Google Spinoff Shrinks Fiber-Speed Internet Into Finger-Sized Wireless Module

2026-02-24 semicon

Netherlands, Tuesday, 24 February 2026.
Taara Photonics has achieved a breakthrough by compressing wireless optical communication technology into a module the size of a finger while delivering 25 Gbps speeds over 10 kilometers. The innovation uses over 1,000 miniature light emitters in an optical phased array, eliminating mechanical components for electronic beam steering. This represents the world’s first commercial wireless optical system using this advanced silicon photonics approach, potentially revolutionizing urban connectivity infrastructure.

Revolutionary Photonics Technology Emerges from Google’s Moonshot Lab

Taara Photonics, which became an independent company less than a year before February 22, 2026, after graduating from X, Google’s Moonshot Factory [1][3], announced on February 23, 2026, the launch of its Taara Photonics Platform and the first product built on it, Taara Beam [1]. This represents a photonics technology breakthrough rather than traditional semiconductor or quantum computing innovation, as the system relies on silicon-based optical components and light-based data transmission [1]. The company is led by CEO and Founder Mahesh Krishnaswamy, who previously worked at X, The Moonshot Factory [8]. The breakthrough technology uses an integrated photonic module containing over a thousand miniature light emitters arranged in an optical phased array [3][9], marking what the company claims is the world’s first commercial wireless optical communication system utilizing their patent portfolio of Optical Phased Arrays [8].

Technical Specifications and Performance Capabilities

Taara Beam delivers up to 25 Gbps of bidirectional throughput over distances up to 10 kilometers [1][3][5], with ultra-low latency of 50 microseconds [6]. The system transmits data as beams of near-infrared light [1] and combines mechanical steering with integrated photonics to bring electronic light control into a smaller, more deployable form factor [6]. Unlike traditional wireless systems that rely on radio spectrum, Taara Beam operates in unlicensed optical spectrum to avoid congestion and spectrum fees [9]. As Senior Vice President of Engineering Devin Brinkley explained, ‘Silicon photonics allows us to integrate the core functionalities of wireless optical communication into a single module. We’ve compressed most of the functionality of our previous systems into a photonic module the size of a finger’ [3][9].

Market Applications and Infrastructure Benefits

The technology addresses multiple market segments including telecommunications, data centers, and IoT networks where space constraints and performance requirements are critical [GPT]. Taara Beam is designed for operators, enterprises, and next-generation data infrastructure [3], with specific applications including high-bandwidth backhaul in dense urban metros, rooftop-to-rooftop and building-to-building connectivity [6]. The system can be deployed on rooftops, poles, or existing infrastructure [1][3], making it suitable for enterprise and campus network connectivity, data center connections, event deployments, disaster relief, and mission-critical operations [6]. Global data center expenditure is projected to reach $7 trillion by 2030 [1], creating substantial demand for high-speed connectivity solutions that can rapidly deploy without the time and cost constraints of fiber installation.

Company Background and Market Positioning

Taara’s track record includes its earlier system, Taara Lightbridge, which is already deployed in over 20 countries with major telecommunications partners including T-Mobile, SoftBank, Airtel, Digicel, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies [1][3][4][9]. On February 17, 2026, just one week before announcing Taara Beam, the company launched Lightbridge Pro, offering 99.999% uptime in carrier-grade networks with 20 Gbps full-duplex connection [4]. CEO Mahesh Krishnaswamy positioned the breakthrough within the broader connectivity evolution: ‘Every generation of connectivity has been defined by a physical constraint—copper’s speed, fiber’s time to deploy, and the scarcity of radio spectrum. We’re excited to showcase this breakthrough technology at MWC, building toward a future where connectivity feels less like infrastructure and more like the air we breathe’ [3]. The company will debut Taara Beam at Mobile World Congress Barcelona in March 2026, with Krishnaswamy presenting a live demonstration [3][6].

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photonics technology wireless communications