Silicon photonics cluster taking shape in Shanghai

Shanghai is accelerating the development of the Silicon Photonics Future Industrial Cluster in Zhangjiang of the Pudong New Area to meet the rising global demand for high-performance computing chips driven by artificial intelligence.

Silicon photonics, an advanced technology that uses photons instead of electrons to transmit data, is expected to overcome the energy and bandwidth limitations of traditional semiconductors.

It offers the potential to increase computing speed 10-fold while reducing power consumption by 90 percent, making it a key enabler of next-generation AI infrastructure.

Zhangjiang is a national hub for the integrated circuit industry. It is home to more than 700 integrated circuit companies as well as research and development centers of seven of the world’s 10 leading chip design firms.

Eight companies, including a major domestic packaging and testing enterprise, have already set up operations in the new silicon photonics industrial cluster, which is located in the Zhangjiang Science City.

Zhangjiang Haoxin, a subsidiary of Zhangjiang Hi-Tech, is in charge of operating the industrial cluster.

To support startups and research, the cluster offers a comprehensive innovation ecosystem that includes dedicated silicon photonics investment funds totaling over 55 billion yuan ($7.72 billion), along with incubation platforms and shared testing facilities.

The aim is to create a tightly-knit community where companies can easily collaborate with partners, research institutions, and suppliers.

Zhangjiang is also building a vibrant environment tailored to young talent, featuring convenient access to co-working spaces, residential amenities, and social venues.