Tech Tour and PhotonHub Europe Relaunch the PhotonHub Scaling Club to Accelerate Europe’s Photonics Scale-ups
Tech Tour and PhotonHub Europe announced the launch of PhotonHub Scaling Club 2.0, an exclusive initiative designed to advance the development and market readiness of photonics scale-ups across Europe. The programme provides a structured environment that enhances access to funding, strengthens industrial partnerships and supports business development, helping companies progress toward key valuation milestones and broaden their commercial reach within the fast-evolving deep tech landscape.
Building on the success of its first edition, the new cycle will support 15 high-potential photonics scale-ups, fast-tracking their go-to-market strategies and investment readiness. The initiative combines expert strategic guidance with in-person and online investment and partnering roadshows, enabling participating companies to engage with cornerstone investors, corporates, technology leaders and innovation clusters. Members will also have direct access to more than 30 leading technology partners across Europe.
A key component of the programme is the opportunity to propose technical upscaling projects for companies seeking to advance their technology from TRL 4. Eligible projects may receive up to EUR 250,000 in co-funding, representing 85% of project costs supported by the European Commission. This approach allows companies to accelerate technological progress while gaining targeted support aligned with their growth objectives.
The PhotonHub Scaling Club’s vision is to advance the next generation of deep tech photonics solutions by empowering Europe’s most promising scale-ups to strengthen both their technological and commercial capabilities. Its mission is to provide selected companies with structured access to investment opportunities, strategic partnerships and potential co-funding, supported by an extensive network of experienced experts and technology partners. This coordinated effort reinforces Europe’s photonics ecosystem and supports the emergence of future industry leaders.
The PhotonHub Scaling Club 2.0 offers a comprehensive set of benefits tailored to the needs of ambitious photonics innovators. The programme brings together seasoned experts who offer guidance on investment readiness, partnership development and co-funding pathways. Participants also draw on a broad network of investor communities and industry groups, with structured opportunities that support progress toward commercial scaling.
Companies considered for the PhotonHub Scaling Club 2.0 must fit the programme’s innovation scope, demonstrate strong potential for international scale-up and have secured more than €1 million in funding within the past three years. Candidates should also be positioned to advance their technology from TRL 4, indicating readiness to progress from laboratory validation towards industrial upscaling with the support of dedicated technology partners.
The deadline for company applications is 10 December, with submissions to be made via the online form.
About PhotonHub Europe
PhotonHub Europe is a pan-European innovation hub created to help companies unlock the power of photonics — the science and technology of light. Photonics is a key digital technology shaping Industry 4.0 and enabling breakthroughs in areas such as healthcare, sustainable energy, agrifood, security, smart mobility, construction, and communications. It is also vital for transforming European manufacturing to stay competitive in a globalised market.
PhotonHub aims to accelerate the adoption of photonics by European industry — especially SMEs and mid-sized companies — to drive innovation, new business models, and sustainable growth. By acting as a single entry point to world-class expertise and infrastructure across Europe, the hub made it easier for companies to test, develop, and scale photonics-based solutions.
About Tech Tour
Tech Tour is the largest tech entrepreneur and investor community in Europe. Each year, over 1,000 of the most promising tech companies are selected by approximately 1,000 investment, corporate, and industry experts actively involved in 25 specialised Investment Programmes. These programmes culminate in annual events, covering all of Europe and spanning all tech sectors, including digital, health, and sustainability.
With over 25 years of experience, our entrepreneur alumni, selected through Tech Tour, have reported more than €33.9 billion in investments over the past eight years. 80% of the companies selected for Tech Tour programmes have secured funding. 74% of the total funding raised throughout a company’s lifecycle was committed after its first presentation at a Tech Tour event. See impact data.
For further information, please visit the PhotonHub Scaling Club 2.0 webpage or contact Iliana Kostadinova at iliana@techtour.com.