12 partners across Europe are changing the way photonics is taught
We aim to significantly enhance Europe’s photonics skills pipeline through a harmonised education and training network. By connecting academic excellence with real‑world industry needs, Phortify enables personalised learning routes—from Master’s programmes to Self-Standing Modules—so learners can acquire the advanced digital skills Europe needs.
Phortify unites Europe’s leading photonics institutions in a unique education and training network that delivers harmonised quality assurance and certification, and enables flexible, mobile learning for students and industry. Aligned with labour-market needs, Phortify equips a digitally skilled photonics workforce to drive innovation on Europe’s major societal challenges and secure Europe’s leadership in digital talent.
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Close the skills gap: optimise and harmonise Master’s programmes and launch a modular, stand-alone lifelong-learning offer for students, researchers and professionals.
Grow and support talent: attract and mentor teaching staff and students, with a strong focus on inclusion and gender balance.
Build a lasting ecosystem: establish sustainable partnerships, standards, and structures that carry impact well beyond the project.
Addressing digital skill
needs in photonics

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Attracting, supporting and mentoring teaching staff and students
Established structural and sustainable partnerships

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Master Programmes
Integration of 7 Existing 
Photonics Masters
Embedded as an Elective Package
Broad Spectrum of Courses, 
Facilities and Industry Connections
Flexible and Enhanced 
Student Mobility
Phortify Certification
Industry-Aligned 
Learning Pathways
Self-Standing Moduels
Flexible Learning Opportunities
Alignment with 
Workforce Needs
Co-Designed with 
Industry Experts
Open for Students, Researchers 
and Industry Professionals
Open-Access Digital Library
Self-Standing Modules
 Certification
Master Programmes
Attracting Qualified Teaching Staff
Targeted Outreach and Mentoring Programs
Self-Standing Moduels
Scholarships and Mobility Support
Promoting Student Diversity and Inclusivity
Master Programmes
Mapping Partnerships
Industry Engagement
Self-Standing Moduels
Mobility & Exchange
Sustainability Planning
Phortify builds on Europe’s existing photonics programmes to add value—not duplicate them. By connecting leading universities, research institutes, and companies into a cohesive, adaptive network, it streamlines learning paths and elevates digital-skills training at scale. Grounded in proven content and pedagogy from prior initiatives, Phortify enhances what partners already do well while widening access, inclusion, and mobility.
The added value is delivered through five pillars:
Integrated
Curriculum
All partners expertise under one rood
Tailored Education Tracks
Full curriculum access for all students enrolled in one of the existing programmes
Inclusive
Methodology
Hybrid/online, interships, guest lectures, virtual labs, conferences
Embedded in Associated Networks
PhotonHub, ePIXfab, JEPPIX, Erasmus+, 360 CARLA
Joint
Resources
Scholarships tuition waivers, mobility grants, research labs, course materials
Phortify is building a photonics ecosystem where everyone can learn, teach, and thrive—regardless of background, identity, or abilities. We grow a broad pool of talent through inclusive mentorship and targeted actions that increase women’s participation and leadership. With our alumni and industry partners, we widen access to classrooms, labs, and careers. Our scholarship and mobility framework is DEI-aligned, with common eligibility criteria, flexible application routes, and targeted support for under-represented groups—continuously improved through feedback and evidence.
Our approach rests on three pillars:
These principles are embedded in every work package and reviewed regularly to deliver measurable, lasting impact.
