09/04/2026 (Agence Europe) – On Thursday 9 April, the European Commission approved Italian public funding of €211 million for the development of graphene-based photonic optical transceivers by the SME CamGraPhIC. These devices, which transmit data via light instead of electrons, could improve the performance of chips in the automotive, telecommunications, aerospace and defence industries. The project will take place in Pisa and Bergamo, in partnership with universities and research centres. The aid will take the form of a direct grant to the company. The Commission deemed the measure necessary and appropriate for the development of graphene photonics and in line with European State aid rules. The Commission stresses that the support creates an “incentive effect”, as the investment would not take place without public funding. It also considers that the aid is proportionate and does not unduly distort competition within the EU. (LC)