On March 4, the French Ministry of the Economy announced the list of companies supported by the "Resilience" call for projects under the recovery plan. Eight of the 160 projects supported by the stimulus plan in various sectors (telecoms-5G, agri-food, electronics, the sector supplying essential inputs to industry and healthcare) are strategic companies in the photonics, light science and technology sector.
The ambition of these companies is to develop quantum photonic systems, new lasers, OLED microdisplays, a "photonic nose", and to support relocation to guarantee the independence and sovereignty of photonic components and systems. These projects will create hundreds of local jobs for operators, technicians and engineers.
In 2018, the French photonics sector represented over 1,100 companies, sales of around €19 billion, around 73,000 jobs and growth six times greater than that of industry.
The projects selected by the Ministry of the Economy to receive support under the call for projects are :
- Mepcos" project - Cedrat Technologies
Cedrat Technologies specializes in the design and manufacture of actuators, sensors and mechatronic systems for a variety of fields (space, medical, etc.). Its project concerns the industrialization of innovative photonic pointing mechanisms, intended for laser communications in future space markets for giant satellite constellations.
- Silk" project - Lynred
The Silk project involves the creation of a new sector for the development and manufacture of small-step near-infrared photonic detectors for industrial control applications. In addition to creating around twenty jobs by 2030, the project will reduce the company's dependence on imports by relocating part of the development activity to France.
- Résiste" project - Aurea Technology
The aim of the Résiste project is to create the first industrial line of quantum photonic instruments and systems in France, dedicated to strategic applications such as ultra-secure telecommunications and quantum cryptography. With the support of the stimulus plan, Aurea will be able to accelerate its production of photon sources and detectors in the fast-growing quantum market. This would have a major impact on the national quantum industry, involving and strengthening the already very active collaboration with all the national players in the sector.
- Arcol" project - Keopsys Industries
The aim of the Arcol project is to design a pilot production line for the manufacture of very high value-added photonic components essential to the fiber amplifiers and lasers produced by Keopsys Industries. Ultimately, it will reduce the company's dependence on its most critical foreign suppliers, while boosting its competitiveness.
- Quinsi" project - Quandela
Quandela is a strategic company in the quantum technology value chain. By supporting the installation of its production unit for the qubits that equip more and more products worldwide, Quandela has mastered an essential upstream stage in the quantum value chain.
- Coloroled Line" project - Microoled
Microoled is a global supplier of OLED microdisplays. Through an innovative process, the aim of the project is to develop in France an industrial production line corresponding to the microdisplay colorization stage, for which the only manufacturers in the world are based in Asia. The entire value chain will thus be localized in France, and up to 110 jobs could be created.
- Project "Gutenberg" - Aryballe Technologies
Aryballe Technologie has developed a unique digital olfaction technology. The aim of the project is to support the first industrialization of its photonic nose, and to anchor this company, which could become a French leader on the international stage, in its local area, while ensuring that its production capacity remains in France. Some 41 jobs could be created.
- Inspect" project - Photonis France
The company produces high-precision photonic components and sensors for a variety of devices (Lidars, medical imaging, etc.). Its project aims to adapt new technologies to improve the detection capabilities of its sensors and devices, enabling the company to maintain its technological lead and strengthen its industrial base in Brive-la-Gaillarde.
Other photonic technology projects have also been submitted to successive waves of stimulus plan calls for projects.
Visit the site:
www.photonics-france.org