Photonic-sensors-for-defense-security: Join the European Business Roundtable

(November 18, 2010) — A group of European defense integrators and photonics clusters has today launched a Business Round Table for Photonics Sensors for Defense and Security. The mission of this Round Table is to create business relationships between photonics small/medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are leaders in sensor innovations and technology integrators who are seeking specific capabilities and performance for defense and security systems. The Round Table will accelerate the presence in the market of key competitive sensor technologies in defense and security applications. Interested defense systems manufacturers and photonics clusters are invited to join this initiative.

Jean-François Coutris, VP of SAGEM Defense and Security, contributed to the organization of this initiative. "SMEs are strong in technology innovation. They are both agile and inventive and can work on developments that larger industries could not afford to invest in. We must facilitate the development of these SMEs that are crucial to our competitive position."

Thomas Pearsall, secretary general of the European Photonics Industry Consortium, (EPIC) also a partner in the organization of the Business Round Table added, "The defense majors, like MBDA and SAGEM, are strong in technology integration. They have the resources and the know-how for integrating new technology into reliable and performant systems coupled with a good view of market opportunities."

The Business Round Table is planning meetings four times per year in different locations around Europe.  SMEs will be invited to present innovations in sensor technology, and defense integrators will discuss needs for sensing systems. Participants from both sides will be able to discuss details in networking sessions during the meeting. W. Knorr, head of the laser division of the binational French/German research institute of Saint Louis, appreciates the launch of the Photonics Sensors Business Roundtable: "This is an important positive step in accelerating the exploitation of new photonics sensor applications in Europe."

SMEs who would like to participate should contact the photonics cluster in their region.  These clusters will decide on the participants’ program. Defense and security integrators who wish to participate should contact EPIC directly.

Thirteen photonics clusters:

  • Anticipa, France
  • Cluster Photonique, Belgium
  • Estonian Photonics, Estonia                
  • EPIC, EU
  • Heinrich-Hertz Institute, Germany                           
  • OpticsValley, France                 
  • Optoelectronics Research Center, Finland                
  • OptecBB, Germany           
  • POP Sud, France 
  • Rhenaphotonics Alsace, France
  • Route des Lasers, France 
  • SECPHO, Spain                   
  • Swiss Laser Net, Switzerland       
  • Scottish Optoelectronics Association, UK
  • Electronics, Sensors, Photonics KTN, UK
  • Wroclaw Photonics Cluster, Poland

and three defense majors :

  • INDRA, Spain
  • MBDA, UK
  • SAGEM, France

formed the group of initiating charter members.  Participation from other interested members of the community, either clusters or defense systems integrators is solicited.

Contact Martine Keim-Paray, EPIC, 17, rue de l’Amiral Hamelin, 75016 Paris, France; [email protected]; www.photonics-sensors.eu

Also read: EuroPIC: European manufacturing consortium for photonic integrated circuits

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