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PICS & CHIPS – How photonics is changing the future of chips

March 25 @ 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm EET

PICs & Chips -After work event at Botania, Joensuu

Wednesday 25th March 2026 16:00-18:00

Photonics Finland together with Finnish Chips Competence Centre FiCCC are organizing a PICS & CHIPS event at Botania on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 16:00 to 18:00. This is an official SOHJO 2026 Side Event.

Chips are at the core of modern society, powering everything from AI and data centres to smart devices, healthcare technologies, clean energy solutions, and defence systems. As global competition intensifies, chips are not just a technological issue but a strategic and economic one. Through the EU Chips Act, Europe is investing billions to strengthen its semiconductor ecosystem, secure supply chains, and accelerate innovation. Finland’s world-class photonics expertise plays a key role in this effort.

How Photonics is revolutionizing the chips industry?

Photonics is essential for chip manufacturing, and Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) are driving new opportunities across AI, computing, sensing, healthcare, and defence. To move innovations from lab to industry, pilot lines are crucial for prototyping, validation, and scalable production.

Joensuu, as one of Finland’s leading hubs for micro- and nanophotonics, offers unique expertise in photonics technologies directly relevant for PICs.

This is not just a technology event. Instead, the discussion will focus on the commercialization opportunities of Joensuu’s photonics expertise — particularly PICs (photonic integrated circuits) — in the rapidly evolving chips industry.

Come and discuss with experts and companies about the role and opportunities of photonics and PICs in the future of chips.

This event is aimed at companies, innovators, and decision-makers interested in the future of semiconductors and photonics-fueled chips.

Register

Join the discussion in a relaxed After-work atmosphere:

  • This event brings together experts, companies and decision-makers to discuss:
  • how photonics is reshaping the chips industry
  • where the major growth and business opportunities lie
  • why pilot lines are essential for Europe’s chip future
  • how Finland — and Joensuu in particular — can play a stronger role in the global chips ecosystem
  • The event is aimed at companies, innovators and decision-makers interested in the future of chips, photonics and technology-driven growth.

Programme (preliminary):

16:00 Doors open, networking coffee and welcome words by Photonics Finland’s Executive DirectorJuha Purmonen

Keynotes:

  • “Shaping the future – integrated photonics for sensing and more” international keynote speaker will be Prof. Ryszard Piramidowich, who has been involved in developing PIC pilot lines and advancing photonics from laboratories into manufacturing.
  • “It’s a 10-year race towards 2 trillion semiconductor industry – what Finland brings to the table?” Pasi Pylväs, Finnish Chips Competence Center FiCCC
  • “Photonics integrated circuits in Joensuu: a glimpse of the future” Professor Matthieu Roussey, UEF
  • “Inside the AI Hardware Startup” Pauli Turunen, CEO, HyCom Core

17:30 Afterwork drinks and networking at Botania indoor gardens

This event is organized by the Finnish Chips Competence Center FiCCC and Photonics Finland. Limited spaces available!

Register