Recognize that NRE comes at a cost. If you receive money to develop something specific then it results in that company getting preferred treatment as they should. POET obviously has gone a different route that was available to them through SHINE at minimal cost. They have gone through significant development with limited funds without strings attached re who they supply as is recognized by this statement (IMO):

“We are gratified to have been chosen to supply our advanced high-speed integrated optical engine chips to two of the world’s largest producers of electronic and photonic components and systems serving the leading AI networks and AI network service providers," said Dr. Suresh Venkatesan, Chairman & CEO.

Personally I would add that these companies are lucky to have POET.