Chigo Okonkwo

Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology | Co-founder | CTO at CUbIQ Technologies

Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands

About

At TU Eindhoven, I am chairing the High Capacity Optical Transmission laboratory, overseeing a team of researchers and serving as Principal Investigator for QuantumDelta NL Quantum Communications project in Eindhoven. With more than 20 years of expertise in optical and quantum systems, I am committed to advancing the field through collaboration with global academic and industrial teams. My mission is to drive innovation in ultra-high-capacity systems, fostering impactful research and spin-out/start-up opportunities. CUbIQ Technologies was founded in 2021 and employs advanced signal processing and coherent transmission techniques to innovate in optical and quantum communication systems. As Co-Founder and CTO, I focus on developing cutting-edge technology roadmaps, securing funding, and fostering strategic technical collaborations. My work supports the practical implementation of high-impact solutions, ensuring alignment with the dynamic needs of the optical and quantum communication markets.

Experience

  • Chair-Elect of the Photonics and OptoElectronics Division on the Board of Meetings (BoM) at Optica
    Jan 2026 - Present · 6 mos

  • Eindhoven University of Technology (17 yrs 4 mos)
    • Professor
      May 2025 - Present · 1 yr 2 mos

      - Professor at Electrical Engineering, Electro-Optical Communications Systems - Chair, Secure Ultra High Capacity Optical Transmission Systems

    • Associate Professor
      Jun 2020 - Jun 2025 · 5 yrs 1 mo

      • Head of High Capacity Optical Transmission at TU/e, leading a team of 20+ researchers • Principal Investigator for QuantumDelta NL Quantum Communications project • Developed practical implementation techniques for Classical Optical and Quantum Communication Systems • Collaborated with industrial and academic teams globally to foster spin out opportunities

    • Assistant Professor
      Apr 2012 - Jun 2020 · 8 yrs 3 mos

      Advanced Modulation Formats, Long/Short Reach Transmission techniques, Single and Multi-Carrier Systems. Spatial Division Multiplexing Techniques and Coherent Optical Access Networks.

  • Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer at CUbIQ Technologies
    Jan 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 6 mos

    • Co-founded CUbIQ Technologies, driving the technology and product development roadmap. • Secured pre-seed funding through strategic interactions with investors. • Cultivated relationships with knowledge institutes and key ecosystems to enhance collaboration.

  • Senior Research Officer at University of Essex
    Dec 2003 - Feb 2009 · 5 yrs 3 mos

    Validation and verification of complex next generation networks through a combination of experimental development and modelling (DTi Project HIPnet) Novel parametric devices for contention resolution in optical networks