Graphene Week 2026: Next-2Digits Showcases Advances in Graphene Photonics

Graphene Week 2026 brought together leading researchers, innovators, and industrial stakeholders in Porto, Super Bock Arena, to discuss the latest developments in graphene and other two-dimensional materials. During the event, Next-2Digits highlighted its progress in graphene photonics and optoelectronics through a dedicated technical session and an exhibition booth.

Graphene Week is one of the most important gatherings of the Graphene Flagship community. Each year, it provides a platform for experts to exchange knowledge, present results, and explore future opportunities for graphene-enabled technologies. As a result, the event attracts participants from academia, research organisations, and industry across Europe and beyond.

At Graphene Week we were Able to Demonstrate Progress in Graphene Photonics

A key highlight of the week was the Next-2Digits Photonics & Optoelectronics Parallel Session. The session focused on how graphene can support the development of next-generation integrated photonic devices. Moreover, it demonstrated how project partners are working to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and industrial deployment.

The programme showcased advances across the value chain. In particular, speakers presented developments in wafer-scale graphene transfer, graphene photodetectors, electro-absorption modulators, and high-speed optoelectronic devices. Furthermore, the session addressed the preparation of graphene-based technologies for large-scale manufacturing in a 200 mm foundry environment.

These activities illustrate the ambition of Next-2Digits to accelerate the adoption of graphene in future photonic and optoelectronic systems.

Expert Contributions from Project Partners

The session featured presentations from several Next-2Digits partners.

Andreas Sandin from Silex Microsystems presented work on the preparation of graphene-based devices for mass production in a 200 mm wafer MEMS fabrication environment. Meanwhile, Alba Centeno Pérez from Graphenea introduced advanced transfer techniques based on wafer-scale CVD graphene for electronics and photonics applications.

In addition, Gregory Pandraud from Ommatidia presented work on coherent detection using graphene photodetector gating. Together, these presentations demonstrated the complementary expertise available within the Next-2Digits consortium and highlighted the project’s progress towards scalable graphene-enabled technologies.

Engaging with the Graphene Community

Beyond the technical session, Next-2Digits maintained an active presence throughout Graphene Week 2026 via its exhibition booth. Representatives from Graphenea, Ommatidia, Silex Microsystems, and AMIRES welcomed visitors and shared information about the project’s objectives, achievements, and future plans.

The booth created opportunities for discussions with researchers, technology developers, and industry representatives. Consequently, partners were able to showcase recent developments while also gathering valuable feedback from the wider graphene community.

At the same time, the event enabled project partners to strengthen existing collaborations and establish new connections within the Graphene Flagship ecosystem.

Graphene Week Supports the Future of Graphene Technologies

Graphene Week 2026 demonstrated the growing maturity of graphene-based photonic and optoelectronic technologies. At the same time, it highlighted the importance of collaboration across research and industry to bring innovative materials closer to commercial implementation.

Through its dedicated session and booth activities, Next-2Digits showcased how graphene can enable new functionalities for communication, sensing, and photonic integration. Therefore, the project continues to contribute to strengthening Europe’s leadership in advanced materials and photonic technologies.

The consortium would like to thank all speakers, participants, and visitors who contributed to the discussions and helped make Graphene Week 2026 a successful event