Photonics for Data Centers Workshop

PDF poster for distribution.

Workshop Overview

This workshop brings together leading experts from industry and academia to discuss advancements in photonic technologies for data centers. Topics include:

  • Data center network topology
  • High-speed modulators
  • Co-packaged optics and their role in AI infrastructures
  • Optical circuit switches using different technologies

This event will serve as a unique opportunity for researchers, industry professionals, and engineers to exchange ideas, present breakthroughs, and explore collaborations in cutting-edge optical networking for data centers.

Confirmed Speaker

Keren Bergman – Columbia University
Juerg Leuthold – ETH Zurich
Niels Quack – the University of Sydney
Rachel Grange – ETH Zurich
Georgios Zervas – University College London
Maxim Karpov – Enlightra
Niyazi Ulas Dinc – EPFL
Mustafa Yildirim – EPFL
Demetri Psaltis – EPFL
Christophe Moser – EPFL

In addition to our distinguished speakers, representatives from leading technology firms, including major hyperscalers, optical networking companies, and innovative start-ups, will present their latest approaches and technologies. Confirmed industry speakers will be announced soon.

Key Information for Participants

Travel to Lausanne from Geneva Airport

  1. Arrival at Geneva Airport:
    Geneva International Airport (GVA) is the most convenient airport to reach Lausanne. It offers frequent flights and easy connections.
  2. Transport to Lausanne:
    Train: Geneva Airport has a direct train station (“Geneva Airport – Gare Aéroport”) connected to Lausanne. Trains run approximately every 20 minutes, and the journey takes about 45 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the station or online at SBB/CFF website: https://www.sbb.ch/en

Accommodation
Keynote speakers will have accommodation booked at the Starling Hotel Lausanne for Thursday, 4th September, and Friday, 5th September 2025. Address: Route Cantonale 31, 1025 Saint-Sulpice, Lausanne. The hotel is on the EPFL campus and the venue (BM 5202) is a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
For other participants, Lausanne offers a range of accommodation options at different price points. The Starling Hotel Lausanne is one convenient choice near EPFL, but many other hotels and lodging options are available. The city has an efficient public transport system, ensuring easy access to EPFL and the workshop venue.

Workshop Venue

  • Location: EPFL BM 5202, Lausanne
    The workshop will take place in the BM building, room 5202, on the EPFL campus.
  • Schedule: A detailed agenda will be shared closer to the event.

Travel to SIGCOMM in Coimbra, Portugal

  1. From Lausanne to Geneva Airport:
    Return to Geneva Airport using the same train connection. Allocate 2 hours for travel and check-in.
  2. Flights to Portugal:
    Destination Airport: Porto Airport (OPO) or Lisbon Airport (LIS) are the most convenient for reaching Coimbra.
    Connection to Coimbra:
    From Porto: Direct trains to Coimbra take approximately 1 hour.
    From Lisbon: Direct trains to Coimbra take approximately 2 hours.

Contact Information

For any inquiries or assistance, please contact:

We look forward to seeing you at EPFL and wish you a productive and inspiring workshop!