Events

Global Photonics Economic Forum 2024

01.10 - 02.10.2024

The inaugural Global Photonics Economic Forum, organised by Optica, is scheduled to convene in Malaga, Spain, during the first week of October 2024. This pivotal event aims to bring together up to 300 leaders from the global photonics industry, including corporate executives, political figures, and investors, to engage in meaningful discussions that will shape the future of photonics.

The Global Photonics Economic Forum aims to create a trusted platform for collaboration and innovation, addressing the industry’s most pressing challenges and opportunities. With the rapid advancement of photonics technology and its increasing relevance across various sectors, the forum comes at a crucial time. 

The discussion will explore the complexities introduced by geopolitical tensions, such as those surrounding the Chips Act, and the critical role of photonics in meeting the surging energy demands of artificial intelligence and data centres.

Focus Areas:

  • Industry sustainability
  • Geopolitical dynamics
  • Public and private investments
  • Emerging technologies related to photonics and regulatory frameworks
  • Sustainable photonics

Reasons for business executives to engage in Malaga

Global Photonics Economic Forum will address the broad economic future of optics and photonic technologies. Whereas DARPA and the US defence industry in general were the main financiers behind Silicon Valley in the period 1950 – 2000, Defense and Government are now struggling when it comes to investments in AI, AR/VR, and sustainable photonics. So who are the new drivers? And who is behind them?

  • Innovation Showcase with Case Studies: We will present detailed case studies demonstrating the impact of photonics in sectors such as healthcare (e.g., advanced imaging techniques), machine vision (robotics), telecommunications (e.g., fibre-optic communication), and defence/space communications (e.g., laser-based systems), providing tangible examples of its applications.
  • Deep Dive into Geopolitical Opportunities and Implications: A dedicated session on the geopolitical landscape, specifically discussing the Chips Act, trade barriers, and international collaborations, with expert insights on navigating these challenges.
  • Emerging Technologies Spotlight: Focus on breakthrough technologies in photonics, such as quantum photonics and advanced optical materials, exploring their potential and challenges. 
  • Regulatory and Compliance Focus: Panels discussing regulatory challenges and compliance strategies across different regions, addressing safety standards, environmental regulations, and international trade laws.
  • Structured Networking Opportunities: Implement roundtable discussions, one-on-one meetings, and industry-specific gatherings, facilitating meaningful interactions among attendees.
  • Inclusive Audience Engagement: Broaden the target audience to include industry leaders, world-class technical experts, highest-level academics, investors and policy makers, ensuring comprehensive industry representation.
  • Sustainability Initiatives and Metrics: Sessions on how photonics contributes to sustainability, with specific goals like energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction.
  • Market Analysis and Future Trends: Provide a thorough analysis of current market trends, consumer demands, technological advancements, and future predictions in the photonics industry.

Role of investors in the conversation

This event will involve investors and scaleup clusters. Spot the best in breed that are ready to go global.

  • Investment panels: Host panels featuring leading investors to discuss funding trends, investment opportunities, and strategies for startups and scale-ups in the photonics sector.
  • Investor-startup matchmaking: Facilitate sessions where startups can pitch their ideas to investors, fostering innovation and collaboration.
  • Insights on risk management: Share insights on risk assessment and management in photonics investments, considering the industry’s unique challenges and opportunities.
  • Discussion on long-term investment strategies: Encourage dialogue on long-term investment strategies that align with industry growth and sustainability goals.
  • Showcasing success stories: Highlight successful investment cases in the photonics industry to provide practical insights and inspire confidence among potential investors.