In Eindhoven, Professor Martijn Heck explains how photonic chips — using light instead of electricity — may shape the next phase of computing. Beyond technology, the conversation reveals Europe’s fragile position between American power and China’s quiet scale.
Martijn Heck – Professor of Photonic Integration
Martijn Heck
Professor of Photonic Integration
Martijn Heck is a professor and researcher specialising in photonic integration and advanced semiconductor technologies. His work focuses on the development of next-generation optical systems supporting high-speed communication, computing and the evolution of digital infrastructure.
Artificial intelligence is often framed as a race for larger data centres and greater energy supply. Professor Martijn Heck argues that the real frontier lies elsewhere: in the architecture of the chip itself. By integrating electronics, photonics and advanced packaging into unified systems, heterogeneous integration may determine whether AI scales sustainably — or overwhelms the infrastructure it depends on. In this conversation, Heck outlines why better chips, not bigger factories, will shape the technological balance of the coming decades.
Photonics is often framed as the next breakthrough in chips, but according to Professor Martijn Heck, the reality is more nuanced: real progress depends on hybrid integration, production scale and reliability—not technological promise alone.
