A major new European initiative, Photonics for Quantum (P4Q), will launch in 2026 across twelve countries, marking a decisive step in Europe’s effort to accelerate quantum technology development and manufacturing.
In Ireland, P4Q is hosted at Tyndall National Institute (based at University College Cork), and is co-funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Skills (DFHERIS), reflecting the strategic national priority to build sovereign capability in advanced semiconductors and quantum technologies.
Coordinated by the University of Twente (NL), P4Q brings together Europe’s leading research institutes, semiconductor foundries, and deep-tech companies. The consortium’s mission is to create the manufacturing ecosystem Europe needs to produce high-quality quantum photonic chips at scale, a critical capability as the global race for quantum accelerates.
Photonic chips are a key quantum technology, enabling breakthroughs in quantum sensing, communication, and computing. The major challenge today is scale: future quantum systems will require large numbers of high-quality photonic chips, produced reliably and in high volumes.
Ireland’s Contribution to Advanced Quantum Packaging, Supported by DFHERIS
As a key partner in P4Q, Tyndall will contribute its specialist expertise in advanced packaging of quantum photonic chips, a critical component in the development of scalable quantum systems.
Tyndall’s work will focus on one of the major challenges in quantum technology: packaging chips designed to operate at ultralow (cryogenic) temperatures. These processes must deliver extreme precision and performance, while also being scalable for high-volume production as quantum markets emerge.
DFHERIS Minister James Lawless welcomes the news:
“My Department is deeply committed to advancing quantum technologies, because this is an area with enormous potential to strengthen our economy and make a real difference in people’s lives. Last year, I signed the Quantum Pact, an important step toward positioning Europe as the ‘quantum valley’ of the world.
Progress in quantum hardware depends on strong partnerships, and collaboration like this is essential for developing cutting-edge technologies and building secure, reliable supply chains. I am delighted to see Tyndall contributing to such a high-calibre consortium. Their leadership reflects our national strategic ambitions and continues to elevate Ireland’s reputation in quantum innovation.”
A SiN chip for a quantum photonics application being tested
Professor William Scanlon, CEO, Tyndall, said:
“We are proud to be playing a leading role in P4Q, which represents an important milestone for Europe’s quantum and semiconductor ambitions. Advancing the packaging of quantum photonic chips is essential for building a scalable manufacturing base in Europe. This partnership reinforces Ireland’s leadership in quantum and enabling technologies innovation and supports our national strategy to grow a resilient, future-focused semiconductor ecosystem.”
Commenting on the announcement, Professor Peter O’Brien, Head of Photonics Packaging, Tyndall, said:
“P4Q provides Ireland with a unique opportunity to lead the development of advanced packaging technologies for quantum devices. With our state-of-the-art infrastructure and unique expertise, Ireland is exceptionally well-positioned to stay at the forefront of quantum research and industrialisation, fully aligned with our national semiconductor strategy.”
Recent commentary has highlighted the strategic importance of building strong indigenous semiconductor capability to secure Ireland’s long-term economic and technological resilience. P4Q is a targeted response to that national need, placing Ireland’s expertise at the centre of a high-impact European quantum manufacturing ecosystem.
The P4Q partners include Tyndall National Institute, University of Twente (coordinator), AIT, Aluvia, AMIRES, AQT, C2N, CEA-Leti, Delft Networks, ICFO, IMEC, IMS CHIPS, Leonardo, Ligentec, LioniX International, New Origin, PlanQC GmbH, Q*bird, QphoX, QuiX Quantum, SINTEF, Sparrow Quantum, Thales Alenia Space, Thales R&T, TNO, TU Delft, TU Eindhoven, VTT, and Quandela.
About Tyndall National Institute
Tyndall is a leading European deep-tech research centre in integrated ICT (Information and Communications Technology) materials, devices, circuits and systems and a research flagship of University College Cork. Tyndall is Ireland’s largest Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) specialising in both electronics and photonics. Tyndall works with industry and academia to transform research into products in its core market areas of electronics, communications, energy, health, agri-food and the environment.
With a network of over 200 industry partners and customers worldwide, Tyndall is focused on delivering human and economic impact from excellence in research. Tyndall is home to a multidisciplinary research community of over 650 people of 52 nationalities, including over 170 postgraduates
