AIM Photonics Selects New Executive Director to Drive Strategic Direction and Engagement

Dr. Nicholas Fahrenkopf brings leadership experience across program execution, partnerships and technology development

“I am honored for the faith that the Institute has placed in me as the next Executive Director, and I look forward to returning to AIM Photonics and working with the talented and dedicated teams that are focused on advancing integrated photonics manufacturing here in the United States.”
— Dr. Nicholas Fahrenkopf

After a thorough and extensive search from a strong pool of candidates, the American Institute of Manufacturing Integrated Photonics (AIM Photonics) is pleased to announce that Dr. Nicholas Fahrenkopf was selected to serve as the Institute’s next Executive Director.

With over 13 years’ experience in the industry, Fahrenkopf is an accomplished technical leader in the semiconductor, microelectronics and integrated photonics fields.

Dr. Fahrenkopf has served as the Technical Director and Principal Investigator for the Northeast Regional Defense Technology Hub (NORDTECH) since 2023. Under his leadership, NORDTECH has secured approximately $111 million in funding to advance critical research in quantum computing, artificial intelligence and compound semiconductors.

Prior to NORDTECH, Fahrenkopf served as Engineering Manager at AIM Photonics, where he directed all aspects of the Institute’s Multi-Project Wafer (MPW) program, an initiative that has played a key role in the development of advanced photonics technologies in the U.S. by delivering critical hardware to hundreds of users. His technical leadership included managing diverse engineering teams supporting work in heterogeneous integration, chem/bio sensors and III-V material processing, among others. Fahrenkopf also created and managed AIM Photonics’ Electronic Photonic Design Automation (EPDA) program and established the Institute’s Albany laboratory for offline testing and characterization of integrated photonics.

“Dr. Fahrenkopf’s unique experience, combined with his deep understanding of AIM Photonics’ operations and the infrastructure of the Department of War Manufacturing Technology Program, makes him the ideal candidate to carry out the mission and move the Institute forward,” said Amie Kaplin, Chief of Staff and VP of Program Management at NY Creates.

Dr. Shadi Sandvik, Sr. Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Economic Development at SUNY and the Chair of AIM Leadership Council, concurred. “During the search process, Dr. Fahrenkopf clearly distinguished himself as the leading candidate. His deep technical expertise, combined with his experience within AIM Photonics and across the broader ecosystem, positions him well to lead the Institute at a critical moment for the field. I am confident he will build on AIM’s strong foundation and further advance its impact,” she said.

“I am honored for the faith that the Institute has placed in me as the next Executive Director,” Fahrenkopf said. “I look forward to returning to AIM Photonics and working with the talented and dedicated teams that are focused on advancing integrated photonics manufacturing here in the United States.”

Fahrenkopf earned his BS in Physics and PhD in Nanoscale Engineering from the University at Albany. He also earned his MBA from the Quantic School of Business and Technology with concentrations in U.S. Business Law, Start-Up Entrepreneurship, and Operations and Supply Chain Management.

Fahrenkopf has co-authored over a dozen peer-reviewed articles and participated in numerous invited talks, presentations and conference proceedings throughout his career. He is dedicated to education and workforce development as a voluntary adjunct professor for the University at Albany’s College of Nanotechnology, Science and Engineering, where he has mentored doctoral students, led multiple STEM outreach initiatives and delivered lectures on sensors, photonics and semiconductor packaging.

In 2025, Dr. Fahrenkopf was recognized by the Albany Business Review as a “40 Under 40” honoree for his professional achievements, leadership and contributions to the Capital Region. His work reflects both a strong track record of impact within the integrated photonics field as it continues to expand across New York and the U.S., as well as his deep commitment to community involvement, serving as Deputy Mayor of the Village of Altamont, village liaison to the Altamont Fire Department and co-leader for Scout Troop #5132.

Dr. Fahrenkopf will officially join the Institute on May 18, 2026.