Vitesse was founded in 1996 through a partnership between the National Research Council, the University of Ottawa, Carleton University and knowledge-sector employees to address skill-gaps in the high-technology sector. In 2000, Vitesse launched the Photonics Lite Series, the most ambitious photonics training project in Ottawa to date. The Program consists of specialty and introductory courses covering the most important photonic technologies. Close to 200 professionals have gone through the program.