Beacon Photonics has become the first industry member of OASIS, UC Santa Barbara’s new innovation and translational research hub, marking an early milestone for the 105,000-square-foot facility designed to bring together established companies, startups, and academic researchers. Managed by The Robert Mehrabian College of Engineering at UCSB, OASIS is built to accelerate discovery and move ideas from lab to application, connecting companies directly with UCSB’s research expertise and shared-use facilities.
“While we continue to build out the facility’s capabilities and offerings, Beacon’s membership signals that OASIS is no longer just an idea, but a reality,” said Tal Margalith, the college’s executive director of strategic initiatives and innovation.
Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, Beacon Photonics develops advanced integrated photonic technologies for applications ranging from communications and sensing to quantum systems and national security. By establishing “Beacon West” at OASIS, the company is expanding its footprint while embedding itself within one of the world’s leading photonics research communities.
“OASIS offers a collaborative environment and shared-use capabilities that are essential for rapid innovation,” said Gordon Keeler, co-founder and CEO of Beacon Photonics. “Santa Barbara has an exceptional photonics ecosystem, and OASIS gives us a natural place to connect with that community.”
By welcoming Beacon Photonics as its first member, OASIS is beginning to take shape as a community designed to shorten the path from discovery to impact.