Milton Park, the UK’s largest single-ownership innovation community, has welcomed Salience Labs, a pioneering start-up developing photonic switches designed to transform AI data centre performance.
The company, backed by more than $54 million (£41 million) in funding — including investment from Oxford Science Enterprises — is building on decades of research from the Universities of Oxford and Münster.
Its newly built 6,700 sq ft R&D facility will support the development of photonic switching technology that manages data traffic faster and more efficiently than traditional electronic systems.
Conventional data centre switches rely on millions of conversions between electrical and optical signals, a process that consumes significant energy and reduces speed.
Salience Labs’ optical switches, by contrast, use light to transmit and process data, enabling higher efficiency and improved performance across advanced infrastructure such as AI data centres.
The relocation to Milton Park has more than tripled the company’s workspace, expanding optical laboratory areas and creating a collaborative environment for its team of 50+ staff. The facility also targets an EPC A rating, strengthening the company’s sustainability commitments.
Within the new space, the team is focused on tackling two major computing challenges: latency and energy consumption. By preserving data in light rather than repeatedly converting it back into electrical signals, their approach reduces bottlenecks and significantly lowers power demands for large-scale operations.
A spokesperson for Salience Labs said the company is building optical switches that enable next-generation AI infrastructure to achieve higher performance with reduced energy consumption.
They noted that as AI models scale, innovation in compute and networking is increasingly essential: “Milton Park offered the custom-built environment and future expansion capacity we need, supported by a mature ecosystem and a wide talent pool.”
Tom Booker, Commercial Manager at Milton Park, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Salience Labs. Their work in silicon photonics is an exciting addition to our growing optics, AI and quantum cluster. With its new headquarters at 100 Park Drive, the company is well placed to benefit from Milton Park’s location, sustainability credentials and access to top talent.”
Home to over 280 pioneering companies, Milton Park continues to attract leading innovators from the Oxford Science Enterprises portfolio, including Living Optics and Wild Bioscience. Salience Labs’ decision was also influenced by the area’s exceptional transport connections, sustainability standards and wide range of on-site amenities.
Among these amenities is Signal Yard, Milton Park’s new community hub opening in early 2026.
Designed as a vibrant social and dining destination, it will feature Oxfordshire-based independents such as 1885 Burgers, Chor Muang Thai, Planted Plates, alongside services including an NHS dental studio, pharmacy, post office, barbers and wellness facilities.
Tap Social Movement will also open its ‘Day Release’ venue, offering its craft beers, artisan coffee and fresh pastries.
