Photonics and quantum technologies offer a wide range of opportunities for new products and applications. However, the journey from research to a market-ready product often involves significant challenges. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups, in particular, frequently lack access to specialised infrastructure, funding and skilled professionals.
This is where PIONEER comes in, connecting research, industry, public administration and investors across regional boundaries.
The project's full name, “Photonics and Quantum Interregional Open Network for European Excellence and Resilience”, reflects its ambition to establish a shared European innovation network that brings together regional strengths and enables long-term collaboration. The “Regional Innovation Valley” programme is supported as a flagship initiative by the European Innovation Agency.
PIONEER brings together a broad European consortium comprising partner organisations from Austria, France, Finland, Portugal and the Netherlands. Research institutions, universities, businesses, technology clusters and regional development agencies contribute their diverse expertise. Together, they are creating a network designed to facilitate knowledge exchange, access to infrastructure and the development of new cross-border partnerships.
From Research to Practical Application
PIONEER supports businesses in testing new technologies and turning them into commercially viable applications. Planned activities include feasibility studies, improved access to research and development infrastructure, and funding calls for innovation projects with a total budget of €7.6 million, of which €3.8 million is earmarked for Austrian companies. Training, mentoring and networking opportunities with investors, including through cooperation with the Vienna-UP Start-up festival in 2027, are intended to accelerate the transfer of research into practical applications.
Another key priority is the training and recruitment of skilled professionals. To achieve this, universities, research institutions and businesses will work more closely together. At the same time, the participating regions are developing joint approaches to embedding photonics and quantum technologies in their innovation strategies.
JOANNEUM RESEARCH Connects Technology and Innovation Policy
At JOANNEUM RESEARCH, our MATERIALS and POLICIES institutes are working together on the project. MATERIALS contributes expertise in photonics, optical technologies, and micro- and nanostructuring. POLICIES provides expertise in innovation strategies, regional development and impact assessment.
In addition to coordinating the project as a whole, we are involved in training activities, cross-regional knowledge transfer and feasibility studies, among other areas. The project is led by Michael Amiot-Wurzinger.
The online kick-off meeting marked the official start of the collaboration. The agenda focused on introducing the partner organisations, presenting the work packages and outlining the next steps. PIONEER started on 1 October 2026 and will run for five years. It is co-funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe.
