Photonics and Quantum Infrastructure: The Future Is Already Here

Marika Kurova and Marco Messina have just returned from SPIE, the world’s leading event for optics and photonics. And if there was one message echoed across the conference halls, it was this:

The future isn’t coming. It’s already here.

As AI accelerates its energy and computing demands, photonics and quantum infrastructure are stepping into mission‑critical roles for sustainable scaling.

⚡ Photonics Goes Mission-Critical

AI is pushing infrastructure to its limits. The transition from copper to optics isn’t “on the horizon” anymore, it’s happening at full speed.

• 800G+ architectures are becoming the new industry baseline.
• Companies still in prototyping mode while others ramp up manufacturing?
  They’re already behind.

Photonics is no longer a niche enabler. It’s the backbone of scalable, sustainable AI, and a core element of future‑proof photonics and quantum infrastructure.

🔬 Quantum Moves From Lab Curiosity to Industrial Reality

Quantum technology has officially passed the “research-only” phase.

What matters now?

• Industrial-grade photonic chips
• Reliable laser systems
• Packaging and assembly that can scale from single demonstrators to thousands of units
• Building supply chains robust enough to support global demand

The players who invest in manufacturable, repeatable quantum infrastructure today will define the market leaders of tomorrow.

👩‍🔬 Where Are the Women?

One moment summed up a bigger issue: walking into the women’s restroom and finding… no line. Again.

It’s a reminder that, despite progress, women remain significantly underrepresented in photonics and quantum.

We’re designing the technology of the future, but we’re doing it without half the population’s talent. The opportunity to improve is enormous, and the industry knows it.

🌍 Europe and the U.S.: Collaboration or Competition?

Both regions are investing heavily and urgently. It’s not just collaborative, it’s a race.

A race to:

• Build sustainable AI infrastructure
• Scale quantum from prototypes to products
• Secure supply chains
• Train the workforce needed to power the next decade of innovation

The next three years will determine who leads in sustainable AI and quantum technology for decades to come.

🚀 Final Thoughts

What Marika and Marco witnessed at SPIE wasn’t speculation. It was a sector confronting its biggest challenges in real time, energy consumption, manufacturability, diversity, and global competitiveness.

If there was a single takeaway from SPIE this year, it’s this:

The organizations acting now, not planning, not waiting, will shape the future.