Inspiring meetup Deep-Tech: Wave Photonics at Slingshot

Inspiring meetup Deep-Tech: Wave Photonics at Slingshot

At the Slingshot Singapore Startup Competition during Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) 2025, I had the opportunity to meet James Lee, Co-Founder & CEO of Wave Photonics — and it turned out to be one of the most memorable conversations of the week.

Both Hyphen SCS and his startup were selected to pitch on the world stage, and the atmosphere around deep-tech innovation was incredible. ⚡

Wave Photonics is solving some of the hardest scientific bottlenecks in frontier tech:
🔹 Computationally designed integrated photonics for quantum, communications, and sensing
🔹 Enabling next-gen chips using non-standard wavelengths and materials
🔹 Helping miniaturise complex optical systems and manufacture them at scale

👉 Explore their work here: https://lnkd.in/gUBUsquH

But beyond the amazing technology, what truly struck me was James’ profile and his humility.

This is someone who —

🎓 Completed his PhD at Toshiba’s Quantum Information Group, University of Cambridge

🎓 Holds masters from Cambridge (Photonic Systems Development) & University of Oxford (Physics)

💼 Worked in equity-derivatives modelling before entering deep-tech entrepreneurship

With a background like that, certain degree of pride would be understandable…

But instead I met a founder who is curious, grounded, thoughtful, and genuinely excited about pushing humanity forward — not just winning competitions.

I learned how:

🔹 The next wave of integrated photonics goes far beyond telecom bands

🔹 Quantum, medical sensing, and space need reliable PICs across new wavelengths and materials

🔹 Deep-tech founders who tackle the toughest upstream problems will define global tech infrastructure in the decade ahead

Conversations like these remind me why I love being part of the global startup ecosystem — learning from people who dream big without losing kindness.

Wishing James and the entire Wave Photonics team all the success ahead.

Looking forward to crossing paths again and hopefully hosting you in India soon.

Keep up innovating and amazing the world with your solutions brother.

arunpandit.com

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