Columbia University

Founded in 2022, Xscape Photonics is headquartered in Fort Lee, NJ. The company emerged from cutting edge research conducted within Columbia University’s Departments of Electrical Engineering and Applied Physics & Applied Mathematics, as well as the Columbia Nano Initiative. Initially supported by federal funding from the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy, Columbia’s research played a crucial role in advancing the company’s transformative photonic solutions. Xscape Photonics leverages groundbreaking advancements in silicon photonics to enable the replacement of conventional electronic wiring with high-speed optical interconnects.

Xscape Photonics’ innovative approach to photonic interconnects is pivotal in overcoming bottlenecks in data-intensive applications and setting new benchmarks for speed, power optimization, and scalability. The company’s technology has the potential to significantly enhance the efficiency and performance of computing infrastructure and reduce the energy demands fueling AI. These innovations could lead to substantial economic benefits by reducing operational costs and increasing productivity in sectors reliant on high-speed data transmission.

Columbia University plays a  pivotal role in driving innovation and economic development through its robust research capabilities and technology transfer initiatives. Columbia Technology Ventures (CTV), the university’s tech transfer office, is at the forefront of this effort, managing a significant portfolio of intellectual property and fostering commercialization of groundbreaking research.

A key driver behind this innovation is the federal funding Columbia receives. Columbia University receives approximately $800 million annually from U.S. government agencies. This federal funding is crucial in supporting cutting edge research across various disciplines and driving innovation to address pressing societal challenges.