As industries from quantum computing to AI and advanced manufacturing increasingly depend on photonics, the field faces a critical obstacle: a shortage of skilled professionals. This article examines how the growing workforce gap is slowing progress in developing quantum computers, high-speed data centers and other technologies that rely on integrated photonics.

Collaboration through AIM Photonics’ BioINSPECT program—a joint initiative between AIM Photonics and Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI) | BioFabUSA—is helping drive new advances in regenerative medicine. Under the program, AIM Photonics member Phlotonics Inc. has been awarded a $1.1M contract to work with leading academic researchers from the University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology to adapt its BioproSense™ platform for regenerative biomanufacturing.

Chicago-based startup memQ has demonstrated how quantum memory devices can be integrated into commercial silicon photonics foundry processes, marking a significant step toward scalable quantum networking. This article details how the company’s work combines quantum science, advanced materials and established manufacturing methods to accelerate progress in quantum technology.