Core Insights - The article discusses the progress of Shaanxi's "Chasing Light Plan," highlighting the launch of the "8-inch Silicon Photonic Integration Technology Innovation Platform," which aims to bolster the region's photonics industry and support the development of a trillion-level photonics industry cluster [2][6][12]. Group 1: Progress of the "Chasing Light Plan" - Since its initiation in 2021, the "Chasing Light Plan" has led to significant growth in the photonics industry in Shaanxi, with the number of enterprises increasing to over 370 and the industry scale rising from 15 billion to 36.5 billion [6][7]. - The upgraded "Chasing Light Plan - Leap Action" outlines a development path with a layout of "one core, two wings + one park, three areas," positioning Xi'an High-tech Zone as the core area for photonics development [6][12]. Group 2: Establishment of the 8-inch Silicon Photonic Platform - The 8-inch Silicon Photonic Platform, with a total investment of 7.5 billion, officially commenced operations in September 2025, addressing the gap in silicon photonic chip pilot testing in the northwest region [12][14]. - The platform has introduced over 60 key core devices and is based on the 130nm silicon photonic chip process package from Belgium's IMEC, with plans to develop advanced processes above 90nm [12][14]. Group 3: Industry Challenges and Solutions - The silicon photonic technology is crucial for AI computing, smart driving, and quantum communication, but its development has been hampered by the concentration of pilot testing resources in Europe and the U.S., leading to high costs and long lead times for domestic companies [11][12]. - The establishment of the 8-inch Silicon Photonic Platform is seen as a "hardcore solution" to these challenges, enabling local companies to reduce R&D costs and shorten the time to market for new products [12][14]. Group 4: Ecosystem Development and Collaboration - The platform operates under a "1+N" flexible engineering model, where 80% of resources are allocated to support small and medium-sized enterprises, while 20% are reserved for cutting-edge innovation [14][17]. - The 6-inch compound platform has already released over 20 process design kits (PDKs) and served more than 50 clients, while the 8-inch platform has established cooperation agreements with over ten leading companies [17].