On March 4, the Ministry of Economy announced the list of companies supported by the "Resilience" call for projects in the stimulus package. Of the 160 projects involved in the recovery plan in different sectors (telecommunication-5G, agri-food, electronics, the sector providing essential inputs to industry and health), eight are strategic companies in the photonics, science and light technology sector.
These companies aim to develop quantum photonics systems, new lasers, OLED micro-screens, a "photonic nose" or to support relocation to guarantee the independence and sovereignty of photonic components or systems. These projects will create hundreds of jobs for operators, technicians and engineers in the territory.
In 2018, the French photonics sector represented more than 1,100 companies, a turnover of about 19 billion euros, about 73,000 jobs and growth six times greater than that of the industry.
Projects selected by the Ministry of Economy that will receive support for the call for projects are:
- "Mepcos" Project - Cedrat Technologies
Cedrat Technologies specializes in the design and manufacture of actuators, sensors and mecatronic systems in various fields (spatial, medical, etc.). His project focuses on the industrialization of innovative photonic pointing mechanisms for laser communications planned in future space markets for giant satellite constellations.
- "Silk" Project - Lynred
The Silk project involves the creation of a new development and manufacturing of small-step near-infrared photonic detectors for industrial control applications. In addition to developing some 20 jobs by 2030, this project will reduce the level of dependence on imports by relocating part of the development activity in France.
- "Resist" Project - Aurea Technology
The aim of the Resist 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 recovery plan, Aurea will be able to accelerate its production of photon sources and detectors in a growing quantum market. This would have a strong impact on the national territory, at the level of the quantum sector, involving and reinforcing the already very active collaborations with all national players in the sector.
- Arcol Project - Keopsys Industries
The Arcol project aims to design a pilot line for the manufacture of high value-added photonic components essential to the realization of its fiber amplifiers and lasers produced by Keopsys Industries. In the long run, it will reduce the company's dependence on its most critical foreign suppliers, while strengthening its competitiveness.
- "Quinsi" Project - Quandela
Whenela is a strategic company in the value chain of quantum technologies. By supporting the installation of its production unit these qubits that equip more and more products around the world, and masters an indispensable upstream step in the quantum value chain.
- "Coloroled Line" Project - Microoled
Microoled is a global provider of OLED micro-screens. Through an innovative process, the objective of the project is to develop in France an industrial production line corresponding to the colorization stage of micro-screens for which the only manufacturers in the world are based in Asia. The value chain will thus be fully located in France and up to 110 jobs could be created.
- "Gutenberg" Project - Aryballe Technologies
Aryballe Technology has developed a unique digital olfaction technology. The project aims to support the first industrialization of its photonic nose and to anchor in its territory this company that could carry French leadership internationally, while guaranteeing the location of its production capacity 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, which will allow the company to maintain its technological lead and strengthen its industrial base in Brive-la-Gaillarde.
Other photonic technology projects were also submitted during successive waves of calls for projects in the recovery plan.
Visit the site:
www.photonics-france.org
