The LUMIFORM project, selected under the Appel à Manifestation d'Intérêt "Compétences et Métiers d'Avenir", is an initiative led by ALPhANOV, bringing together its training center PYLA, Photonics France, the Société Française d'Optique (SFO), the Campus des Métiers et des Qualifications d'excellence (CMQe) Numérique Photonique et Cybersécurité of Bretagne, as well as industry partners Oxxius, SEDI ATI Fibres Optiques, Lynred and Thales. 

Building on previous projects such as Nouvelle-Aquitaine Photonics TALENT, PhOENIX and various initiatives led by the Campus des Métiers et des Qualifications, it addresses a major challenge in the the photonics sector: a shortage of qualified technicians and operators.

 

A fast-growing sector facing a skills shortage

A strategic technology at the core of many industries, including aerospace, electronics, healthcare, and environmental applications, photonics is experiencing strong growth, estimated at 11% per year.

However, the sector faces a structural skills shortage. Careers in photonics remain relatively under-recognized, and training programs struggle to attract enough pupils and students, leading to under-enrolled classes and high dropouts rates.
In addition, teachers need support both in developing new programs and in integrating rapidly evolving technologies into their teaching.  
 

LUMIFORM, a national response to photonics training challenges 

In response to these challenges, LUMIFORM proposes a comprehensive and coordinated approach at the national level. 

 

• By strengthening and expanding photonics training programs from the high school level through undergraduate studies, in close alignment with industry needs, in order to better match training offerings with the skills required by the sector; 
• By supporting the upskilling of teachers and fostering collaboration through dedicated training programs, as well as developing innovative teaching tools such as virtual reality, optical simulators, and experimental kits; 
• By promoting strong outreach and engagement initiatives, through communication and outreach actions aimed at increasing awareness of careers in photonics and inspiring young people to pursue them.

This project is aimed young people, students, and companies, with the goal of supporting the sector's growth and promoting training programs and careers in a forward-looking technology that serves a wide range of industries.

By 2030, the project aims to contribute to the sustainable structuring of the sector, address industry workforce needs, and strengthen France's competitiveness and technological sovereignty.

Project duration: 60 months 
 

With the support of France 2030