About SEPNET
The South East Photonics Network was first established in 1999 with support from a dti training project. Until 2001 SEPNET organised regular and popular meetings attracting interest from over 150 companies. During the telecommunication downturn in 2001 SEPNET discontinued activities recognising the uncertainties associated with the decline of this previously dominate sector of photonics.
In 2007 SEPNET was re-established with support of the Photonics Knowledge Transfer Network (PKTN). Regional support networks are a key element of the knowledge transfer networks which are now supported by the UK governments Technology Strategy Board (TSB). With one of the highest density of photonics companies in Europe and some of the world's leading academic institutes, the South East of the UK is an international hub of creativity in the application of light to a vast range of applications.
Many of the South East's photonic organisations are already successful on the international stage, yet there are many opportunities to leverage our collective knowledge and uncover more applications. SEPNET aims to increase awareness of the cababilities of the region, foster collaborations both within and outstide the photonics industry and assit in access to support funding. The objective is to add further value to the local photonics industry and ensure our continued leadership in this area into the future.
We recognised that members time is valuable and that travel across the full width of the South East region can be difficult. SEPNET therefore aims to hold events at locations distributed across the region. Where possible events will be be hosted by local companies, and we would like to hear from you if you would be willing to host an event.
To guide its activities SEPNET is putting in place a strategy panel with the majority of members drawn from local industry.
SEPNET's main objectives are to:-
- Highlight local strengths to increase knowledge transfer and leverage prior investment in research and development.
- Increase awareness of market requirements, developments and opportunities, both inside photonics and in the many industries enabled by photonics.
- A catalyst and facilitator of collaborative projects for member companies. focusing on cross sector collaborations.
- A voice for the South East photonics community in the national knowledge transfer networks (KTNs) and European networks such as Photonics 21.
- An access point for information on national and international funding and support activities.
- Provide a single point of contact for the international delegations
Prof David Payne, Dr Mike Philips, SEPNET directors
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