As semiconductor manufacturers ramp up production of photonic integrated circuits, the demand for skilled technicians and engineers is outpacing the available talent pipeline. This article examines how companies, universities and specialized training programs are expanding hands-on education and employer-specific initiatives to close the skills gap in integrated photonics manufacturing.

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.