MEMBERSHIP FAQS

Membership is open to organizations, including industry, academia, national laboratories, and professional societies that align with AIM Photonics’ mission to advance domestic integrated photonics. Both U.S. and non-U.S. entities are eligible to apply; however, non-U.S. memberships require additional review and government approval to ensure compliance with applicable federal requirements. This review process can take a significant amount of time to complete. Individual memberships are not available.

There are two membership tiers:

Full Active Member – Provides access to the full range of AIM Photonics member benefits, including special pricing, governance participation, engagement opportunities, and other exclusive benefits. View a full benefits list

Observer Discovery Member – Provides access to project updates and the AIM Photonics Annual Members Meeting.

The membership year runs from January 1 to December 31.

Yes. If joining in the middle of a membership year, the membership fee is prorated based on the number of months remaining in that year.

Membership is administered by The Research Foundation for The State University of New York, on behalf of the SUNY Center for Economic Development (CED).

Membership is administered by The Research Foundation for The State University of New York, on behalf of the SUNY Center for Economic Development (CED).

As a federally funded Manufacturing Innovation Institute, AIM Photonics must comply with applicable requirements. As a result, memberships from non-U.S. entities are subject to an additional review and approval process.

Membership provides access to a variety of benefits, including AIM Photonics quarterly technical updates, participation in the AIM Photonics Annual Members Meeting, and special pricing for select services. Members may also be eligible to receive credit towards their membership fee for “Work” purchased from AIM Photonics (please consult section 3.2 of the Membership Agreement for more information). In addition, members gain access to certain Institute-funded opportunities, including Government Directed Projects, design competitions, and early access MPW runs.

A full description of membership categories, benefits, requirements, and governance opportunities is available on the AIM Photonics Membership webpage and in the Membership Agreement and Bylaws.

Yes. Many AIM Photonics services are available to both members and non-members. However, Full Active Members receive special pricing and access to additional benefits not available to non-members.

AIM Photonics Full Active Members receive special pricing on all Test, Assembly, and Packaging (TAP) services. The TAP facility, located in Rochester NY, has an extensive portfolio of state-of-the-art packaging, assembly, and test capabilities.

For added convenience, members that have an assembly design or can use standard packaging can request TAP services at the same time they place an order for an MPW run, providing a streamlined path from fabrication through packaging and testing.

For more information about available tools and services, visit:

• TAP Tool Portfolio

• TAP Services

Yes. Full Active Members are eligible for roles on the AIM Photonics Leadership Council and Strategic Advisory Board, allowing firsthand input on the Institute’s direction. The Leadership Council provides strategic and business oversight for the Institute, while the Strategic Advisory Board provides technical and education and workforce development guidance to help shape AIM Photonics' roadmaps and future priorities.

Both boards require a commitment of four meetings annually.

For more information on how to join the governance boards, email kparker2@ny-creates.org and nfahrenkopf@ny-creates.org.

The annual membership fees are listed on the AIM Photonics Become a Member webpage.

No, AIM Photonics’ membership fees follow the structure listed on the AIM Photonics Become a Member webpage, regardless of where funding resides or who sponsors.

Yes. Academic or Small Enterprise Full Active Members can receive credit toward their membership fee through the purchase of qualifying AIM Photonics services (MPW, dedicated wafer runs, TAP services) up to the amount of the membership fee, provided the organization enters into a procurement agreement between January 1 and June 30 for each membership year. Work can be scheduled for later in the year but must be started during the same calendar year.

Membership may begin at any time during the year and is prorated accordingly. Renewal invoices are issued in December for the upcoming membership year. Payment is due 30 days after receipt of the invoice.

In certain cases, cash-equivalent contributions—such as critical in-kind support—may be accepted instead of a cash payment. This is at the sole discretion of the Institute’s Executive Director.

AIM Photonics memberships are automatically renewed annually on a calendar-year basis (invoices are issued in December).

Members may withdraw by providing written notice on or before September 30, with the withdrawal becoming effective at year-end. If withdrawal is made within this time frame, no future fees will be owed. Membership renewals continue annually unless written notice of withdrawal is received in accordance with the Membership Agreement.

Organizations interested in AIM Photonics membership can learn more on the Become a Member webpage, complete the Request Information Form, or email info@aimphotonics.com for additional information.

A member of the AIM Photonics team can discuss your organization's interests and needs, identify the most appropriate membership level, and explain the benefits, opportunities, and engagement options available through AIM Photonics membership. Membership Agreement and Bylaws are also available on the Membership webpage.

Once your organization becomes an AIM Photonics Member, the designated primary member contact(s) will be added to our member communications distribution list. These contacts will receive member-exclusive updates highlighting available benefits and opportunities, including upcoming and special MPW runs, invitations to participate in the AIM Photonics Annual Members Meeting, collaboration opportunities related to events and outreach efforts, and access to project updates and other Institute communications.

Access to specific benefits and communications may vary based on the organization’s membership level. Please refer to the Full and Observer membership descriptions for additional details.

If you are a current member and are not receiving AIM Photonics communications, please contact marcom@aimphotonics.com to ensure you are fully connected and taking advantage of your benefits.