INPHASE-EU

This project aims to develop and formalize a focused European network in the field of photonics-based sensing and monitoring. It brings together applied research, industrial expertise, and academic knowledge from multiple European countries, with the primary objective of preparing a mature and competitive joint application for a future Horizon Europe call within Cluster 4 (Digital, Industry and Space), planned for submission early 2027.
The envisioned European collaboration is motivated by a clear societal and infrastructural challenge. Türkiye is a highly seismically active region, where early and reliable earthquake detection is critical for public safety and infrastructure resilience. At the same time, the country possesses an extensive and rapidly expanding fiber-optic telecommunication infrastructure that remains underutilized for advanced sensing applications. This context provides a strong application-driven reference point for the network, centered on photonics-based sensing technologies integrated into existing telecom infrastructures.
INPHASE-EU builds on the applied research profile of Saxion, the applied research group Applied Nanotechnology and combines this with industrial use-case expertise from Türkiye, photonic packaging know-how from the United Kingdom, and academic expertise in nanophotonics. Initial contacts between the partners were established during earlier international exchanges and conferences, revealing strong thematic alignment and complementary expertise. However, additional effort is required to translate these interactions into a European consortium of sufficient size and diversity for Horizon Europe participation.
The project focuses on network development activities, including partner alignment, targeted network expansion, strategic workshops on consortium formation, and joint exploration of relevant European funding opportunities. A key outcome of INPHASE-EU is a consolidated European network with clearly defined roles, a shared strategic vision, and a consortium well positioned to proceed with Horizon Europe proposal preparation.
Through this approach, the project strengthens European collaboration capacity at Saxion, reinforces regional and national ecosystems, and enables sustainable engagement in European research and innovation programs.