What JePPIX does

JePPIX is a European consortium, hosted at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), that coordinates the InP and TriPLEX (silicon nitride) photonic integrated circuit (PIC) supply chain. Founded in 2006 and operating with 11-50 staff, the organization aggregates more than 30 partners across foundries, design houses, EDA vendors, packaging specialists, and academic institutions into a single open-access platform. Its core proposition is a horizontal, generic foundry model in which SMEs, researchers, and photonics companies can prototype and pilot productize PICs without owning their own fabrication facility.

The platform is organized around three service pillars: (1) MPW Services coordinating Multi-Project Wafer runs across SMART Photonics (InP), Fraunhofer HHI (InP), LioniX International (TriPLEX), and Ligentec, with publicly listed pricing per cell size (e.g., EUR 7,250-23,500 for SMART runs, EUR 8,280-49,680 for Fraunhofer HHI); (2) Pilot Line Services providing program management, scaling, test and assembly, and financial support to European SMEs taking PIC concepts from proof-of-concept to commercial production, underpinned by four PIC-specific pilot lines (PIX4Life, PIXAPP, OIP4NWE, and an InP-focused line); and (3) Training Services including a two-week PIC design course at TU/e, conference workshops, and the Creative Commons-licensed Handbook for generic InP-based PIC design. Supporting the workflow are partner EDA tools (Luceda IPKISS.flow, Synopsys PIC Design Suite, VPIphotonics, Lumerical INTERCONNECT, Photon Design PICWave, Nazca Design), design houses (VLC Photonics, BRIGHT Photonics, Epiphany), packaging services (PICadvanced), and evaluation hardware (PIConnect, RFconnect).

JePPIX monetizes via per-run MPW service fees, design tool and design service license/usage fees (EUR 495-25,000 per engagement), training course fees, and EU/public-funded pilot line program management. Distribution is community-led and event-driven through the annual European Photonic Integration Forum (EPIF) co-organized with ePIXfab at ECOC, plus exhibition presence at ECIO, SPIE Photonics West, OFC, PIC Summit Europe, and Laser World of Photonics. Customer segments are primarily SMEs/start-ups developing PIC-based products and academic/research institutions, with secondary exposure to established photonics companies through design services and packaging.

Name

JePPIX

Legal name

JePPIX

Website

https://jeppix.eu

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

JePPIX is a European PIC consortium hosted at TU/e that coordinates an open-access InP and TriPLEX multi-project wafer foundry network, serving SMEs, researchers, and photonics companies with prototyping, pilot-line scale-up, and training services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Photonic Integrated Circuit Services

NAICS

Semiconductor Machinery Manufacturing (333242), Computer Systems Design Services (541512), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)

SIC

Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)

akta.pro primary industry

R&D / Prototyping & MPW Shuttle Foundries (HDAHACAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Optoelectronic / Photonics Foundries (Silicon Photonics/LED/Laser) (HDAHACAG)

Keywords

• Photonic integrated circuits
• Multi-project wafer services
• Indium Phosphide foundry
• PIC prototyping platform
• Photonic chip pilot line

Headquarters

HQ city

Eindhoven

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. MPW Service Fees: JePPIX coordinates Multi-Project Wafer services through its foundry and design service partners. Users pay fees to access fabrication runs, software licenses, design services, packaging, and testing. Pricing is publicly listed per service (e.g., Fraunhofer HHI chip runs from EUR 8,280 to EUR 55,200; Luceda IPKISS from EUR 1,400 to EUR 3,000).
2. Training and Education Services: Training programs including a two-week PIC design course at TU/e, conference workshops, and online resources. Fees vary by program. Additional revenue from training contacts at [email protected].
3. Pilot Line Services: Program management, scaling up, test and assembly, and financial support services for SMEs transitioning PIC concepts to production. The pilot line offers reduced-barrier-to-entry pricing for European SMEs.
4. Design Support and Consulting: Design enablement services through partner design houses (VLC Photonics, BRIGHT Photonics, Epiphany, PICadvanced) providing mask reviews, layout support, custom design, and prototyping.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

JePPIX coordinates Multi-Project Wafer (MPW) prototyping services across multiple European foundries (SMART Photonics and Fraunhofer HHI for InP, LioniX International for TriPLEX silicon nitride), enabling shared foundry access for PIC design. It also operates a PIC pilot line providing program management, scale-up, test and assembly, and SME financial support, and offers a training scheme including PIC design courses at TU/e Eindhoven and a freely available Creative Commons-licensed Handbook for generic InP-based PIC design.

Product overview

JePPIX is a platform for photonic integrated components that brings together the European InP and Triplex photonic integrated circuit (PIC) supply chain. The platform offers a horizontal and generic foundry model through three core service pillars: (1) MPW Services providing multi-project wafer access to multiple foundries including SMART Photonics (InP), Fraunhofer HHI, and LioniX International (TriPleX); (2) Pilot Line Services enabling SME scale-up with program management, test and assembly, and financial support; and (3) Training Services including PIC design courses and technology workshops. The ecosystem includes design software products from partners including IPKISS.flow (Luceda Photonics), INTERCONNECT (Lumerical/Ansys), VPIcomponentMaker (VPIphotonics), PICWave (Photon Design), Nazca Design, and PIC Design Suite (Synopsys), as well as design house services from BRIGHT Photonics and VLC Photonics. Additional offerings include evaluation hardware (PIConnect, RFconnect), packaging services (PICadvanced), and educational resources including a comprehensive handbook for InP-based PIC design.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• MPW Services Coordinated Multi-Project Wafer (MPW) services that allow multiple customers to share wafer fabrication costs and access photonic integrated circuit prototyping and production through a network of European foundries (SMART Photonics, Fraunhofer HHI, LioniX International). Includes a JePPIX Digital Dashboard for workflow management and access to design tools, building blocks, packaging, and test/characterization services.
• JePPIX Pilot Line Services Program management, scaling-up, test and assembly, and financial support services that help SMEs and start-ups transition PIC proof-of-concept designs into commercial production. Targets TRL7 maturity and includes reduced-barrier-to-entry pricing for European SMEs.
• Training Services Educational offerings in photonic integrated circuit technology delivered through PIC design courses (including a two-week program at TU/e Eindhoven), PIC concepts training, and workshops at major photonics conferences. Aimed at growing the PIC workforce for academic and industry participants.
• Handbook for Generic InP-based PIC Design Comprehensive reference covering guided wave propagation, semiconductor physics, fabrication technology, simulation methods, design tools, measurement, characterization, test, assembly, packaging, and building blocks for InP-based PIC design.
• PIConnect PIC Evaluation System PIC evaluation setup with integrated laser drivers, current and voltage sources enabling parallel operation of building blocks. Includes 8 current sources, 8 voltage sources, 4 laser drivers, and a temperature controller for convenient PIC evaluation. Available for EUR 9,500 (Mainboard), with assembly variants at EUR 5,000 (single-sided) and EUR 6,000 (double-sided).
• RFconnect Fiber coupled RF PIC assembly expanding PIConnect with a thermally controllable assembly featuring 8 RF and optical ports and 42 DC ports for RF measurement equipment connection. Priced at EUR 10,000 (excluding PIConnect Mainboard and PIC).
• PICadvanced Packaging Services Proprietary PIC packaging solutions including packaged PIC with holder interface (EUR 6,000), packaged PIC in PCB DC (EUR 8,000), and packaged PIC in PCB RF (EUR 10,000) configurations, featuring SMF fiber interface, TEC cooling, and control boards with GUI. 50% academic discount available via collaboration protocol.
• VLC Photonics Design and Test Services Fabless photonic design and test house offering PIC design services (standard cell design from EUR 5,500, custom design from EUR 11,000), characterization and testing (from EUR 2,000), pilot production planning (from EUR 15,000), automated testing (from EUR 25,000), and testing assembly (from EUR 10,000) solutions across III-V and silicon photonics platforms.
• IPKISS.flow by Luceda Photonics Scripting environment covering the complete photonic IC design flow from component layout through simulation, circuit layout, and measurement feedback, with validated component libraries adaptable to different fab technologies. Licensed at EUR 3,000 for Commercial Organisations (3-month license), EUR 1,400 for Research Institutes (3-month license), and EUR 1,400 for Universities (1-year license).
• INTERCONNECT by Lumerical/Ansys Photonic integrated circuit simulator that verifies multimode, bidirectional, and multi-channel PICs using a hierarchical schematic editor and an extensive library of passive and active optoelectronic building blocks. INTERCONNECT Bundle (JPXB) with 3-month license validity priced at EUR 1,000.
• VPIcomponentMaker Photonic Circuits by VPIphotonics EDA-style design flow tool for photonic integrated circuits with libraries of passive photonic and optoelectronic devices, electrical elements, and VPItoolkit PDK extensions for various foundry technologies. Priced at EUR 830 with 1 PDK, EUR 1,110 with 2 PDKs, EUR 1,350 with 3 PDKs; VPIdeviceDesigner at EUR 600; full bundle (CMP-3 + MD) at EUR 1,500. All trial versions valid for 3 months.
• Nazca Design (Open-source) Open-source photonic IC design software released under AGPLv3 license, providing designer-focused mask design with Python scripting, drag-and-drop functionality in KLayout, and PDK subscriptions for commercial foundries. Free with optional PDK subscription at EUR 495 (3 months), EUR 765 (6 months), EUR 1,395 (12 months). Mask Review at EUR 495, Layout Support at EUR 1,595, Layout Support + PDK at EUR 2,095.
• PIC Design Suite by Synopsys Photonic integrated circuit design software including OptSim Circuit for design optimization and OptoDesigner for photonic-aware physical layout, providing a seamless flow from concept to manufacturable design. Includes circuit simulator, photonic chip and mask layout, process flow visualization, photonic propagation and mode simulations, partner interfaces, and 4 hours of online training. Priced at EUR 1,150 for the bundle (D264-0) with 3-month license.
• PICWave by Photon Design Photonic circuit design tool combining advanced laser diode and SOA modeling with photonic integrated circuit simulation using time-domain travelling wave (TDTW) calculation methods. PICWave DKE introductory offer at EUR 630 (3-month validity), standard at EUR 1,600 (3-month validity).
• BRIGHT Photonics Design Services Application-specific photonics IC (ASPIC) design and development services, including building blocks (AWG BB at EUR 750, MMI BB at EUR 450), mask review (EUR 495), layout support (EUR 1,595), layout support with PDK (EUR 2,095), custom design (from EUR 11,000), and prototypes (from EUR 14,000) with packaged devices.
• SMART Photonics Foundry MPW Runs Commercial MPW runs on Indium Phosphide offered through the JePPIX platform. SMART XS (4.6 x 2 mm², 8 copies) at EUR 7,250; SMART X (4.6 x 4 mm², 8 copies) at EUR 12,500; SMART XL (4.6 x 8 mm², 8 copies) at EUR 23,500. Custom coating options from EUR 1,195 to EUR 1,760; extra I/Os at EUR 1,810; cleave at EUR 2,550.
• Fraunhofer HHI PIC Foundry MPW Runs MPW chip runs on Indium Phosphide with optional custom coatings. HHI-4-2-8 (2x8 mm², 4 copies) at EUR 8,280; HHI-4-4-8 (4x8 mm², 4 copies) at EUR 16,560; HHI-4-6-8 (6x8 mm², 4 copies) at EUR 24,840; HHI-4-12-8 (12x8 mm², 4 copies) at EUR 49,680. Custom coatings add EUR 2,760 to EUR 7,920.
• LioniX International TriPleX MPW Runs MPW runs on LioniX's proprietary TriPleX (silicon nitride) platform for telecom, life sciences, and space markets. LX-I-10-10 (10x10 mm², 4 copies) at EUR 17,800 commercial / EUR 9,550 academic; LX-I-10-20 (10x20 mm², 4 copies) at EUR 26,600 commercial / EUR 13,700 academic.

Quantifiable outcome

• Several hundred researchers and innovators engaged across process development, chip fabrication, packaging, software development, design, and training.
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• TU/e (Eindhoven University of Technology)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTU/e is the host institution of JePPIX. The Photonic Integration research group at TU/e is central to the consortium, providing academic leadership and research expertise in photonic integrated circuits. Kevin Williams, Professor at TU/e, serves as Chair of JePPIX.
• SMART PhotonicscoreTechnology or IntegrationWorld's first pure-play foundry for Indium Phosphide photonics semiconductors, headquartered in Eindhoven. Provides commercial MPW services on InP at competitive rates through the JePPIX platform. Core foundry partner for InP-based PIC prototyping and production.
• Fraunhofer HHIcoreTechnology or IntegrationWorld leader in development of photonic integrated circuits for 100+ Gbit/sec data transmission and detection and sensor applications. Provides MPW services (InP), PIConnect evaluation systems, RFconnect assemblies, and packaging services through the JePPIX platform.
• LioniX InternationalcoreTechnology or IntegrationLeading provider of products based on micro/nano system technology with core technologies in integrated optics and micro-fluidics. Offers TriPLEX (silicon nitride) MPW services and vertically integrated solutions through JePPIX.
• LigentecsupportingTechnology or IntegrationSwiss company specializing in silicon nitride photonic integrated circuits. Provides MPW services on a low-loss silicon nitride platform, complementary to the InP offerings within the JePPIX ecosystem.
• Luceda PhotonicscoreTechnology or IntegrationDelivers IPKISS.flow photonic IC design software covering the complete design flow from component layout through circuit simulation to measurement feedback. Validated with over 400 designs. Co-founded by Wim Bogaerts, Professor at Ghent University.
• VLC PhotonicscoreTechnology or IntegrationLeading pure-play photonic design and test house based in Valencia, Spain. Provides PIC design, characterization, testing, and pilot production planning services across III-V and silicon photonics platforms. Skills include DC/RF and optical testing up to 40 GHz.
• BRIGHT PhotonicscoreTechnology or IntegrationDevelops and designs application-specific photonics ICs (ASPICs) and is the creator of Nazca Design open-source photonic IC layout software. Offers mask reviews, layout support, custom design, and validated building block libraries (BrightModules).
• SynopsyssupportingTechnology or IntegrationProvides PIC Design Suite including OptSim Circuit and OptoDesigner tools, offering seamless PIC design flow from concept to manufacturable design. Integration with RSoft, HSPICE, and Sentaurus TCAD tools.
• VPIphotonicssupportingTechnology or IntegrationProvides VPIcomponentMaker Photonic Circuits for EDA-style PIC design and VPIdeviceDesigner for integrated photonic device analysis. Offers PDK extensions for HHI, SMART Photonics, and LioniX platforms.
• Lumerical (Ansys)supportingTechnology or IntegrationProvides INTERCONNECT photonic integrated circuit simulator for verifying multimode, bidirectional, and multi-channel PICs. Supports foundry PDKs with calibrated compact model libraries.
• Photon DesignsupportingTechnology or IntegrationProvides PICWave photonic circuit design tool with advanced laser diode and SOA models, and photonic integrated circuit design and simulation capabilities using time-domain travelling wave (TDTW) modeling.
• Nazca Design / Bright PhotonicssupportingTechnology or IntegrationOpen-source photonic IC design software released under AGPLv3 license. Provides mask layout, design rule checking, and PDK validation for commercial foundries. Saves users significant licensing costs.
• PhotonDeltasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey ecosystem player in the Dutch and European photonic integration landscape. Supports JePPIX initiatives and events including the European Photonic Integration Forum (EPIF) and roadmap activities.
• PICadvancedsupportingTechnology or IntegrationPortuguese company developing disruptive optoelectronic solutions for telecommunications. Provides NG-PON2 transceivers and advanced PIC packaging services including proprietary holder interfaces and control boards.
• Tyndall National InstitutesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerIreland's leading research institute in photonics. Coordinates PIXAPP, the world's first open-access PIC assembly and packaging pilot line, providing unified entry to comprehensive packaging technologies.
• Ghent University / imecsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerGhent University and imec are central to European silicon photonics through ePIXfab. Professor Wim Bogaerts (Ghent University) serves as Chair of ePIXfab and contributes significantly to PIC design methodologies and the JePPIX/ePIXfab ecosystem.
• EpiphanysupportingTechnology or IntegrationDesign house joining the JePPIX ecosystem in 2024, expanding the platform's resilience and adding photonic design capabilities to the service portfolio.
• Cornerstone (Southampton Silicon Fab)supportingTechnology or IntegrationUK-based photonic foundry providing additional fabrication capabilities within the JePPIX ecosystem.
• FicontecsupportingTechnology or IntegrationGerman machine engineering company (250+ employees) designing and producing semi- and fully automatic machine systems for assembly and testing of micro-optical components, opto-electronic assemblies, and photonic devices.
• Photonics BretagnesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench photonics organization contributing to the European PIC ecosystem within JePPIX.
• B-PHOT VUBsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrussels-based photonics research group at Vrije Universiteit Brussel contributing to the JePPIX ecosystem.
• NVIDIAsupportingTechnology or IntegrationNVIDIA (via Mellanox) provides technology integration and compute capabilities relevant to photonic interconnects and AI-driven photonic systems within the JePPIX ecosystem.
• PhotonFirstsupportingTechnology or IntegrationNetherlands-based deep-tech scale-up pioneer in next-generation smart sensing technologies. Successor to Technobis IPS, providing PIC-enabled sensing products using JePPIX fabrication and design services.
• EPIC (European Photonics Industry Consortium)supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerEuropean photonics industry consortium providing networking, technology meetings, and market development activities that complement JePPIX's training and education initiatives.
• III-V LabsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint lab between Nokia, Thales, and CEA dedicated to III-V activities. Research excellence in III-V materials and photonic & microelectronic devices, contributing to the PIC ecosystem.
• mBryonicssupportingTechnology or IntegrationIrish company providing photonic integrated circuit solutions within the JePPIX ecosystem.
• AixtronsupportingTechnology or IntegrationSemiconductor equipment manufacturer providing deposition technology relevant to photonic integrated circuit fabrication.
• NMWPsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNanotechnologies and Microsystems initiative from North Rhine-Westphalia contributing to photonic integration research and development within the JePPIX ecosystem.
• VTECsupportingTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner providing additional capabilities to the JePPIX ecosystem.
• AmiressupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProvides project management services including coordination of open calls for the JePPIX pilot line.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• LioniX International: Dutch supplier of integrated optics using proprietary TriPLEX (silicon nitride) technology, offering MPW runs through JePPIX. Comparable as a JePPIX-aligned foundry; broader in that it also offers vertically integrated modules for telecom, life sciences, and space.
• SMART Photonics: World's first pure-play Indium Phosphide foundry, headquartered in Eindhoven and a core JePPIX partner. Comparable because it provides the underlying InP fabrication capacity that JePPIX aggregates, but it operates as a fab rather than a consortium/platform.
• Fraunhofer HHI (Photonic Components Department): German applied research institute operating one of the leading InP photonic foundries and offering MPW runs, evaluation hardware (PIConnect), and packaging services via JePPIX. Comparable as a provider of InP fabrication and testing services within the European PIC ecosystem.

Direct peers

• CMC Microsystems: Canadian not-for-profit that provides researchers and SMEs with affordable access to semiconductor and photonic fabrication via MPW shuttles and design tools. Operates a structurally similar consolidated platform model to JePPIX for the Canadian/North American academic ecosystem.
• AIM Photonics: US-based public-private Manufacturing Innovation Institute focused on photonic integrated circuit manufacturing, including an MPW/shuttle program. Most direct cross-Atlantic analogue to JePPIX in mission and operating model, though anchored on silicon photonics rather than InP.
• ePIXfab: European MPW/pilot line platform for silicon photonics co-organized with JePPIX at EPIF. Directly comparable model (open-access foundry coordination, MPW runs, training) but serves the silicon photonics platform rather than InP/TriPLEX; together they cover the European PIC stack.

Others

• EPIC (European Photonics Industry Consortium): European industry association for photonics providing networking, market development, and technology meetings. Comparable as an adjacent ecosystem/consortium player that complements JePPIX's training and education, with overlap in industry network orchestration.
• PhotonDelta: Dutch public-private ecosystem organization backing the European photonic integration industry, including supporting JePPIX initiatives and EPIF. Comparable as an enabling ecosystem/cluster player rather than a competitor; jointly drives the European PIC roadmap.

Emerging players

• Ligentec: Swiss specialty foundry offering low-loss silicon nitride MPW services, integrated into the JePPIX ecosystem as a complementary platform. Comparable as a niche foundry partner in the European PIC supply chain; emerging relative to SMART Photonics and Fraunhofer HHI.

Regional players

• Tyndall National Institute: Ireland's leading photonics research institute and coordinator of PIXAPP, the world's first open-access PIC assembly and packaging pilot line. Comparable as a regional JePPIX partner providing part of the PIC pilot line infrastructure; not a direct competitor but a coordinated member.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/JeppixPlatform
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/jeppix

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about JePPIX