ACTPHAST 4.0 (DFM.AD005.204)

Thematic area

Physical sciences and technologies of matter

Project area

Structure responsible for the research project

Institute for photonics and nanotechnologies (IFN)

Project manager

STEFANO BONORA
Phone number: 049-9815567
Email: stefano.bonora@pd.ifn.cnr.it

Abstract

ACTPHAST 4.0 (ACceleraTing PHotonics innovAtion for SMEs: a one STop-shop-incubator) is a unique photonics
innovation incubator for Europe which is perfectly aligned with the needs of SMEs in overcoming the challenges and seizing
the opportunities afforded by the new digital revolution of Industry 4.0 in which photonics technologies are a key enabler.
ACTPHAST 4.0 will directly support the broader and faster take-up of photonics by a critical mass of SMEs by providing
action-oriented solutions on two complementary levels, driven by the business needs of the companies: (i) ready-made
access to rapid prototyping services using the top photonics technologies and expert know-how of Europe's leading
photonics competence centers covering the entire integrated supply chain of photonics technology platform capabilities to
make deep interventions in the SMEs' new product development through focused short-duration co-innovation projects;
combined with (ii) professional coaching on the technical, business and financial aspects of the innovation process, from
concept feasibility through to a mass-manufacturable marketable product.

Goals

ACTPHAST 4.0 is designed to ensure that all of
Europe's SMEs, in particular first users and early adopters across a wide range of end user industries, have open access to
the incubator for timely, efficient and cost-effective photonics innovation support. As a result, ACTPHAST 4.0 expects to
boost photonics innovation in Europe at a scale and with a leveraging factor never seen before, delivering a substantial
increase in the revenues, venture capital and jobs across all of the supported companies. In addition, through its tight links
with the EU pilot lines, as well as its collaboration with smart "first mover" regions across the EU on best practices for cofunding
on SME innovation, ACTPHAST 4.0 will act as a game-changer in revitalizing European manufacturing and as one
of the vital catalysts to the successful digitization of European industry.

Start date of activity

01/11/2017

Keywords

Lighting, automotive, aerospace

Last update: 15/07/2025