Spark Photonics Foundation

✨ Exciting News: SparkAlpha Explore is officially in Arizona! ✨ We’re thrilled to announce that SparkAlpha Explore has launched in Arizona—a state at the heart of the U.S. semiconductor revolution! With major investments from industry leaders, a rapidly growing advanced manufacturing sector, and a strong commitment to workforce development, Arizona is shaping the future of semiconductors and photonics. By expanding to Arizona, we’re bringing hands-on STEM learning in semiconductors, photonics, and advanced manufacturing to even more students, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in this high-tech ecosystem. Here’s to building the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers in Arizona and beyond! 🌟 📢 Learn more or bring SparkAlpha Explore to your school: https://lnkd.in/eJQUjirR #STEMEducation #WorkforceDevelopment #Semiconductors #Photonics #SPFstem #DoDSTEM #ArizonaTech #FutureInnovators

🌟 Expanding Our Reach in 2025! 🌟 This year, we’re working to bring the SparkAlpha Explore program to key semiconductor and photonics hubs, including Arizona, California, Oregon, Texas, Florida, and Colorado. These states are driving innovation in semiconductors, photonics, and quantum technology, and we’re eager to expand hands-on STEM learning opportunities for students. We’re looking to connect with: 🔹 K-14 educators interested in bringing real-world photonics and semiconductor concepts to their students. 🔹 Workforce development leaders preparing the next generation of advanced manufacturing professionals. 🔹 Colleges, universities, STEM groups, and industry partners ready to collaborate on meaningful learning experiences. 🔹 Community organizations that engage students and promote STEM education. If you’re in one of these states—or can connect us with someone who is—we’d love to hear from you! Let’s work together to build a stronger talent pipeline in photonics, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing. 📩  Comment below or message us on LinkedIn—we’d love to connect and explore opportunities to collaborate! #Semiconductors #Photonics #STEMEducation #WorkforceDevelopment #QuantumTechnology #Innovation #AdvancedManufacturing #TalentPipeline

Exciting news! Our colleagues from Spark Photonics are headed to SPIE Photonics West in San Francisco from January 28–30, 2025! Meet Kevin McComber, CEO of Spark Photonics and Executive Director of the Spark Photonics Foundation, and Cooper Hurley at the Luceda-Spark booth (#5301) to discuss integrated photonics, design, software, and services. As we continue expanding education and workforce development efforts through the Spark Photonics Foundation, we’re eager to collaborate with industry and academic partners to inspire the next generation of photonics and semiconductor professionals. Looking forward to engaging discussions! #PhotonicsWest #IntegratedPhotonics #Photonics #Design #Software #WorkforceDevelopment #STEM #Education SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics

How do you guide light on a chip to create revolutionary technology? We’re thrilled to introduce the final presentation in our three-part series: Guiding the Light: Designing Photonic Circuits. This installment dives deep into the artistry and precision behind photonic integrated circuit (PIC) design, showcasing the intricate steps involved in shaping the future of photonics. Here’s what we explore: 🔹 The PIC creation process and the importance of thoughtful design. 🔹 Choosing the right materials to bring designs to life. 🔹 Designing components to manipulate and direct light effectively. 🔹 The role of interference patterns in transforming light on the chip. 🔹 Tools and design kits that empower innovation in PIC design. Ready to shine a light on the fascinating world of integrated photonics? Let’s explore the future together! #Photonics #IntegratedPhotonics #PICDesign #STEMEducation #PhotonicsInnovation #Semiconductors #Technology #FutureOfPhotonics #AdvancedManufacturing Spark Photonics

Curious about how photonic integrated circuits (PICs) go from an idea to a game-changing innovation? 🌟 We’re excited to share PICs in Focus: From Concept to Creation, the second part of our three-part series exploring the fascinating world of integrated photonics! This presentation offers a step-by-step guide through the lifecycle of a PIC, covering: ✨ An introduction to PICs, including their real-world applications. ✨ The design process—where ideas become detailed blueprints. ✨ Fabrication, from deposition and etching to full chip manufacturing. ✨ Testing and packaging, ensuring every PIC is ready for action. Ready to learn how these tiny devices are revolutionizing technology? Stay tuned as we continue to explore the incredible world of PICs! #Photonics #IntegratedPhotonics #PICsInFocus #STEMEducation #PhotonicsDesign #Semiconductors #FutureOfTechnology #Innovation Spark Photonics

Do you know what integrated photonics is? Struggling to explain it to others? Spark Photonics Foundation and Spark Photonics have teamed up to create "The Power of Photonics"—an introduction to this transformative technology! In the “Power of Photonics”—the first piece of a three-part series—we break down the world of photonics, starting with its potential to revolutionize industries. From understanding the difference between electronics and photonics to exploring the materials and components behind photonics integrated circuits (PICs), we hope to make the complex clear. Explore how photonics is shaping how we live, work, and play, and why it’s crucial to the next wave of technological advancement. 💡 Ready to learn more? Let us guide you through the exciting world of integrated photonics! #Photonics #IntegratedPhotonics #STEMEducation #Innovation #SparkPhotonics #Technology

🎙 Excited to share the latest episode of Photonics in Focus, featuring our very own Dr. Kevin McComber! In this insightful conversation with AIM Photonics’ Nathaniel Lin, Kevin dives into how the Spark Photonics Foundation is inspiring the next generation of innovators. Through programs like SparkAlpha Explore, we’re connecting K-12 students with hands-on learning in photonics, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing—building curiosity, creativity, and a stronger talent pipeline for the PIC industry. Huge thanks to AIM Photonics for this opportunity to highlight our mission. Tune in on Spotify or YouTube to learn more about our efforts to empower future STEM leaders!  🔗 Listen here:   Spotify: https://lnkd.in/g4BZwzxM YouTube: https://lnkd.in/g6smbUzB #Photonics #STEMEducation #FutureInnovators #TalentPipeline #AdvancedManufacturing #PhotonicsInFocus

🚀 Exciting news! Spark Photonics Foundation is proud to announce that we are now an official member of the Advancing Photonics Technologies (APT) NSF Engines proposal team!  As part of this incredible initiative, Spark Photonics Foundation is expanding SparkAlpha Explore, our K-12 and early college photonics awareness program, to even more schools in 2025. With a train-the-teacher, project-based learning model, SparkAlpha Explore introduces students to real-world photonics applications and culminates in a dynamic pitching event judged by industry experts.  We’re also thrilled to highlight our online Community of Practice, which brings together teachers, industry leaders, and academia professionals to foster collaboration and innovation in STEM education.  Thank you to the APT team for this opportunity to help shape the future of photonics education and workforce development!  📍 Learn more about APT and our role here: https://lnkd.in/eusdaUWU #Photonics #STEMEducation #WorkforceDevelopment #ProjectBasedLearning #APT #SPFstem

🌟 Cheers to a Bright Start in 2025! 🌟 As the calendar turns, we’re excited to reflect on the incredible momentum from last year and look ahead to an even more impactful 2025: ✨ Expanded from 1 state to 4, with Pennsylvania joining the Spark family this year! ✨ Reached hundreds of new students with hands-on learning in semiconductors, photonics, and advanced manufacturing. ✨ Introduced new materials to inspire the next generation of innovators. ✨ Continued building our digital Community of Practice to connect and support educators. ✨ Presented at conferences, published groundbreaking work, and shared our passion for STEM education with the world. ✨ Engaged in STEM outreach events to spark curiosity and connections. 💡 This progress wouldn’t be possible without our incredible partners, educators, and supporters. Thank you for making a difference with us! Here’s to lighting the path for even more innovation, inspiration, and growth in 2025. 🚀💫 #NewYear #STEMEducation #WorkforceDevelopment #Semiconductors #Photonics #SPFstem #Innovation

🌟 Highlights from an Incredible 2024 at Spark Photonics Foundation 🌟  ✨This year brought exciting developments for the Spark Photonics Foundation. We expanded SparkAlpha Explore to Montana, New York, and Pennsylvania, introducing hands-on photonics education to new regions focused on workforce development.  ✨Our work gained recognition with the IEEE paper “Middle School Matters,” showcasing how SparkAlpha Explore inspires early exposure to photonics through project-based learning.  ✨We connected with students and educators at Bridgewater State University's 14th Annual STEM Career Exploration Event, sparking curiosity and highlighting career opportunities in photonics and STEM.  ✨Throughout the year, we celebrated the people and programs shaping STEM’s future, with initiatives for Women’s History Month, Teacher Appreciation, and National Career Development Month.  ✨Dr. Kevin McComber represented us on global platforms, with features in PIC Magazine & PIC International Conference, an Optica interview, an Ansys article, and as a keynote speaker at the Headwaters Tech Hub Summit, sharing insights into the transformative power of photonics education.  ✨ As we close the year, we’re energized for what’s ahead in 2025—continuing to inspire and empower the next generation of STEM leaders!  ✨ #SPFstem #Photonics #STEMEducation #WorkforceDevelopment #WomenInSTEM #TeacherAppreciation #CareerDevelopment #YearInReview