The Shanghai Silicon Photonics Future Industrial Cluster “Optical Horizon” was officially launched for construction in Pudong New Area on June 28.
Silicon photonics, as a disruptive technological approach, combines the ultra-large scale, ultra-high precision, and low manufacturing cost advantages of integrated circuits with the ultra-high speed, ultra-low power consumption, and high anti-interference capabilities of photonic technology. It holds broad application prospects in fields such as optical interconnects, optical computing, and optical sensing.
On the same day, the “Intelligent Silicon Photonics · Chip-Driven Future” 2025 Shanghai Silicon Photonics Future Industry Innovation and Development Promotion Conference was held in Zhangjiang, Pudong, Shanghai.
During the event, the Shanghai Silicon Photonics Future Industrial Cluster “Optical Horizon” commenced construction in Pudong New Area. Additionally, the Shanghai Future Industry Fund, in collaboration with eight market-oriented funds, announced the Silicon Photonics Future Industry Fund Matrix, and the construction of a silicon photonics concept verification platform was initiated. The “Zhangjiang Cup · Silicon Photonics Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition” was also launched at the conference.
Pudong authorities stated that Shanghai possesses foundational strengths in silicon photonics, including a concentration of design firms, advanced manufacturing platforms, and robust research capabilities. The launch of “Optical Horizon” represents a key initiative to foster industrial innovation ecosystems and build specialized industrial clusters.
In the future, the Shanghai Silicon Photonics Future Industrial Cluster “Optical Horizon” will leverage Zhangjiang’s leading advantages in advanced silicon photonics manufacturing platforms and its ecosystem aggregation effects in integrated circuits. It aims to further gather silicon photonics design, manufacturing, and packaging/testing enterprises and platforms, enhance high-quality policy support and service guarantees, promote deep integration of technological and industrial innovation, and accelerate the large-scale application of silicon photonics technology in high-speed optical communications and AI computing clusters.
Shanghai Silicon Photonics Future Industrial Cluster “Optical Horizon”
The **Shanghai Silicon Photonics Future Industrial Cluster “Optical Horizon”** is a cutting-edge hub focused on advancing silicon photonics technology, integrating research, development, and industrial applications. Established to drive innovation in optical communication, sensing, and computing, it reflects China’s push to lead in next-generation photonic technologies. The cluster fosters collaboration between academia, industry, and government, aiming to position Shanghai as a global center for photonics innovation.
Pudong New Area
Pudong New Area is a modern financial and commercial district in Shanghai, China, developed primarily since the 1990s as part of the country’s economic reforms. Once farmland, it now boasts iconic skyscrapers like the Shanghai Tower and the Oriental Pearl Tower, symbolizing China’s rapid urbanization and global economic rise. It serves as a key hub for finance, trade, and innovation, housing the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Lujiazui financial zone.
Zhangjiang
Zhangjiang, located in Shanghai’s Pudong District, is a major high-tech hub known as “China’s Silicon Valley.” Established in the 1990s, it has grown into a center for innovation, housing numerous tech companies, research institutions, and the Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park. The area also features cultural sites like the Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum, blending modernity with heritage.
Shanghai Future Industry Fund
The **Shanghai Future Industry Fund** is an investment initiative launched by the Shanghai government to support the growth of high-tech and emerging industries, such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing. Established as part of Shanghai’s strategy to become a global innovation hub, the fund provides financial backing and resources to startups and enterprises driving technological advancements. It reflects Shanghai’s commitment to fostering innovation and economic transformation in line with China’s national development goals.
Silicon Photonics Future Industry Fund Matrix
The **Silicon Photonics Future Industry Fund Matrix** is an initiative aimed at advancing silicon photonics technology, which integrates optical components with silicon-based electronics to enhance data transmission and processing. While specific historical details are limited, it likely represents a strategic investment by governments or tech consortiums to drive innovation in next-generation computing, telecommunications, and AI infrastructure. The fund supports research, startups, and industry collaboration to position silicon photonics as a cornerstone of future technological ecosystems.
silicon photonics concept verification platform
The Silicon Photonics Concept Verification Platform is an advanced research facility designed to test and validate silicon-based photonic technologies, which integrate optical components with traditional electronic circuits. It supports innovation in high-speed data transmission, telecommunications, and computing by enabling rapid prototyping and experimentation. Emerging in the early 21st century, such platforms have become key to advancing next-generation optoelectronic systems for industries and academia.
“Zhangjiang Cup · Silicon Photonics Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition”
The **Zhangjiang Cup · Silicon Photonics Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition** is an annual event held in Shanghai’s Zhangjiang High-Tech Park, China, aimed at fostering innovation in silicon photonics—a cutting-edge technology combining semiconductors and photonics for faster data transmission. The competition encourages startups, researchers, and entrepreneurs to develop groundbreaking solutions, supporting China’s ambitions in advanced photonic chip development. Since its inception, it has become a key platform for talent and technological advancement in the global photonics industry.
