Today´s microelectronics is suffering from the fact that silicon cannot emit light. Otherwise, technological road blockers like the communication bottleneck of microprocessors or like bulky displays hindering the rocket start of augmented reality could easily be overcome. The EIC accelerator project i`SMILE will bring light to microelectronics. The goal is to be the enabler for a natural integration of microelectronics with microphotonics. I`SMILE will establish technology and supply chains in order to be completely independent from non-European manufacturers. Customized microLED modules for AR-glasses as well as for optical communication will be of central focus. Beyond that, i`SMILE will be the basis for making photonic GaN technology fully accessible to European innovators, leading to a “democratisation of microLED technology”. At current state after completion of the project, QubeDot will be able to serve the market with microLED displays and customer-specific microLEDs – especially designed for optical communication - with the highest precision within clean room environment using ISO9001 certified process flows. As part of the project, QubeDot is implementing measures to raise awareness, including attending trade fairs and exhibitions. These measures are proving to be successful. At present, the planned work packages are making expecting progress, so that robust target achievement can be assumed. In particular, the rising demand for microLED displays and optical interconnectors shows that the strategic goals of the project remain unchanged and correct.
