PIXSpain brings photonic integration technologies closer to companies and researchers in Málaga
On Wednesday, 23 September 2026, PIXSpain will hold the training event “PIXSpain: A competence centre for accessing PIC technologies and research” at FYCMA – Málaga Trade Fair and Congress Centre.
Organised as a training workshop at ECOC, the event will introduce companies, SMEs, researchers and technology professionals to photonic integrated circuit technologies —Photonic Integrated Circuits, or PICs— and the opportunities available within this growing ecosystem.
The session will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Meeting Room 2 on the top floor of FYCMA.
A gateway to the integrated photonics ecosystem
Photonic integrated circuits make it possible to combine multiple optical functions on a single chip. This capability is enabling the development of new technological solutions in fields such as telecommunications, healthcare, sensing, computing, mobility, industry, defence and quantum technologies.
However, for many companies and organisations, particularly those approaching PIC technologies for the first time, identifying the most suitable platforms, accessing research and prototyping capabilities or finding the right expert support can be challenging.
The event will show how PIXSpain acts as a competence centre and gateway to the PIC ecosystem, connecting organisations with knowledge, training opportunities, technological capabilities and specialised expertise.
Technology, applications and access to specialised capabilities
The workshop will provide an introductory overview of PIC technologies, their ecosystem and their application potential.
Participants will learn about the main photonic integration platforms, the markets and applications enabled by mainstream technologies and the opportunities available to access research, development, experimentation and pilot prototyping capabilities.
The session will also address training and workforce development, while industry representatives will provide a practical perspective on the development and adoption of integrated photonics solutions.
A networking activity and lunch will conclude the event, providing participants with an opportunity to exchange ideas, establish new connections and explore potential collaborations.
Tentative programme
10:30–10:45 a.m. | Welcome
10:45–10:58 a.m. | PIC technology, ecosystem and applications
Pascual Muñoz, Universitat Politècnica de València and PIXSpain Coordinator
10:58–11:10 a.m. | Photonic integration platforms
Joaquín Faneca, Instituto de Microelectrónica de Barcelona, IMB-CNM (CSIC)
11:10–11:30 a.m. | Markets and applications enabled by mainstream technologies: perspective and outlook
Abdul Rahim, PhotonDelta Ecosystem Manager
11:30–11:45 a.m. | Industrial perspective
Ana González, VP Business at iPronics
Session title to be confirmed.
11:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Training and workforce development
Ana Sánchez, Universidad de Málaga and PIXSpain Training Leader
12:00–12:20 p.m. | R&D&E and access to pilot prototyping: PIXEurope
Valerio Pruneri, ICFO, PIXEurope Pilot Line Director
12:20–12:35 p.m. | Silicon photonic biosensing for clinical diagnostics
Jonas Leuermann, Head of Innovation and Co-Founder of Bioherent
12:35–1:10 p.m. | Networking activity
Led by SECPHO
1:10–2:00 p.m. | Networking lunch
The programme is tentative and may be subject to change.
Who is the event for?
The event is particularly aimed at:
- Companies interested in discovering the potential of photonic integrated circuits for the first time.
- SMEs seeking technological support to develop innovative products and solutions.
- Researchers looking for collaboration, training or access to specialised capabilities.
- Professionals and organisations interested in identifying applications of integrated photonics within their sectors.
No previous experience in PIC technologies is required. The workshop is designed as a starting point for understanding their potential, discovering the ecosystem and identifying the resources available to support the development of an idea or project.
Event information
Title: PIXSpain: A competence centre for accessing PIC technologies and research
Date: Wednesday, 23 September 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Venue: FYCMA – Trade Fairs and Congress Center of Málaga, Top Floor, Meeting Room 2
Location: Málaga, Spain
Registration will open soon
Registration for the event will open shortly. Further information about participation and any updates to the programme will be announced soon.
