On July 17, 2026, ChipNL CC is organizing a free half-day workshop as a side-event of the Optica ImageSense Congress in Maastricht. The workshop is organized together with FiCCC (Finland) and AT-C3 (Austria), as part of the EU Chips for Europe Initiative. The meeting is open to everyone, with or without a congress ticket, and focuses on startups, SMEs, and industrial parties in photonics and quantum technology.
About the workshop
The Netherlands has a strong and growing ecosystem at the intersection of photonics, imaging, sensing, and quantum technology. This workshop connects startups and SMEs directly with European Chips Competence Centres, Chips JU programs, investors, and industrial partners, in one place and in one afternoon. The program addresses the role of the Chips JU ecosystem, funding routes, and skills and training services, with structured networking during lunch.
What participation brings you
You understand how the Chips JU ecosystem works and where your organization fits.
You get a clear overview of funding opportunities through Chips JU, EU pilot lines, and national programs.
You learn which skills and training services the Chips Competence Centres offer.
You connect with partners from industry, research, and investment, from Austria, Finland, and the Netherlands.
Program (concept, subject to change)
11:00: Opening and introduction
11:25: Session 1, The Chips JU ecosystem and its tools. The role of the Chips Competence Centres for startups and SMEs, and the available skills and training services.
12:30: Lunch and networking. Roundtables on technology, partnerships, and funding.
13:15: Session 2, Startups and SMEs in photonics and quantum. Funding opportunities through Chips JU, EU pilot lines, and national programs, with insights from Photondelta, Oost NL, TU/e JePPIX, and ecosystem partners.
14:25: Closing of main program
14:30: Networking (until 16:00)
The full program and the final list of speakers will follow soon.
Practical information
Date: Friday, July 17, 2026
Time: 11:00 to 14:30 CEST (main program), networking 14:30 to 16:00
Location: Maastricht Exhibition & Conference Centre, Forum 100, 6229 GV Maastricht
Access: Free, open to everyone, including participants in the Optica ImageSense Congress
About the AT-C3 Competence Center
AT-C3 is the Austrian Chip Design & Prototyping Support Center for advanced materials, thin film technologies, and quantum & photonics. It serves as a central contact point ("One-Stop-Shop") for companies and research organizations in the value chain of Electronic & Software-Based Systems (ESBS), with a focus on supporting SMEs and startups.
The services offered include advice, evaluation, prototyping, and testing, and are accessible to interested SMEs and startups, with specific conditions for large enterprises.
About the FiCCC
The Finnish Chips Competence Centre (FiCCC) connects Finnish and European companies with the latest semiconductor research, expertise, pilot facilities, and valuable networks.
FiCCC offers expert services for those who want to innovate and experiment. With up-to-date knowledge of emerging opportunities, it also facilitates access to the expertise of other European Chips Competence Centres.
FiCCC supports both the European and Finnish semiconductor strategy and plays a key role in promoting, enabling, and strengthening the resilience of this essential component of our digital life.
Organised by:
Participation is free. Register your interest, and then we will keep you informed and coordinate the organization.
Register now
