Bruno Romeira Joins World’s Top 100 Photonics Innovators

Bruno Romeira, Research Scientist PI at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), has been recognised in The Photonics100 2026, an elite list celebrating the 100 most innovative minds shaping the global photonics industry.

The highly competitive recognition, announced by Electro Optics in September 2025, honours pioneering work across academia, industry, and entrepreneurship. Out of thousands of professionals worldwide, only 100 are selected annually for their transformative contributions to the field.

Revolutionising Brain-Inspired Computing

Romeira’s inclusion recognises his groundbreaking research at the frontier of neuromorphic nanoscale photonics, where he is developing next-generation spiking light-based computing systems for artificial intelligence.

His team has successfully engineered ultra-compact, energy-efficient photonic neurons using III-V semiconductor nanoLEDs, nanolasers, nanophotodetectors, and hybrid optoelectronic circuits. Unlike conventional photonic AI systems that rely on bulky optical elements, Romeira’s approach mimics the discrete, nonlinear spiking behaviour of biological neurons at the nanoscale – processing optical spikes, the fundamental building blocks of brain-inspired computing.

A breakthrough came with the demonstration of the first photodetector-based artificial sensory neuron that responds to light with neural oscillations and spike bursting, marking a critical step towards on-chip sensory processing.

Leading the ChipAI Project

As leader of the EU-funded ChipAI project, Romeira successfully developed resonant tunnelling diode-based light sources and detector devices crucial for high-speed neural-like signalling. These innovations are paving the way for advanced photonics-based neuromorphic computing and sensing applications, with the project’s success already generating significantly funded follow-up initiatives.

His work has far-reaching implications for neuromorphic computing, advanced sensing technologies, and brain-computer interface (BCI) systems, potentially revolutionising the future of AI and human-machine interaction.

A Year of Disruption and Opportunity

The 2026 Photonics100 cohort was selected during a pivotal moment for the industry. With artificial intelligence reshaping computing, quantum technologies advancing from research to deployment, and geopolitical shifts forcing companies to rethink strategies, this year’s honourees represent the brightest talent navigating disruption with ingenuity and vision.

Europe dominates the list with 73 innovators, including 21 from the United Kingdom, 19 from Germany, and representatives from across the continent. The honourees are advancing work in next-generation optical communication, advanced laser systems, integrated photonics, novel sensing and imaging, and quantum technologies.

Warren Clark, Managing Director of Europa Science, publisher of Electro Optics, said: “Every challenge photonics faces – whether technical, economic, or political – is matched by an opportunity to innovate. The Photonics100 celebrates those leading the way.”

Romeira’s recognition underscores INL’s position as a leading research institution in nanophotonics and neuromorphic engineering, contributing to Portugal’s growing reputation in cutting-edge scientific innovation.

About Bruno Romeira

Bruno Romeira is a Research Scientist and Principal Investigator at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory in Braga, Portugal. He holds a PhD in Physics from the University of the Algarve, Portugal, completed jointly with the University of Glasgow and the University of Seville.

About The Photonics100

Launched in 2023, The Photonics100 recognises 100 innovators each year who are shaping the global photonics landscape through pioneering work spanning applications from quantum computing to biomedical systems, and lasers to optical communications.