In a major move to advance India’s homegrown photonics chip industry, GX Group, a global leader in broadband and connectivity solutions, has announced the launch of GX Quantum Photonics. The new venture will focus on developing cutting-edge photonic modules and chip systems designed for next-generation broadband, 5G/6G networks, and quantum communication technologies.
Backed by an initial investment of ₹500 crore, the initiative is supported by Invest International (Netherlands) and includes a strategic partnership with SMART Photonics BV, a leading Netherlands-based company specializing in Indium Phosphide (InP) photonic integrated circuits (PICs).
Strategic Impact
- Establishes India’s first Photonics chip development/manufacturing and R&D hub
- Reduces import dependency and enables secure, export-ready optical components
- Supports AI data centers, 5G/6G networks, EV LiDAR, and quantum communication
- Creates 300+ high-skilled jobs in advanced manufacturing
- Reinforces India’s position in the USD 50 billion global Photonics module market
Paritosh Prajapati, CEO of GX Group, said, “India’s growth story is incomplete without technological independence. Through GX Quantum Photonics, we are creating the nation’s first Photonics modules and chipsets designed, developed, and built in India. This marks a strategic shift — from importing optical technology to exporting innovation. Our vision goes beyond manufacturing; we aim to make India a global Photonics hub that powers AI-ready networks, smart infrastructure, and secure digital ecosystems.”
He further added, through GX Quantum Photonics, we are not just investing in technology, but in India’s future. Our collaboration with SMART Photonics brings world-class expertise to India’s rapidly growing Photonics and telecom ecosystem, accelerating our vision of a self-reliant and globally competitive optical industry.”
Johan Feenstra, CEO, SMART Photonics BV, said: “Our collaboration with GX Quantum Photonics combines India’s ambition for technological sovereignty with our global expertise in Photonics. Together, we are setting new benchmarks in optical innovation and enabling the future of high-performance, energy-efficient data infrastructure.”
India’s Role in the Global Photonics Market
The global Photonics industry, valued at USD 920 billion in 2023, is projected to reach USD 1.64 trillion by 2032 (Fortune Business Insights). Within this, the Photonics module and optical transceiver segment is expected to grow from USD 20 billion to USD 50 billion by 2030, driven by 5G/6G rollouts, hyper-scale data centers, and AI infrastructure.
The Photonics and co-packaged optics (CPO) are to power next-generation AI and data-center computing. These developments mark a strategic industry shift from traditional electrical interconnects to light-based communication, enabling faster, energy-efficient systems. GX Quantum Photonics aligns India with this global transformation by advancing from telecom optical modules to CPO and AI-ready Photonics systems, designed and built in India for the world.
Policy Alignment
This initiative directly supports the Government of India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision, and aligns with Semicon India, Quantum Mission, and the National Policy on Electronics (NPE 2019) — aimed at positioning India as a global hub for Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM).
GX Quantum Photonics is also an applicant under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing (ECMS), reinforcing GX Group’s commitment to India’s technology independence and export competitiveness.
