Celebrating 10 Years of Impact: Developing Talent for a Photonics-Powered Future

By offering multiple on-ramps to learning, AIM Photonics’ Education and Workforce Development program meets individuals where they are and prepares them for where the industry is going.

Over the past decade, AIM Photonics established a national education and workforce development program that has helped shape the future of integrated photonics in the United States. Recognizing early on that innovation depends on more than advanced tools and labs, the Institute built a national learning infrastructure to prepare the skilled professionals needed to sustain industry growth.

From online courses to in-person training opportunities to classroom-ready Hands-on Photonic Education (HOPE) Kits, AIM Photonics has created multiple on-ramps into the field. These efforts have supported students, industry professionals and educators across the country, connecting them to the tools, knowledge and experience needed to contribute meaningfully to the growing integrated photonics industry.

As photonic integrated circuits (PICs) become indispensable to technologies like AI, quantum, 5G and advanced defense systems, AIM Photonics’ workforce initiatives are helping the U.S. stay ahead, not just by filling jobs, but by cultivating deep expertise across the full PIC development cycle.

As we mark 10 years of impact, AIM Photonics’ workforce development stands as a national engine for talent, fueling the U.S. talent pipeline in integrated photonics.