Addressing the big problems in our society requires large collaborative efforts including many different experts from many different fields. The Solid State and Photonic Initiative (SSPI) provides the framework for researchers from related fields to collaborate on multidisciplinary research in Health, Energy, Security, and Communication. By incubating new ideas and fostering a supportive atmosphere, SSPI will guide Northwestern, with its already strong tradition in cross field collaborations, to be at the fore front of photonic and opto-electronic technologies.