With a team of more than 50 researchers, their work has applications in fields as relevant to the economy as industry, telecommunications, computing in artificial intelligence or biomedicine.
The PRL is a laboratory integrated within the Institute of Telecommunications and Multimedia Applications (iTEAM), of which it was a founding partner. Among its objectives is the promotion of scientific projects with real-world impact, generating solutions that improve processes, boost competitiveness, and directly benefit society. Led by José Capmany, recipient of the Jaume I Award for New Technologies for his work in optical communications and photonics technology, the team operates in state-of-the-art facilities spanning over 1,000 square meters, expandable to more than 4,000, and equipped with over 60 million euros. Capmany emphasized that both the technical and human resources "play a fundamental role in opening up new possibilities," as demonstrated by the latest projects launched, most notably the pilot line for integrated hybrid photonics (PIXEurope), funded by European funds. This includes the commissioning of the first pilot plant for microchips in the Valencian Community, within the framework of the European PIXEurope program for the development of hybrid photonic chips.
The challenge of turning light into a driver of multi-sectoral change : “In a context where photonics has become a key technology for the development of telecommunications, biomedicine, and autonomous mobility, PRL is taking on the challenge of turning light into a technological tool,” stated Capmany, who explained that to achieve this, they are working to produce high-quality scientific knowledge in the fields of optics, quantum optics, and photonics, promoting projects with a real impact on both society and businesses. In this regard, they work through active collaboration with industry via research projects, R&D contracts, and agreements with the private sector.
This approach allows ideas born in laboratories to be translated into applicable advancements, creating a cycle between science, innovation, and economic development. This technology transfer approach has also led to four active spin-offs operating in highly specialized markets, demonstrating the direct impact of research in strategic sectors such as telecommunications, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and autonomous mobility.
Among their achievements is the development of the world's first programmable optical switch, capable of implementing any switching and processing strategy. Their technology guarantees ultra-fast communications for AI clusters and a future-proof data center infrastructure. These spin-offs not only generate highly skilled jobs and boost the economy but also position Valencia as a global hub for technological innovation.
Among PRL's recent achievements, the development of the world's first universal, programmable, and multifunctional photonic chip stands out. Developed in collaboration with its spin-off company, iPronics Programmable Photonics, this breakthrough, comparable to the invention of electronic microprocessors in the 20th century, marks a turning point in photonics. The chip, capable of being reconfigured for multiple applications, opens up a range of possibilities in strategic sectors such as telecommunications, data centers, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, satellites, drones, and autonomous mobility. "This milestone not only consolidates PRL's position as a global leader in photonics but also demonstrates its ability to generate disruptive solutions that address the technological challenges of the present and the future ," concluded Capmany.
