Future of photonics under spotlight at annual meeting

The future trajectory of light technologies both globally and throughout Europe will be the subject of a new panel discussion at the Photonics21 Annual Meeting, set to take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brussels City Hotel on the 14th and 15th of May.

The live discussion panel, 'Quo Vadis Photonics?', will feature industry experts debating a variety of topics related to photonics, including its contribution to policies such as the European Chips Act, technological sovereignty, fostering international cooperation and partnerships to accelerate innovation, and enhancing the industry's global competitiveness.

Keynote speakers such as Pierre Chastanet, Head of Unit for Microelectronics and Photonics, DG CNECT at the European Commission, and Michelangelo Masini, Head of Research and Technology at Carl Zeiss AG, will provide valuable insights to shape the strategic direction of photonics and underscore its critical role in driving innovation and economic growth. Additionally, Kent Rochford, CEO & Executive Director of SPIE, will offer perspectives from the US and globally at this annual event.

Dr Lutz Aschke, President and CEO of Photonics Systems Group and President of Photonics21, announced: “This year’s event promises to be an unforgettable meeting with an engaging agenda and esteemed speakers. The event promises to serve as Europe’s premier platform for fostering collaboration, exchanging ideas, and charting the course for the future of photonics in Europe. We will explore the industrial strategy for photonics in the EU and globally through a first-of-its-kind high-level panel discussion under the theme of 'Quo Vadis?' for photonics.

“All photonics members from across the continent are welcome to share their critical insights into challenges and opportunities to drive the next wave of innovation over the next decade and come together to map out a path for groundbreaking technological and economic advancements.”

A highlight of the event will be the presentation of the latest worldwide photonics market study, Insights into the Dynamic Photonics Market (2019-2022), which will detail the economic performance of the photonics sector globally.

According to the research conducted by the French market intelligence group Tematys, the photonics industries in Europe, Asia, and the US demonstrated resilience from 2019 to 2022 –during a period marked by significant global and economic tensions.

In Europe, the report indicates that employment surged by 35,000 jobs during this period, far outpacing the growth rate of EU manufacturing overall. Meanwhile, European photonics production reached €124.6 billion in 2022, involving more than 5,000 companies and making a substantial contribution to Europe's manufacturing landscape.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn about funding opportunities through workshops and presentations from Photonics Partnership projects.

The event will include the Photonics21 Innovation Award ceremony, recognising significant contributions to photonics research and innovation. Additionally, farewell honours will be extended to a former member of the Photonics21 Executive Board, celebrating his commitment and service to the photonics community.

Registration for the Photonics21 Annual Meeting 2024 is now open, providing a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, delve into advanced technologies, and influence the future of photonics in Europe.