POET Technologies Inc. said it has entered into a partnership with NTT Innovative Devices Corp., a subsidiary of Japan’s leading telecom provider, to co-develop optical engines designed to support the next generation of mobile networks and artificial intelligence applications.
The collaboration centers on the development of a 100G Bidirectional Optical Engine, combining POET’s Optical Interposer platform with optical components from NTT Innovative Devices. The technology promises to deliver four times greater bandwidth efficiency than existing devices, a potential disruptor for mobile front-haul networks that underpin data transmission between cell towers and core networks.
Executives from both companies emphasized the importance of the collaboration for scaling advanced mobile infrastructure. “POET’s unique optical interposer platform and advanced passive-assembly process align well with our vision for scalable, high-performance solutions tailored for next-generation mobile networks,” said Akimasa Kaneko, executive vice president of the Photonic Components Business Group at NTT Innovative Devices. “By combining POET’s platform with our in-house optical components, we can create highly integrated and cost-effective solutions that accelerate deployment.”
POET’s chairman and chief executive officer, Suresh Venkatesan, said the deal opens a new market for the company. “Entering a new market with a potentially disruptive new product with one of the world’s leading telecom providers is a testament to the versatility of the optical interposer platform and our long-held belief in its market potential,” he said.
The mobile front-haul segment is emerging as a critical enabler for AI-driven applications, requiring both high bandwidth and low latency. Market Research Future projects the front-haul market to grow at a compound annual rate of 14.2% through 2032, reaching $5.9 billion. Meanwhile, the bidirectional transceiver market, valued at $1.2 billion in 2024, is forecast by Verified Market Reports to expand to $2.5 billion by 2033.
POET plans to begin development work this year, with prototypes expected in 2026 and high-volume production slated for 2027. The company said the partnership highlights both its long-term innovation strategy and the potential to play a key role in shaping next-generation connectivity solutions for telecom operators globally.
