Behind the Feature: A Closer Look at Nicslab’s Journey with Optica

We’re honored and excited to share that our CEO, Andri Mahendra, has been featured in Optica’s Entrepreneurs to Watch, highlighting innovators who are shaping the future of optics and photonics.

This recognition is more than a milestone — it’s a moment of reflection on how far we’ve come, the challenges we’ve embraced, and the bold path we’re forging in the integrated photonics landscape.

From Idea to Impact

What started as a research-driven idea in the lab has grown into a mission-driven company focused on enabling faster, more efficient, and scalable photonic solutions. At Nicslab, we believe that light can do more — and we’re here to unlock that potential.

In the interview with Optica, Andri shares how the company was born out of a need to simplify and accelerate photonic experimentation and development. Our early breakthroughs in photonic IC drivers, including high-channel-count solutions, laid the foundation for everything that came after.

Building in Deep-Tech: No Straight Lines

Creating deep-tech solutions in photonics is never a linear path. It requires scientific rigor, agile engineering, and a relentless pursuit of relevance — making sure our innovations not only work in theory, but solve real-world bottlenecks in data centers, AI systems, and beyond.

We’ve navigated funding hurdles, technical pivots, and even early skepticism. But every challenge has sharpened our focus: building tools and systems that empower researchers, developers, and hardware innovators around the globe.

Why This Recognition Matters

Being recognized by Optica, one of the world’s leading voices in photonics and optical science, means a great deal to us. It validates the hard work of our entire team — and shines a spotlight on the value of integrated photonics in shaping the future of computing, sensing, and communication.

It also inspires us to keep pushing forward, to take bolder steps, and to continue building a company that creates not just great products, but lasting impact.

Thank You

We’re grateful to Optica for this recognition, and to the global photonics community that continues to support, challenge, and collaborate with us.

Our deepest appreciation to Dr. Bibiana Campos Seijo, Senior Editor & Content Director of Optics & Photonics News, and her team. Your thoughtful leadership and seamless collaboration have beautifully elevated our story and brought Nicslab's journey to light within the global photonics community.

And to everyone who has been part of our journey — from our early partners to our growing customer base — thank you.

The best is yet to come.

—

🔗 Read the full Optica article: Entrepreneurs to Watch: Andri Mahendra – Optica OPN

📢 Stay tuned for more updates and product news by following us on LinkedIn.