Integrated Photonics Bootcamp

Get hands-on training in photonic chip design, testing, and applications.

Digital Catapult, in collaboration with the Smart Nano NI consortium, is hosting a Photonics Bootcamp at their Belfast office this September.

This interactive, in-person training programme is designed to address the skills gap in integrated photonics across Northern Ireland’s innovation ecosystem.

Over two days, participants will receive hands-on training in photonic chip design, testing, and applications - delivered by Light Trace Photonics and Smart Nano NI Consortium Partners.

The bootcamp covers essential topics including:

• photonic integrated circuits
• insertion loss
• polarisation
• thermo-optic phase shifting
• validation processes

The programme aims to upskill local engineers, raise awareness of the potential of photonic technologies, and lay the groundwork for innovation across sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, agritech, and communications.

Participants will also engage directly with the Smart Nano NI consortium – a strategic collaboration driving advanced prototyping and smart manufacturing in the region.

By equipping engineers with the foundational skills to develop and validate photonic chips, the bootcamp fosters a digitally advanced, globally competitive, and self-sustaining local industry.

Programme benefits

Programme participants will:

• Benefit from in-person training delivered by leading specialists from Light Trace Photonics and Digital Catapult, covering real-world applications, design principles, and chip validation processes.
• Discover how photonic chips can solve industrial challenges and create new commercial opportunities for your business or research.
• Connect with other innovative companies, engineers, and researchers from across Northern Ireland, and engage directly with the Smart Nano NI consortium

Who should apply?

Established startups or SMEs

• that can clearly identify a need for upskilling in Industrial Photonics that can contribute to solving a challenge or challenges that they are willing to identify within their organisation.

Engineers and Technicians

• Particularly those working in electronics, optics, manufacturing, or communications who want to expand their skillset into integrated photonics.

Product Designers and Technical Leads

• Those interested in incorporating photonic technologies into future product development.

Further details

• Date: 15 and 16 September 2025
• Location: Digital Catapult, UK Digital Twin Centre, Lanyon Place, Belfast BT1 3LP

Apply to the Integrated Photonics Bootcamp.

First published 25 July 2025