Financing the digital transformation: Unlocking the value of photonics and microelectronics

This study highlights the importance of photonics and microelectronics to propel the next wave of digital innovation and keep Europe competitive. Deep tech applications such as artificial intelligence, big data, additive manufacturing, robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and autonomous driving will require faster, more reliable, more energy efficient and more powerful photonics and semiconductor components. However, despite the high potential of these sectors, the study shows that many high-technology companies find it difficult to raise scale-up capital to fully capture the growing demand for their products and services after the first commercial launch. This sub-optimal funding situation is often linked to the complexity and high risk of photonics and microelectronics.

About European Investment BankThe European Investment Bank is the world's biggest multilateral lender. The only bank owned by and representing the interests of the EU countries, the EIB finances Europe's economic growth. Over six decades the Bank has backed start-ups like Skype and massive schemes like the Øresund Bridge linking Sweden and Denmark. Headquartered in Luxembourg, the EIB Group includes the European Investment Fund, a specialist financer of small and medium-sized enterprises.