Objective

PHABLABS 4.0 will combine two major trends into one powerful and ambitious innovation pathway for digitization of European industry: on the one hand the growing awareness of photonics as an important innovation driver and a key enabling technology towards a better society, and on the other hand the exploding network of vibrant Fab Labs where next-generation practical skills-based learning using KETs is core but where photonics is currently lacking.

PHABLABS 4.0 aims to initiate and realize the integration of photonics in European Fab Labs to achieve a lasting and positive impact on the way photonics is implemented in the Fab Labs. Combining forces of the experts in photonics and the Fab Lab stakeholders, PHABLABS 4.0 will develop “Photonics Workshops”, “Photonics Challenger Projects” and “Toolkits for Photonics Enhanced Fab Labs” that stimulate hands-on design, fabrication, experiments, and building of innovative systems. In that sense the Fab Labs will be equipped to really engage, excite and educate young minds, students, technicians and young professionals about the fascination of working and innovating with light and increase the trained workforce with 21st Century skills.