Future of industry under spotlight at Photonics21 annual meeting

13 May 2024

Highlight will be presentation of Tematys global photonics market study, Insights into the Dynamic Photonics Market (2019-2022).

Photonics industry leaders, researchers and policymakers will this week (Tuesday 14th - Wednesday 15th May) debate the future of light technologies, including technological sovereignty and the need for resilient supply chains in Europe, at this year’s Photonics Partnership Annual Meeting in Brussels, Belgium.

At a new live discussion panel, “Quo Vadis Photonics?”, industry experts will discuss a wide range of photonics-related issues, including how the sector can contribute to policies such as the European Chips Act and technological sovereignty, international cooperation and partnerships for accelerating innovation, and strengthening the global competitiveness of the industry.

Keynote speakers, including 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 share their insights to inform the strategic direction of photonics and its key role in driving innovation and economic growth. Kent Rochford, CEO & Executive Director of SPIE, will provide a US and global perspective on the industry at the annual gathering.

Photonics21 President and CEO of Photonics Systems Group, Dr Lutz Aschke, commented, “This year’s event promises be an unforgettable meeting with an engaging agenda and esteemed speakers. The event promises to serve as Europe’s premiere 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 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.”

European photonics is booming

A highlight of the event – previewed in a Photonics21 statement, last week – will be the presentation of the latest worldwide photonics market study, Insights into the Dynamic Photonics Market (2019-2022), which will reveal the economic performance of photonics on a global scale.

According to the study conducted by the French market intelligence group Tematys, the photonics industries in Europe, Asia, and the US remained robust during 2019-2022 – described by Photonics21 as “a period plagued by some of the toughest global and economic tensions after decades of geoeconomics and globalisation.”

In Europe, the study shows employment surged by 35,000 jobs during this period, far exceeding the growth rate of EU manufacturing as a whole. At the same time, European photonics production soared to €124.6 billion in 2022, representing over 5,000 companies and contributing significantly to Europe’s manufacturing landscape.

Attendees can expect to gain comprehensive knowledge about funding opportunities through workshops and presentations from Photonics Partnership projects.

The event will feature the annual Photonics21 Innovation Award ceremony, recognizing some of the outstanding contributions to photonics research and innovation. Farewell honors will be extended to a former member of the Photonics21 Executive Board, celebrating his dedication and service to the photonics community.

Registration for the Photonics21 Annual Meeting 2024 is open, offering a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, explore cutting-edge technologies, and shape the future of photonics in Europe.

Registration and links to the event

For further details, please register here at the Photonics21 Annual Meeting 2024 webpage. And the agenda of the two-day meeting is viewable here. Free registration is available to press and media attendees by using the code “PPAM2024”.