India has launched its inaugural independent photonics industry body, named the India Photonics Association (IPA), to foster innovation and industry collaboration within the rapidly evolving sector. The IPA aims to act as a neutral platform for interaction among stakeholders, facilitating informed policymaking to enhance the nation’s position in the global photonics landscape.

The association was officially inaugurated in New Delhi on September 9, 2026, and the event saw the participation of several significant figures, including Sarin Sundar, Chief Technology Officer of the India Semiconductor Mission, along with industry leaders, researchers, and technology experts. The launch signifies a pivotal step toward building strategic partnerships within the photonics ecosystem.

According to Rohin Y, a Board Member of the IPA and Founder-CEO of LightSpeed Photonics, the effectiveness of any association lies in its ability to create tangible value through collaboration. He emphasised that the IPA would encompass comprehensive supply chain partnerships aimed at developing world-class photonics products for both the domestic and international markets.

Focus on Collaboration and Knowledge-Sharing

The inaugural event of the IPA underscored the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange within the photonics industry. Participants shared insights regarding advancements that are shaping the future of photonics in India, reflecting a collective commitment to coordinated growth.

Notably, Ashwini Aggarwal, the Director General of the IPA, highlighted the ubiquitous nature of photonics in various sectors, stating that it underpins many significant technologies, including data transmission over the internet and satellite imagery. He made it clear that the association aims to lay a strong foundation for India’s digital future, rather than being a niche entity.

India’s photonics market is on an upward trajectory, with estimates predicting it will reach USD 78.4 billion by 2025 and further grow to USD 155 billion by 2034. This growth is driven in part by the burgeoning field of silicon photonics, critical to next-generation data infrastructure, which is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 29 per cent.

Photonics and Emerging Technologies in India

The role of photonics in India’s evolving infrastructure and emerging technologies is increasingly vital. Initiatives like BharatNet constitute the world’s largest optical fibre programme, while the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is engaged in deploying advanced optical inter-satellite links. Additionally, data centres are increasingly relying on optical transceivers to enhance data flow and efficiency.

The IPA is positioned as a knowledge-driven body that represents the diverse community within India’s photonics sector. It aims to facilitate collaboration and coordinated growth, thus strengthening the industry’s capacity to contribute to critical technological advancements.

In conclusion, the formation of the India Photonics Association marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards leadership in the photonics domain. By focusing on collaboration and leveraging collective expertise, the association aspires to forge a robust future for photonics in India, ensuring that the country remains at the forefront of this transformative technology.

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