Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) are rapidly transforming industries such as telecom, AI, datacom, and space—just as silicon chips revolutionized computing decades ago. However, the industry faces a major bottleneck: conventional semiconductor-based PICs have reached their performance limits, struggling to keep up with growing demands for speed and energy efficiency. The rise of AI-driven tools has further intensified this challenge, placing immense pressure on data centers to handle skyrocketing data volumes while minimizing power consumption—something existing solutions are failing to achieve.

Lightium, a Swiss startup founded in 2023, is pioneering a solution with its proprietary Thin-Film Lithium Niobate (TFLN) platform. By offering production-grade PIC foundry services, the startup empowers photonic device manufacturers to streamline production, reduce costs, and scale seamlessly. TFLN, a glass-like material, significantly enhances data transmission rates while dramatically lowering power consumption. With its scalable platform, Lightium eliminates the need for complex, multi-step integrations, making high-performance photonic devices more accessible and efficient to produce.

The market for photonic components was valued at USD 120 billion in 2022, with photonic integrated circuits (PICs) accounting for USD 13 billion. While telecom and datacom remain the dominant applications, emerging fields such as space technology, quantum computing, healthcare, and machine learning are poised for significant growth. As the demand for next-generation photonics accelerates, Lightium is at the forefront of enabling a faster, more efficient, and more scalable future.

Co-founded by EPFL alumni Amir Ghadimi (right in the picture) and Frédéric Loizeau, along with MIT professor and serial entrepreneur Prof. Dirk Englund, Lightium is the first company to design and manufacture TFLN-based photonic chips on an industrial scale. The team is rapidly expanding, growing from 11 to a projected 30 to 35 people by year-end, with plans for 50% annual growth.

The startup will invest the CHF 150,000 funding from Venture Kick to develop its online presence, strengthen its customer relationships at industry-leading events, and grow its core team and facilities in Zurich.

"Venture Kick is a powerful catalyst for startups in Switzerland," commented Frédéric Loizeau. "Beyond the funding, the real value lies in the visibility and credibility it brings. Being part of Venture Kick amplifies our presence in the Swiss ecosystem, making us more attractive to top talent, partners, and future opportunities."

(www.startupticker.ch)