The Torbay tech revolution: how local businesses are powering global innovation

There’s never a quiet day for members of the Torbay Hi-Tech Cluster.

2025 has been no exception, with all the companies within the Electronic & Photonic Innovation Centre (EPIC) Paignton keeping busy, developing state-of-the-art products and services for multiple technology sectors, including satellite and timing, positioning and navigation, photonics and electronics, environmental sensing, artificial intelligence and social media. 

EPIC is the Torbay Hi-Tech Cluster (THTC) hub for collaboration and innovation. There is always a buzz within the corridors and offices of EPIC as companies collaborate and develop novel ideas into world leading products and services for sale globally.

Bay Photonics, as part of a THTC initiative, loaned their technology specialist Dr Philip Mitchell to present to delegates the short course, called Introduction to Photonics.

The course was delivered by Phil at South Devon College which is the THTC training partner, conveniently located within the heart of the THTC just five minutes’ walk from EPIC. 

SDC is also an organisation buzzing with opportunity, imagination and ideas and the ideal training partner to the THTC and the springboard for all to develop their careers in whatever industry and direction they choose.

The two-day course was financed by Torbay Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, eligible to Torbay residents, and covered all aspects of photonics, from the pioneering beginnings developed in the early 1900s by Einstein and Plank, to present day developments. 

It was very much a course for opportunities to learn and also to discuss and debate, whether new to photonics or wanting top-up knowledge to enable the next step in the delegate's career. 

The only prerequisites to attending was to have an interest in technology and an imagination. 

The delegates came from many companies from within the THTC including Bay Photonics, Oriole Networks, QLM & Gooch & Housego. They were highly motivated and keen to participate. 

In addition they kept Phil on his toes with lively debate and thoughtful questions, and the course delivered a positive experience for all.

Feedback from the course was positive. Caroline Field, the Bay Photonics marketing specialist, said: “I had a great insight into the world of Photonics. I now feel I have a great awareness and understanding of the history and development of technologies such as optical fibres and quantum systems, and the many key acronyms like key LASER & LiDAR.”

Photonics continues to be a cornerstone of innovation in communications, sensing, and quantum and AI technologies, and it’s always inspiring to step back and reconnect with the fundamentals that underpin so much of what we do. 

Phil says: “Torbay is an amazing place to develop a STEM based career whether photonics or another complementary specialism. 

“In addition we need project managers, human resource managers and finance experts, but you may still need to do the Intro to Photonics course. The course is scheduled to run again springtime in 2026.”