Objective
Europe’s leadership in 6G, satellite communications, and advanced test & measurement depends on depends on reliable generation of stable high frequency signals up to and above 100 GHz where traditional electronics become bulky, power-hungry and narrowband. PICO (Photonic Integrated Converter/Oscillator) delivers a breakthrough: the world’s first monolithically integrated photonic frequency generator producing ultra-stable, low phase-noise microwave, mmWave and sub-THz carriers from 8-220 GHz on a single chip.
PICO replaces complex electronic multiplier chains with a patented gain-switched optical frequency comb and injection-locked active demultiplexing integrated on a European InP platform. This enables up to 50X frequency multiplication in a single stage, wideband tunability, fine resolution, and dramatically reduced SWaP. By generating RF in the optical domain, PICO enables low-loss fibre distribution and centralized architectures critical for 6G and next-generation satellite payloads.
The technology has reached TRL5-complete and is advancing through TRL6, validated by Airbus, Keysight and ESA via paid contracts and formal evaluations. EIC support will de-risk final miniaturisation, qualification (GR-468 / MIL standards), and dual-source industrialisation with SMART Photonics, delivering a TRL8 product ready for global deployment.
The addressable mmWave oscillator market exceeds €3B by 2032, driven by 6G infrastructure, satellite systems and instrumentation. Pilot Photonics forecasts >€44M annual PICO revenue by 2029, scaling to €100M+ total company revenue and creating >77 high-value European jobs.
PICO directly supports the EU Chips Act and EU digital sovereignty by establishing a European-controlled supply chain for a critical enabling technology. With EIC backing, Pilot will grow to become a global industrial leader in photonic RF generation, securing Europe’s position at the forefront of 6G and space communication infrastructure.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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HORIZON.3.1.2 - The Accelerator
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-EIC-ACC - HORIZON EIC Accelerator
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-EIC-2026-ACCELERATOR-02
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
9 Dublin
Ireland
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.