The inauguration of the installation of the world’s largest multicore fiber optic testbed — the Lisbon Underground Multicore Fiber Ring (LUMIRing) — took place at Iscte – University Institute of Lisbon and at the University City Metro station. This milestone event marks the launch of a unique real-world research infrastructure, fully integrated into the Lisbon Metro’s Yellow Line.

The ceremony was attended by key figures, including:

• Maria de Lurdes Rodrigues, Rector of Iscte
• Adolfo Cartaxo, Director of the LUMIRing Project
• Maria Helena Campos, President of the Board of Directors of Metro Lisboa
• Miguel Pinto Luz, Minister of Infrastructure and Housing
• Manuel Castro Almeida, Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion

The official session was held at Iscte’s campus and included addresses from all representatives, each highlighting the national and international relevance of the project.

The event concluded with a visit to the LUMIRing exhibition at Iscte’s Building 4, followed by a live demonstration of the multicore fiber splicing of the testbed at the Cidade Universitária Metro station.

A European Innovation Platform with Global Reach

LUMIRing is now the world’s largest test infrastructure for multicore fiber (MCF), installed in a challenging, operational underground setting. It offers an open-access platform for the development, validation, and demonstration of cutting-edge optical communication technologies.

According to Jorge Costa, Vice-Rector for Research and Technological Modernisation at Iscte:

“LUMIRing will have a direct impact on Portugal’s international standing in the field of optical communications. By combining applied research with real-world validation, we are creating a unique collaborative space between industry, a university, and technological centers.”

The project positions Portugal and Europe at the forefront of innovation in fiber optic technologies, creating new opportunities for scientific collaboration, industrial partnerships, and the advancement of digital infrastructure.