AIM Photonics was established a decade ago with a bold and forward-looking mission: to propel innovation in integrated photonic circuits (PICs) and develop the skilled workforce needed to sustain its growth in the United States. From the outset, the Institute recognized that progress in this industry depends on more than world-class fabrication facilities or access to advanced design tools. It requires a steady pipeline of technicians, engineers, researchers and administrators who deeply understand PIC technology and can apply that knowledge in real-world manufacturing.
It’s no longer anecdotal to say that the future is photonics. As the limits of traditional electronics are being reached, PICs have become essential to not only maintaining, but also accelerating the performance of systems that power our modern world. From data centers and 5G networks to autonomous vehicles and quantum technologies, electronics increasingly depend on photonics to meet the demands of speed, scale, and efficiency. Integrated photonic circuits isn’t just an emerging field—it’s an enabling one.
AIM Photonics' Education and Workforce Development (EWD) program was built around this reality. It’s designed to prepare highly qualified individuals for careers in PIC design and manufacturing, while strengthening the domestic workforce to meet the evolving needs of the U.S. integrated photonics industry. Through a combination of hands-on training, virtual courses, experiential learning, and curriculum development, AIM Photonics continuously contributes to filling the talent funnel by training the next generation of photonics professionals.