Make way for startups at LASER World of PHOTONICS 2017

8th May 2017

Alice Matthews

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The success of photonics in the global innovation scene rests on three pillars: scientific excellence, inventiveness and a pioneering spirit. Many companies exhibiting at LASER World of PHOTONICS were only founded within the past 30 years and there is a continuous conveyor belt of new startups. From 26^th-29^th June 2017 they will take pride of place in Munich at the Start-Up World and Photonics Award - organised in collaboration with the Anwendungszentrum Oberpfaffenhofen (AZO).

Frequently their ideas break new ground. They take the plunge where others hesitate and find direct ways of translating their research findings into marketable products. Founders create innovation - and a living for themselves and others. To give their achievements the accolade they deserve, the motto at LASER World of Photonics 2017 from 26^th-29^th June 2017 is once again: make way for startups and their ideas!

Numerous domestic and foreign companies will be represented at Startup World in hall B3. To this end a bespoke starter package has been put together for startups no more than five years of age. This enables the newcomers to take part in this trade fair for photonics components, systems and applications at greatly reduced organisational and resource effort and expense, and showcase their ideas to an international trade public.

Competition for the most innovative photonics ideas
The Photonics Award finals will be held for the second time since 2015 under the Startup World umbrella. Teams of company founders from home and abroad will pitch their latest products and close-to-market prototypes to a jury of experts. In the first final of LASER World of PHOTONICS 2015, not one but two Swiss teams made it through: the 3D microscopy startup Nanolive and the fledgling Femtoprint, specialised in micro 3D printing. Starting in May, the search will be on for the next-gen of prizewinners. The applications received will be screened by the jury and the chosen finalists will go on to present their ideas at the event.

Photonics talents at the Make Light MAKEATHON
Whether under the 'Internet of Things' or 'Photonics 4.0' label – digital networking is one of the core innovation drivers in the photonics industry. Photonics is both enabler and user. The need for photonics personnel will continue to grow with the onward march of Industry 4.0. LASER World of PHOTONICS affords an optimal opportunity with the 24 hour Make Light MAKEATHON on June 27^th and 28^th to get to know photonics talent and the digitally savvy movers and shakers of tomorrow. This competition, staged in collaboration with the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research’s Make-Light-Initiative sees students and young engineers competing to create prototypes from ideas. Other Make Light MAKEATHON partners include ITQ and Conrad Electronic. The event provides recruiters in Munich with a lively complement to the Career Centre, which will once again be a collaborative forum with consulting group Wirth + Partner bringing together employers from the world of Photonics and interested applicants.