platforms, designed to support various applications, including telecoms, sensing, LiDAR, and quantum technologies. Each platform incorporates a standard component library, lowering entry barriers and enabling engineers to focus on their applications. This approach facilitates early-stage R&D projects and the creation of proof-of-concept prototypes, driving innovation in silicon photonics.

I recently attended a launch event at the House of Lords to learn more about the benefits of this technology hub and its potential role in helping the UK become a technology ‘superpower’.

A turning point in technology development

The UK must rediscover its pioneering spirit and back innovation with greater optimism, said Lord Sewell of Sanderstead at the launch event. He stressed that the UK is at a crucial turning point in technology development.

"Photonics is set to play a pivotal role in the future of technology, and this centre marks a major step forward," said Lord Sewell.

Drawing parallels with the Industrial Revolution, he urged the UK to capitalise on its strengths. "We were the pioneers of the Industrial Revolution, yet today, we sometimes feel like we’re lagging behind.”

He dismissed the notion that semiconductor manufacturing is limited to Taiwan, asserting that the UK has the talent and capability to compete. Encouraging young people, particularly in STEM fields, was also key to retaining homegrown expertise. "Many of them want to stay in the UK rather than move abroad, and we should be fostering an environment that supports them in doing so," he said.

The launch of the Innovation Centre, powered by photonics, represents a step in that direction – one that could help propel the UK back to the forefront of global technology development.

UK must seize photonics opportunity

The UK has a unique opportunity to lead in silicon photonics, a field that is already contributing over £15 billion to the economy, according to Professor Graham Reed, Head of the Cornerstone Photonics Innovation Centre. Speaking at the launch of the new Innovation Centre, he highlighted the importance of investment in this emerging technology and the role the UK can play on the global stage.

“The technology we focus on is silicon photonics. Most of you are familiar with electronics, where silicon is the dominant material. The key difference in photonics is that we use light instead of electrical signals to carry information,” Professor Reed explained. “Light enables faster speeds, higher bandwidth, lower power consumption, and reduced signal loss – all of which are critical in modern applications.”

Despite the UK’s position as the third-ranked country in photonics globally – behind only the US and China – Professor Reed emphasised that the sector still lacks dominant multinational players, making it an area where the UK could take a leadership role. “The global photonics market is expected to grow by 20–25% annually. While data centres currently dominate silicon photonics applications, there are emerging opportunities in quantum computing, healthcare, environmental monitoring, and artificial intelligence.”

Founded in 2014 with support from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Cornerstone initially provided UK researchers with access to cleanroom fabrication facilities in Southampton, Glasgow, and Surrey. By 2017, it launched its first multi-project wafer service, lowering costs for users.

“Many small photonics companies struggle to access large foundries due to high costs and technical barriers,” Professor Reed noted. “Cornerstone addresses this by offering an open-access model, allowing companies to test and develop their technology without losing control of their intellectual property.”

Since then, the organisation has grown significantly, with industry users now outnumbering academic ones. Over the past three years, it has supported companies that have gone on to raise millions in funding.

The role of the Innovation Centre

The newly launched Innovation Centre aims to bridge the gap between research and commercialisation, with several key objectives:

• Bringing cutting-edge technology out of the lab and into industry
• Providing UK startups with affordable access to fabrication and development
• Connecting businesses with expertise and funding to accelerate growth
• Training the next generation of photonics engineers through partnerships with organisations like STFC

“We currently have 108 partners, with 70 based in the UK. However, the Innovation Centre is open to international collaboration. UK-based partners benefit from government-backed funding, ensuring taxpayer investment directly supports British innovation,” Professor Reed added.

With £2 million already secured to support collaboration between industry and academia, the Centre is now launching a consultation process to shape its future direction. Plans include developing an online portal to connect researchers, startups, and investors.

“If the UK chooses to invest strategically in this area, the returns could be substantial – not just for businesses, but for the broader economy,” Professor Reed concluded.

UK must make smart choices in semiconductor and photonics

The UK is at a pivotal moment in semiconductor and photonics development, with major decisions ahead on investment and international collaboration, according to Dr Dave Smith, the UK’s National Technology Advisor. Speaking at the event, he highlighted the importance of strategic funding and innovation in ensuring the country remains competitive in these critical technologies.

“This is, I think, a new dawn for UK semiconductors,” Smith stated.

Smith emphasised that photonics has now been firmly recognised under the semiconductor banner within government policy – a seemingly obvious move, but one that required deliberate effort. “In government, these things aren’t obvious,” he remarked. “The Government Office of Science does reviews on the importance of particular technologies to the country, and they treat semiconductors and photonics as separate topics. But photonics has consistently ranked in the top 10 every time, despite some pretty powerful competition.”

Photonics plays a key role in modern communication, manufacturing, and healthcare, and is also critical to artificial intelligence. “We can’t just keep building power plants to run AI,” Smith warned. “We have to be more sophisticated, more efficient. One of the ways to do that is through photonics.”

While acknowledging the UK’s strengths in silicon photonics and quantum technologies, Smith pointed out the difficult choices ahead regarding government spending. The UK must also consider how it collaborates internationally to strengthen its semiconductor industry.

Smith stressed the importance of ensuring that UK businesses, universities, and startups have the support they need to scale up. “The system must work in a way that enables entrepreneurs to grow and allows our big companies to move forward successfully.”

Despite the challenges, Smith remained optimistic about the UK’s future in photonics and semiconductors. “The £15 billion annual contribution and 80,000 high-value jobs in this sector are worth having,” he said. “There are forecasts that say this could reach £50 billion by 2039.”

To learn more about the centre and the services it offers, visit https://www.cornerstone.sotonfab.co.uk/c-pic/