First factory for glass-based photonic chips opens in Milan

Ephos says it has opened the world’s first factory specializing in creating glass-based photonic chips for quantum computing. The facility was completed in Milan, Italy, after the company raised $8.5 million in a final round of funding.

Part of the funding for the plant’s opening comes from US venture capital, while the rest was provided by the European Innovation Council (EIC). It is noteworthy that NATO is also among the investors to boost the production of glass chips in Italy.

While Ephos is looking to quantum computing and even military applications for its processors, advances in glass-based semiconductor production are important for all segments of computing. This is acknowledged by the company itself:

“Securing this funding and opening our Milan facility is a crucial milestone for Ephos,” said Andrea Rocchetto, CEO and co-founder of the company. “Our glass-based photonic chips are positioned to transform not only quantum computing and AI, but also the broader computing infrastructure of the future.”

The possibility of using glass instead of silicon in the manufacturing of semiconductors has already appeared in the speeches of practically all the giants in the area. Intel, AMD and TSMC are advancing their processes with the technology, so Ephos has great challenges to establish itself as a “leader” in the segment.

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At the same time, moving to a completely new process can be an opportunity for a company to get ahead of others and try to maintain that position as technology advances. Sources for Ephos’ investment already indicate a strong interest in the area, but now the company needs to deliver products that meet expectations.

Likewise, the opening of the first factory for photonic chips should further encourage other companies to advance their search for the use of glass substrates.

Source: Tom’s Hardware