Imec, UGent Unveil Spin-off for Silicon Photonics-Based Optical Transceivers

Imec and Ghent University (UGent) have announced the formation of a spin-off called Caliopa from the Photonics Research Group. Imec conducts research in the area of nanoelectronics.

Caliopa will manufacture and distribute new optical transceivers based on silicon photonics for the data and telecommunications markets. A consortium of investors comprising PMV-Vinnof, Fidimec and Baekeland, funded €2 million to develop the first set of solutions.

Caliopa will capitalize on the expertise, intellectual property of the research done by Photonics Research Group and Imec, which was led by Proffesor Roel Baets. Caliopa will also utilize the Imec’s proficiency in silicon processing. The spin-off company includes seven team members with technical experts from UGent, Imec, and industry specialists from the high tech industry. Caliopa will double its team strength in the next one year.

Caliopa’s Chief Executive officer, Martin De Prycker stated that silicon photonics enables them to manufacture low power, integrated and small optical transceivers. Prycker added that multiple optical components are replaceable with one optical chip with the use of silicon photonics. The silicon photonics components can be developed at standard CMOS production facilities, Prycker said.