Jul 23 2015
The Optical Society, along with the National Photonics Initiative (NPI), congratulate the consortium partners in the state of New York on their selection for the Integrated Photonics Institute for Manufacturing Innovation (IP-IMI).
The IP-IMI will accelerate research, development and demonstration in the manufacture of integrated photonic components and circuits. The consortium will manage the Department of Defense-led institute, which will be funded by $110 million in federal investment along with matching commitments from the private sector of at least $100 million, making the IP-IMI the largest federal investment to date in the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation program.
“Photonics technologies in advanced manufacturing have been a key component in the revitalization of U.S. manufacturing, especially in the automotive and aerospace industries,” said Elizabeth Rogan, CEO of The Optical Society. “The Integrated Photonics Institute for Manufacturing Innovation highlights the economic impact of optics and photonics and will strengthen our global competitiveness. We congratulate the New York consortium, and we look forward to working with the new IP-IMI team, as well as continuing our support and affiliation with the finalists.”
The New York Congressional delegation, led by Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and Representatives Slaughter and Reed; government; industry and academic partners all contributed to the winning proposal. The IP-IMI will create an integrated photonics manufacturing innovation ecosystem in the United States, with the goal of developing low-cost, high volume, manufacturing methods for photonic devices and components.
“The IP-IMI is part of an overall effort by the U.S. government to increase the development and production of new photonics applications and technologies,” said Mike Mielke, public policy chair for The Optical Society, and program manager at Trumpf North America. “The Optical Society was pleased to support the Department of Defense on the creation of the IP-IMI by offering technical expertise and insight during the development process, and we look forward to continuing our work with the new IP-IMI facility.”