We propose to create a collaborative programme of leading universities in the UK (Glasgow, Heriot Watt, St.Andrews and Strathclyde) and California (Stanford and Caltech) to create a network of universities, businesses and public sector organisations. The common theme will be the creation of economic benefit to the UK and US through developing opportunites around the general theme of photonics and photonics enabled technologies. Photonics technologies is interpreted very broadly and includes but is not limited to (a) advaced imaging technologies for the life sciences, (b) design, fabrication and measurement of devices for efficient conversion of solar energy into electricity, (c) sources and sensors for automotive and consumer products, (d) quantum-limited sensors for detection of acceleration, magnetic fields and encryption applications (e) environmental sensing applications. A range of researchers will be invlolved including, physicists, chemists, biologists, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers and researchers in biological and medical technologies.The programme will be delivered through a range of collaborative activites in the UK and US. These include the creation of a new kind of entrepreneurial fellowship enabling early career researchers from the UK to spend a year working in a Stanford, Caltech or affiliated laboratory. Staff exchanges between the partner orgnaisations to develop joint activites with clear commercial outcomes will be facilitated. Pilot projects to demonstrate the potential for commercial exploitation will be supported through the programme. An industrial affiliates' programme will be developed that will build on existing industrial networks associated with the partnering universities. This will facilitate businesses, large and small, in accessing networks and markets in the UK and US. We will create an investor network of individuals and companies interested in investing in photonics techologies emering from the collaboration. We will also undertake support and mentoring activites designed to ensure that companies and individuals are investor ready.The overal aim of the project is to build a network by sustaining enduring relationships that will lead to sustainable economic impact.