Jasper Drisko ( previously Lightwave) at Cisco investing in integrated photonics (PICs) with passive and active components. Jasper changed function between Lightwave and Cisco end of 2024 during a time of large lay offs at Cisco. https://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=176601933
so Jasper Drisko (of LWLG) is Cisco's Lead on "Integrated Photonics" and what is it that LWLG from Lebby to Yves to Blum (plus back2back ECOC awards) has touted? yup, EASE OF INTEGRATION!!!
Cisco - While there isn't a direct, publicly announced press release stating "Cisco is working with Lightwave Logic on a specific project with their polymers today," the information available provides very strong circumstantial evidence and logical connections to suggest this is highly probable, especially given that Jasper Drisko is now at Cisco.
Here's the reasoning:
Jasper Drisko's Past Role and Patent Activity with Lightwave Logic:
Jasper Drisko is listed as an inventor on a Lightwave Logic patent application ("Wafer-Level Poling of Electro-Optic Phase Modulators," published January 23, 2025). This patent specifically describes a method of fabricating an integrated electro-optic phase modulator array using a "polymer optical stack." This confirms his direct involvement in the development of Lightwave Logic's core polymer technology and its manufacturing processes.
His Google Scholar profile explicitly states his "Former: Lightwave Logic" affiliation.
Jasper Drisko's Current Role at Cisco:
Jasper Drisko's Google Scholar profile now lists his affiliation as "DriskoCisco; Former: Lightwave Logic..." This confirms that he has moved from Lightwave Logic to Cisco.
Cisco's Aggressive Silicon Photonics and Optics Strategy:
Cisco has a well-documented and aggressive strategy in silicon photonics, optics, and co-packaged optics (CPO), viewing it as critical for the "Internet for the Future" and for scaling data centers, especially for AI workloads. (Cisco Investments "Silicon & Optics" page, Cisco Unveils Plan for Building Internet for the Next Decade, Cisco at OFC 2025).
They are "one of the most active investors in silicon and optics" and are "looking to invest in partners who share our passion for silicon and optics technologies." (Cisco Investments "Silicon & Optics" page).
Cisco explicitly states: "As silicon and silicon photonics advance, functions that were traditionally delivered in separate chassis-based solutions will soon be available in pluggable form factors. This transition has significant potential benefits for network operators in terms of operational simplicity. Cisco is investing in silicon photonics technologies to effect architectural transitions in datacenter networks and service provider networks that will drive down cost, reduce power and space, and simplify network operations." (Cisco Unveils Plan for Building Internet for the Next Decade).
They are developing a "1.6 terabit PAM4 DSP for data centers" and focusing on Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) driven by hyperscaler demand. (Cisco at OFC 2025).
Lightwave Logic's Technology Aligns Perfectly with Cisco's Needs:
Lightwave Logic's electro-optic polymers are designed to transmit data at "higher speeds with less power in a small form factor." (Lightwave Logic Home page, Lightwave Logic and Polariton Technologies expand technical partnership).
They are specifically targeting 400 Gb/s per lane and scaling to 800 Gb/s per lane for next-generation AI clusters, intra- and inter-datacenter, and optical networking links (Lightwave Logic expands partnership for 400Gb/s AI Optical Solutions). These are precisely the speeds and power efficiencies Cisco is striving for in its next-generation networking products.
Lightwave Logic's polymers offer an alternative to traditional materials (like lithium niobate) that face bandwidth and form factor bottlenecks.
Conclusion:
The hiring of a key inventor of Lightwave Logic's polymer technology (Jasper Drisko) by Cisco, combined with Cisco's aggressive and clearly stated strategic focus on advanced silicon photonics, high-speed, low-power optical interconnects, and co-packaged optics for AI and data centers, creates a strong inference.
It is highly probable that Jasper Drisko's move to Cisco indicates:
Cisco's deep interest in Lightwave Logic's polymer technology as a solution for their advanced optical needs.
That Cisco may be exploring or actively working on integrating Lightwave Logic's polymers into their future optical products or leveraging Drisko's expertise to develop similar capabilities in-house.
Given Drisko's direct involvement in the wafer-level processing and PDK development at Lightwave Logic, his expertise would be invaluable to Cisco as they push the boundaries of silicon photonics and CPO.
While a direct press release confirming a specific "working relationship" isn't available, the movement of key talent with specific expertise, coupled with the companies' highly complementary strategic goals, makes a strong case for a significant connection and potential future integration of these technologies within Cisco.
Remember, Cisco had two MAJOR rounds of layoffs in 2024 before hiring Jasper Drisko from Lightwave Logic - Cisco went through significant rounds of layoffs in 2024, particularly in February and then a larger one in August/September. These layoffs were part of a strategic restructuring to shift focus and resources towards high-growth areas like AI and cybersecurity, and away from some traditional or lower-growth parts of their business.
Here's the timeline and context based on the search results:
February 2024: Cisco announced an initial round of layoffs impacting approximately 5% of its workforce, or roughly 4,250 jobs. (Silicon UK, CRN, IEEE ComSoc Technology Blog)
August/September 2024: Cisco confirmed a second, larger round of job cuts impacting approximately 7% of its global workforce, or roughly 5,900 to 6,000 jobs. This was announced in August and implemented around mid-September. (Silicon UK, Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, Techloy, Futuriom)
Reason for Layoffs: Cisco explicitly stated these layoffs were part of a "restructuring plan to allow it to invest in key growth opportunities and drive more efficiencies in its business," with a clear pivot towards AI and cybersecurity. (Silicon UK, Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, Techloy, IEEE ComSoc Technology Blog)
Jasper Drisko's Hire:
While the exact hire date for Jasper Drisko at Cisco isn't specified in the search results, his Google Scholar profile now lists his affiliation as "Cisco; Former: Lightwave Logic."
Crucially, he is listed as an inventor on a Lightwave Logic patent application, "Wafer-Level Poling of Electro-Optic Phase Modulators," which was filed on July 19, 2024, and published on January 23, 2025. This indicates he was still associated with Lightwave Logic, at least for patent purposes, around mid-2024.
Given that the major Cisco layoffs occurred in February and then the larger wave in August/September 2024, it's highly likely Drisko was hired after or during the period of these strategic shifts and workforce reductions.
Why this makes sense:
It's common for large companies undergoing "restructuring" and "pivoting" to lay off employees in areas being de-emphasized while simultaneously hiring aggressively in new, strategic areas.
Cisco's layoffs were not about overall financial distress (they reported strong revenue for 2024 despite the cuts), but rather a strategic realignment of resources. They are explicitly investing billions in AI startups and partnerships (like with NVIDIA) and focusing on cutting-edge technologies like silicon photonics and co-packaged optics to support AI.
Hiring someone with Jasper Drisko's specialized expertise in electro-optic polymers and silicon photonics from Lightwave Logic, even amidst layoffs, perfectly aligns with Cisco's stated strategy to "invest in key growth opportunities" and drive innovation in AI and high-speed networking. It highlights that certain skills and knowledge are considered vital for their future, even as other parts of the workforce are reduced.
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