Louis Gallagher, co-founder and CEO of EpoQ, shows one of the microfabricated ion traps that will be combined with integrated photonics to develop a compact, deployable atomic clock. [Image: EpoQ]
Amsterdam-based quantum technology venture EpoQ has won the 2026 Global Photonics Engineering Contest, organized by Dutch photonic-chip accelerator PhotonDelta. The proposal focused on the development of a compact trapped-ion atomic clock based on integrated photonics.
Trapped-ion clocks are among the most precise timekeeping technologies available. They employ electromagnetic fields to confine individual charged atoms, or ions, and rely on precisely defined atomic transitions to provide an exceptionally stable frequency reference. Lasers probe these transitions, allowing the clock to measure time with extraordinary accuracy.
The sophisticated optical systems, vacuum equipment and control electronics required have traditionally confined the highest performance clocks to specialized laboratories.
EpoQ’s goal is to overcome these limitations by incorporating integrated photonic components to reduce size, weight, power consumption and complexity of trapped-ion clock systems.
Trapped-ion clocks are among the most precise timekeeping technologies available. They employ electromagnetic fields to confine individual charged atoms, or ions, and rely on precisely defined atomic transitions to provide an exceptionally stable frequency reference.
Photonic integrated circuits can replace parts of conventional optical assemblies with compact, chip-scale components for manipulating and delivering light. Integrating these capabilities while maintaining the spectral purity, stability and precision required for atomic-clock operation remains a significant technical challenge.
According to PhotonDelta, EpoQ's proposed technology could enable highly accurate, deployable timing systems for satellites, naval vessels, defence systems, telecommunications and critical infrastructure. Such capabilities are particularly relevant in environments where global navigation satellite system signals are unavailable or vulnerable to interference, including jamming and spoofing.
The venture is led by researchers associated with the University of Amsterdam, Netherlands, and is at the pre-incorporation stage. PhotonDelta has not disclosed detailed performance measurements, specifications or a development timeline for its proposed clock.
As the winner of the competition, EpoQ is eligible to receive up to €100,000 (US$112,000) in technology services from companies in PhotonDelta's ecosystem. It will also have the opportunity to secure up to €2 million (US$2.24 million) in pre-seed investment, subject to evaluation during PhotonDelta’s investment process and applicable conditions.
The 2026 edition of the competition was organized in cooperation with engineering platform Wevolver and attracted submissions from 18 countries, an increase of approximately 18% from the inaugural competition in 2025.
