NI Photonics Innovation Cluster
A new industry group has launched to help Northern Ireland businesses take advantage of opportunities in photonics - the technology behind lasers, sensors and fibre optics.
Connections, collaborations and skills at the heart of NI-PIC
The Northern Ireland Photonics Innovation Cluster (NI-PIC) has launched to bring together businesses, researchers and government to accelerate photonics innovation and create high-value economic growth.
Its vision is to position Northern Ireland as a global leader in photonics innovation and help local organisations turn innovative ideas into commercial success.
Photonics - the enabling technology behind lasers, sensors and fibre optics - already powers advances in manufacturing, healthcare, energy and communications. NI-PIC will make it easier for local businesses to connect, share expertise and build the skills needed to use these technologies in real-world products and services.
The cluster is funded by Invest Northern Ireland and supported by Digital Catapult. It welcomes member applications from:
- startups and spinouts
- small and medium-sized businesses
- large companies and corporates
- academia and research institutes
- investors and government agencies
'Pure' photonics and photonics-enabled companies, as well as businesses in photonics supply chains and wider industry stakeholders are eligible to join the cluster.
They will be featured in the NI-PIC Member Directory, which showcases the diverse companies, organisations, and stakeholders that make up NI's photonics ecosystem.
Members should seek to explore collaboration, research partnerships and knowledge exchange, as well as skills development, policy engagement and investment opportunities within the photonics sector.
Find out more about the Northern Ireland Photonics Innovation Cluster.
First published 31 October 2025