PANEL SESSION

Novel Startups in Photonic Integrated Circuits — From Concept to Deployment

Moderated by Jon Pugh, Director of PIC and Quantum Technologies at OPTICA. This panel brings together a new generation of innovative PIC startups pushing beyond traditional transceivers and into emerging applications across AI infrastructure, lighting, sensing, quantum technologies, and advanced communications. Founders and technical leaders will share how they are translating breakthrough photonic architectures, materials, and integration approaches into manufacturable, deployable products. The discussion will explore what differentiates these startups from incumbent solutions, where PICs are genuinely adding value today, and what barriers still exist around packaging, yield, reliability, and ecosystem readiness.

MODERATOR

Jon Pugh

OPTICA

Dr. Jon Pugh is a leading expert in Quantum Engineering, currently serving as the Director of PIC and Quantum Technologies at Optica, a position he assumed in October 2024. In this role, he manages corporate members involved in photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and quantum technologies. His responsibilities include connecting members with potential partners, suppliers, customers, and investment opportunities, as well as providing market insights and facilitating opportunities for members to showcase their technologies to key stakeholders. Before joining Optica, Dr. Pugh was a Lecturer in Quantum Engineering at the University of Bristol, where he played a crucial role in the Quantum Engineering Centre for Doctoral Training. With over a decade of research experience, his work focused on quantum enabling technologies including advancing PICs and exploring the potential for scaling single-photon sources using cutting-edge fabrication technologies. He has been instrumental in bridging the gap between academia and industry, particularly in the commercialization of quantum technologies and lowering the barrier to entry into PIC and quantum by facilitating training to upskill the current workforce.

PANELLISTS INCLUDE

Francesco Raffaelli

KETS Quantum Security

After receiving bachelor’s and master’s Degrees at the University of Padua (Italy) Francesco pursued a PhD at the Quantum Engineering & Technology Labs, University of Bristol (2018), with a thesis on quantum random number generators on photonic integrated circuits. After the PhD, Francesco joined KETS Quantum Security, to develop chip-based quantum cryptography solutions. In 2022 Francesco was awarded a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship, and he is now Head of Technology at KETS Quantum Security where he oversees the development of the company’s core technologies.

Ivan-Lazar Bundalo

InSpek

Ivan-Lazar Bundalo is the CTO at InSpek, where he leads the development of PIC-based multisensor technology for monitoring bioprocesses. His academic journey took him to Germany, France, Spain, and Australia, culminating in a PhD from the Technical University of Denmark. With over 12 years of experience in technical project management, he has played a key role in leading and participating in more than a dozen multimillion-euro projects across biomedical, sensing, and ICT sectors in Europe and Australia. Before joining InSpek, Ivan-Lazar worked on developing optical packaging solutions at Tyndall National Institute, where he contributed to the establishment of the PIXAPP Photonics Packaging Pilot Line, and at CSEM, where he provided advanced packaging solutions to Swiss industries.

Scott Burroughs

Uviquity

Scott Burroughs is Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Uviquity where he is pioneering solid-state far-UVC disinfection technology. Scott is a seasoned technology executive and entrepreneur with deep expertise in photonics, semiconductor lasers, and advanced optical systems. With a track record of leadership across seven start-up ventures—including multiple successful exits—he excels at building innovative, high-impact products and scaling them to market. Previously, Scott co-founded and led Sense Photonics from inception through acquisition, driving breakthroughs in Flash LIDAR and SPAD array technology. He has held executive roles at leading photonics firms including Bell Labs, Nortel Networks, and Santur.