01 Mar

Photonics is identified as one of the most promising technologies for the coming years. Photonics is the science of using light to generate energy, detect or transmit information. If you’re not a scientist, one can imagine photonics as a new way of transportation using light. Light that can transport data, images or even energy.

Photonics will enable all kinds of innovations like better data communication, more precise medical ways of detecting, treating and even preventing major diseases, new construction methods and improved ways of energy transportation and much more. No wonder Photonics companies are getting attention from investors.

We as ecosystem builders are then immediately triggered tremendously. 42Collective sees this this innovative photonics industry as great example to create more breakthroughs applying our collaborative innovation approach.

All about new coalitions

What would happen when we bring together the strong concepts that already exist somewhere in the world and when we unite the innovators who have developed them? Photonic innovations are applicable in so many industries ranging from car manufacturers to health industry, from aerospace and airports (and their need for security) to manufacturing processes that require precision and accuracy like 3D laser scanners. Innovation is taking place in all kinds of photonic components. Connection to existing applications and processes is needed. There is a lot to do and to learn in the world of photonics. A world that lends itself very well to an innovation ecosystem approach.

New collaborations will lead to new concrete collaborations AND to deals. Think of the new opportunities that can be accelerated to market. Deals with agreements to apply concepts together, deals to deliver products to new buyers, deals to co-create together, and perhaps more deals like Effect Fotonics. Early March Effect Fotonics received an investment of EUR 31 million from a group of Dutch investors.

Need for more ecosystems to innovate

The photonics industry is already united in a number of ecosystems. Photondelta is a wonderful initiative by Ewit Roos, his team and the ecosystem partners. Photondelta indicates that technological leadership alone is not enough. A fragmented approach by individual organizations to deal with the technological complexities to build an integrated photonics application will never be successful.

Take a look at an example from a completely different industry of the Johan Cruijff Arena: “www.reimaginefootball.com” where various parties have united around the theme of COVID and have enabled a global campaign and collaborative innovation. Over 300 parties from around the world have come forward with their innovative solutions. As a follow-up, the partners in this initiative closed deals with the participating parties — not only startups — but all sorts of innovative companies.

Collaborate to win

Some people may be cautious. They may be working on something new and want to keep it as their unique selling point. But guess what: wouldn’t it be better to know if others are on a similar journey? In addition: it’s not about ideas — it’s about implementations. Only those who implement faster win. Think about the acceleration that might be possible. Then daring to share may become a must have.What we have in mind is a collaboration of a number of industry parties, existing ecosystems and knowledge institutes.

Join up and create an ecosystem

We are curious if you have any ideas about organizations with vision, guts, and money to realize an collaborative innovation initiative in photonics. Whom should we talk to? Send us a message via ‘our contact page ’. From good to great — that is the ambition. No time to lose on competing with each other. The ambition is to speed up innovation by best practice sharing and collaboration in an innovation ecosystem.