ICFO secures funding to boost strategic infrastructures in photonic chips and quantum technologies

The Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO) has been selected as one of the 14 funded projects under the 2024 Institutional Singular Projects call, launched by the Government of Catalonia’s Department of Research and Universities, with a total budget exceeding €103 million to transform leading research infrastructures.

Within this framework, ICFO will receive funding to carry out the renovation of its building, enabling the construction of a state-of-the-art technological laboratory infrastructure inside the facility. This infrastructure will primarily host nano-characterisation laboratories for materials and photonic chips developed within the PIXEurope Integrated Photonic Circuits Pilot Line, as well as spaces for other related activities, with a particular focus on the Quantum Valley initiative.

The call seeks to promote excellence in research, attract talent, and foster knowledge transfer through the construction, expansion, or modernisation of scientific and technological infrastructures. It is co-financed 30% by the European Union, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and 20% by the Department of Research and Universities, with beneficiary institutions contributing the remaining 50% through their own resources or other compatible funding sources.

ICFO’s project will make it possible to adapt and expand key spaces to meet the growing needs of research and innovation in photonics, photonic chips, and quantum technologies, which are strategic areas for scientific and technological development in Catalonia and Europe, with applications in fields such as communications, computing, health, and advanced industry.

Funded projects under this call may have a maximum duration of seven years, and all expenditures must be completed by 31 December 2028.