UK Photonics Leadership Group

Telecommunication Optics and Photonics (TOP) Conference 2026
2026-02-24 - 2026-02-25 | Kia Oval, London, United Kingdom
TOP Conference 2026 brings together experts in photonics, optical networking, quantum communications, and data-centre innovation. Held on 24–25 February 2026 in London, the event features presentations, poster sessions, and an exhibition showcasing cutting-edge technologies, fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and research to shape the future of optical technology.

Photonics 21 Annual meeting 2026
2026-06-09 - 2026-06-10 | Double Tree, Brussels, DoubleTree by Hilton Brussels City hotel., Brussels, Belgium
European Photonics Partnership Annual Meeting celebrating the 21th Anniversary of Photoncis21. A key event for networking with colleagues across Europe. Essential for those looking to join European collaborative research and innovation consortia and understand the direction of European funding, much of which is open to UK participation.
With keynotes from the European Commission and panel discussion on the future of Photonics in the next European framework programme.
The meeting will feature presentation of the next photonics multiyear strategic research and Innovation agenda to the Commission which will be finalised over the coming months by the Photonics21 working group.

Semiconductors to Systems Summit 2026
2026-07-14 08:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London) | Novotel, London West, 1 Shortlands Rod, Hammersmith, London, W6 8DR, United Kingdom
For the first time, NMI, DESN, AESIN and IoTSF unite to connect the full semiconductor-to-systems ecosystem.
Semiconductors to Systems Summit 2026 is a cross-value-chain summit for people building the future deep tech economy – from materials research and device design to secure systems, investment and global markets. It’s where the semiconductor-to-systems ecosystem come together under one roof.
A packed one day program will featuring four conference tracks

Build: Materials, manufacturing, devices, advanced packaging
Create: Systems, integration, verification, intelligent edge
Secure: Cyber resilience, trust, AI threats, quantum safety
Scale: Investment, commercialisation, skills, global partnerships

Photon 2026
2026-09-01 - 2026-09-04 | Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Catalyst Building, 3 Helix, Science Square, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE4 5TG, United Kingdom
Photon 2026 is the thirteenth conference in a biennial series that started in 2002 covering optics and photonics.
During the event, participants will have the opportunity to hear from leading experts in the field, attend lectures from leading technology experts, and visit the exhibition profiling the latest in optics and photonics technology. The programme will consist of plenary and invited talks, as well as contributed presentations and posters. There will also be ample opportunity to network and explore collaborations with colleagues.
This multi-disciplinary conference is jointly organised by the Institute of Physics (IOP) special interest groups including Combustion Physics, Environmental Physics, Instrument and Science Technology, Optical, Superconductivity, Quantum Electronics and Photonics, Quantum Optics, Quantum Information and Quantum Control and Medical Physics.
Wednesday will feature a roundtable policy session on Optics, Photonics and related fields influencing decision-making in the UK and EU. This year the PHOTON Organising Committee has teamed up with the European Optical Society (EOS), an umbrella organisation for national Optical Societies across Europe, to hold this policy session on Optics and Photonics. This Roundtable Session will seek to address:

Emerging UK-EU relations, collaboration, and funding mechanisms. What are the emerging UK-EU relations hinted by the UK Government? How will UK-EU collaboration change against this backdrop and changing US priorities? Are funding mechanisms effective and supportive of the emerging UK-EU landscape?
UK-EU Science, Technology and Innovation policy issues. What new policies, if at all, should the UK/EU consider independently or jointly? How would this affect the way the UK does business with the EU? What is there to be gained or lost from lack of participation?
Bottlenecks, impact and growth of the Optics and Photonics sector, in particular, Quantum, Space and emerging technologies. What are those perceived bottlenecks? What can we do better? What steps can we take to improve Europe’s competitiveness?
Implementation of policies; other issues.
Future Discussions on Policy. Where do we go from here? Do we issue a White Paper? Should we have a Working UK-EU Policy Group?

Panellists

Tom Grinyer, CEO, Institute of Physics
Prof Chris Johnson, Chief Scientific Adviser in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)
Dr John Lincoln, CEO, Photonics Leadership Group
Prof Ruth Oulton, Professor of Quantum Photonics and EPSRC Quantum Technologies Fellow, Bristol University
Dave Robertson, Member of Parliament and Chair All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Quantum Technologies
Moderator: Ben Skuse

SPIE Sensors + Imaging
2026-09-14 - 2026-09-17 | Edinburgh International Conference Centre, The Exchange, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH3 8EE, United Kingdom
The premier yearly European combining two of Europe’s best photonics conferences – Environmental Remote sensing and Security + Defeence. An event that showcases the latest sensor and photonic technologies for imaging and monitoring the Earth’s atmosphere and environment, as well as sensor technologies that address homeland security, defence, and counterterrorism.
Meet face-to-face with top companies at the free 2-day exhibition. Discuss your sensing and imaging needs with suppliers who will be there to help solve problems, cut costs, and increase capabilities.

Global Photonics Economic Forum 2026
2026-09-24 - 2026-09-25 | FYCMA, Malaga, 5º, Palacio de Ferias y Congresos, Av. de José Ortega y Gasset, 201, Cruz de Humilladero, Malaga, 29006, Spain
The Third Edition of the Global Photonics Economic Forum will convene September 24 – 25 in Malaga, Spain. Building on the success of the 2024 and 2025 edition this year the forum will focus on defining and sharing joint strategies to tackle the current volatile geopolitical landscape.
Global photonics and semiconductor industries are facing unprecedented disruption. Rising trade barriers, escalating global tensions, and shifting industrial policies, such as the CHIPS Act and Europe’s strategic autonomy push, are fragmenting supply chains and inflating the cost of doing business. Export controls, investment restrictions, and localisation mandates are no longer isolated events. For companies navigating this environment, resilience can no longer be built in isolation. Strategic alliances and cross-border collaboration are now essential to maintain access to critical markets, secure supply chains, and influence future standards.
Photonics is at the centre of several high-stakes global transitions, from AI compute demand and sustainable manufacturing to defense readiness and semiconductor sovereignty.
Global Photonics Economic Forum 2026 – Focus Areas

Navigating Geopolitical Trade Dynamics and Supply Chain Resilience

Understanding how global trade policies, strategic alliances, and regional initiatives (e.g., CHIPS Act, European Strategic Autonomy) impact photonics and semiconductor industries.
Exploring opportunities for Europe, Japan, Singapore, and other regions to strengthen global collaborations.

Scaling Photonics Innovations and Industrial Leadership

Sharing strategies for turning R&D breakthroughs into scalable, commercially viable technologies.
Insights from CEOs of billion-dollar corporations on market trends, industrial policies, and innovation roadmaps in photonics and semiconductors.

Strategic Investment, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Impact

Discussing venture capital perspectives, funding models, and pathways for start-ups and scale-ups.
Highlighting the economic impact of photonics in AI, Quantum, and Data-driven technologies over the next 25 years.

Defence, Security, and Critical Technologies for Global Stability

Examining the role of photonics in defence, security, and strategic industries.
Bridging innovation in photonics with global security needs and industrial resilience.

Microelectronics UK featuring Photonics UK
2026-09-29 - 2026-09-30 | ExCel Centre London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London, London, E16 1XL, United Kingdom
The UK’s microelectronics and semiconductor industry is poised for significant growth, driven by increasing demand across key sectors such as automotive, telecommunications, defence and healthcare.
Given this robust outlook, Microelectronics UK incorporating Photonics UK, Semiconductors UK and and Embedded Systems UK and has a pivotal role to play in showcasing cutting-edge innovations, fostering collaboration, expediting domestic and international trade, while highlighting the UK’s leadership in photonics, compound semiconductors and semiconductor design.
Attendees will gain insights into market trends, establish and explore strategic and commercial partnerships, and leverage emerging opportunities in a rapidly evolving global landscape, with focused content on photonic, semiconductors and embedded systems all in one place.

Photonics Leadership Group AGM
2026-09-30 14:00 - 17:00 | Technology and Innovation Centre, Glasgow, 99 George Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom
The Photonics Leadership Group AGM will take place on the afternoon of 30 September in Glasgow.
The AGM will review the PLG’s activities and impact over the last year and review plans for the coming year and vision for the future. With a National Photonics Roadmap due to be published in Summer 2026 and the appointment of a new PLG General Manager we anticipate extensive discussion on future directions.
The AGM will also feature the appointment / reappointment of PLG officers and be followed by the annual PLG dinner.
If you would like to attend the AGM and become regularly engaged with the PLG please contact us

Photonics Means 2026
2026-10-01 | Technology and Innovation Centre, Glasgow, 99 George Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom
The second, Photonics Means, meeting in Glasgow will bring together the UK photonics community building on the successful 20025 edition at the technology and Innovation Centre in Glasgow.
Meeting demand for an annual gathering of the UK photonics community bringing together the next generation of photonics innovators, spotlights on key regional strengths around the UK and inspiration from the thought leaders in the field. Photonics Means will feature a table top exhibition and a range of talks across three themes of technology, growth and people. Maximising network and interaction across industry and academia and between all career stages Photonics Means is an ideal opportunity to gain insights into what photonics will mean for your future products, profits, career and research.
Thursday 1 October 2025, 8am to 6pm, Technology and Innovation Centre, 99 George Street, Glasgow G1 1RD

Photonics West 2027
2027-01-30 - 2027-02-04 | The Moscone Center, 747 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA, 94103, United States
SPIE Photonics West covers a wide range of topics: biomedical optics, biophotonics, industrial lasers, optoelectronics, microfabrication, quantum, AR VR MR, vision applications, and much more.
Known as the place to get business done, colleagues attend SPIE Photonics West to meet new companies, vendors, and globally recognized suppliers. The presentations on the industry stage – open to all registrants – provides the latest business insights and market updates for the optics and photonics sector. The program will be announced in October. Look forward to stages dedicated to The Startup Challenge, Quantum Business Summit, Embedded Vision Summit, vision technology in the industry, job fair, and much more
The 2027 Photonics West Exhibition covers two locations at The Moscone Center: the lower levels of North and South buildings of Moscone Center and the first level of the Moscone West building. Vision Tech Expo, AR | VR | MR Expo, and Quantum West technologies are part of the Photonics West Exhibition.

Laser World of Photonics 2027
2027-06-22 - 2027-06-25 | Messe Munich, Munich, Germany
28th Globally significant Trade Fair with Congress for Photonics Components, Systems and Applications.
Laser World of Photonics provides a comprehensive overview of the wide range of photonics themes in industry and research. We bring scientists, entrepreneurs, and users from around the world together.
