Under the name "Photonics Education Network for Next Generation Innovation and Excellence in Digital Skills for Industry and Society" or "Phortify", the new initiative will create a continent-wide talent pool for the industry, giving companies access to graduates and professionals trained in tools, workflows and real challenges in the field of photonics.
Phortify will enable students and professionals to obtain recognized credentials and access top-tier labs, instructors, and digital resources anywhere in Europe. Photonics is fundamental to modern industries, from high-speed communications and healthcare imaging to advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence.
Coordinated by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) with a dozen partners across Europe, Phortify aims to cover the entire photonics value chain, from fundamentals to design, manufacturing, packaging, testing and implementation.
“Phortify is more than a project; it’s a strategic investment in Europe’s digital future,” said Professor Heidi Ottevaere, project coordinator at VUB. “By creating a harmonized network of photonics education, we are equipping the next generation with the innovative mindset and digital skills excellence that industry and society urgently need. This launch marks the beginning of a powerful collaboration that transcends borders, disciplines, and sectors.”.
