Photonics is the science and technology that innovates with light and has many different applications in everyday life. In this presentation, I highlight through many different examples of innovation projects we have done with various companies in recent years how photonics can help to address your innovation challenges across various application sectors ranging from digital infrastructure, health, agriculture and food, mobility, space and defense. We highlight the innovation support we can offer at FlandersMake@VUB by leveraging our pilot line for freeform optical components, as well as the pan-European digital innovation hub PhotonHub.