European Conference on Optical Communication (ECOC) 2023
2023-10-01 - 2023-10-05 | Scottish Event Campus, Glasgow, G3 8YW, United Kingdom
The European Conference on Optical Communication (ECOC) is the continent’s largest event in the field and one of the most prestigious and traditional events on optical communications worldwide.
Running for over 25 years, the exhibition and conference attracts over 6,000 decision makers from around the world and returns to SEC in Glasgow in 2023. Strong participation and presence from the UK is assured

Photonics for Space
2024-03-12 | National Space Centre, Leiceter, Leicester, United Kingdom
Photonics plays a key role in space capability and one that is set to grow. From space communications to solar power and major astronomy infrastructure, developments in photonics technology are crucial to the next generation of space-based activity. There is a great opportunity for the UK industry and research base to act now. The Photonics for Space event from Innovate UK KTN brings the photonics and space communities together to address this opportunity.
About the event
This one-day event at the National Space Centre in Leicester will feature a series of talks on themes including space communication, company opportunities for large scale astronomy research facilities, space based solar power, and more. Additionally, there will be the opportunity for companies and universities to pitch their capabilities and seek partners for collaboration. To further increase the opportunities for connection we will be offering bookable meeting slots ahead of the event, as well as a number of tabletop exhibit spaces

Global Semiconductor Alliance’s 2024 International Semiconductor Conference
2024-03-13 - 2024-03-14 | Here East, London, E15 2GW, United Kingdom
For the first time in more than a decade a major international semiconductor conference is coming to London, and it is all happening on March 13th and 14th, in partnership with the UK Government’s Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT) to jointly explore the impact of semiconductor innovation in anticipation to a NetZero economy.
This is a seminal moment for the UK semiconductor strategy. It needs to be a success, so that the UK Government can support the Global Semiconductor Alliance to relentlessly repeat it.

Come to the conference to hear the opening address from the Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy, Saqib Bhatti, who will reveal the way ahead for UK semiconductors. A strategy that has been defined by a dedicated team of more than 20 civil servants working on semiconductor policy intervention daily. This has never happened before in UK semiconductors.
Come to the conference to see how women are shaping the future of leadership in our industry.
Come to the conference to immerse yourself in the world of “new new” semiconductor startups. Hear the growth stage investors perspective about UK opportunities, hear about the intellectual property benefits and challenges for the UK and hear about the fundamental challenges in attracting investment into early-stage semiconductor startups.

SPIE Photonics Europe
2024-04-06 - 2024-04-11 | Palais de la Musique et des Congres Strasbourg, Place de Bordeaux, Strasbourg, 67082, France
Hear research presented at the only cross-disciplinary event highlighting compelling optics and photonics technologies—from digital optics to quantum technologies to optical imaging, sensing, and metrology. Additional topics include THz photonics, 3D printed optics, photonic glasses, photosensitive materials, and biophotonics.

SPIE Optical Systems Design
2024-04-06 - 2024-04-11 | Palais de la Musique et des Congres Strasbourg, Place de Bordeaux, Strasbourg, 67082, France
Hear the latest advances from leading experts. Join colleagues in Strasbourg.

Hear research presented at this specialized European event for optical instrumentation with the latest advances in optical systems applications, materials, and processing. We look forward to seeing everyone in April.

Photonics21 Annual Meeting
2024-05-14 - 2024-05-15 | Scotland
This year’s Annual Meeting will focus on the future of photonics in Europe. A high level panel discussion will provide an interesting discussion about ‘Quo Vadis Photonics?‘. The presentation of the new photonics market study will provide you with further insights about the economic performance of photonics on a global scale. During the Photonics21 workshops on the second day of the event, you will gain valuable information about funding opportunities in other partnerships or initiatives related to our Work Groups. Additionally, representatives from some of the Photonics Partnership projects will share compelling insights into their latest achievements

Hamamatsu Technology Day 2024 - from photons to innovation
2024-05-24 | Science Gallery London, Great Maze Pond,, London, SE1 9GU, United Kingdom
Drawing inspiration from Hamamatsu Photonics flagship event in Japan, Photon Fair, eight Technology Days are being held across Europe in 2024, wiht the London Event on 24 May 2024. The program and agenda incorporates the latest information on:

Pilot Lines: Discover how photonics-driven concepts materialize into fully industrialized, high-volume products with exclusive insights from leading experts and the European Photon Hub program.
Live Demonstrations: Explore the latest products from Hamamatsu Photonics through dynamic live demonstrations led by technical engineers.
Key Technologies: Gain valuable insights into defining technologies in the industry through engaging presentations and videos.

Register now

Economist Impact 3rd annual Commercialising Quantum Global 2024
2024-06-05 - 2024-06-06 | Scotland
The Economist Impact Commercialising Quantum Global Summit returns to London for the third year, to enable your organisation to understand the benefits and impact benefit from one of the world’s most powerful emerging technologies. Over 120 speakers will take the stage to discuss and explore the promise, peril, applications, limitations, hype and reality of quantum technology; What are the actions organisations should take today to prepare?
New for 2024: Reflect upon the business opportunities enabled by the science of light in a photonics-focused half-day. Critical to enabling implementation of quantum, AI, autonomy, augmented reality or 3d printing, application and innovation in photonics will be vital to bringing these disruptive technologies to market. Hear how photonics is already underpinning a vast range of modern manufacturing and services industries and how further development with grow this $360 billion market to a trillion dollar global industry in the next 10 years.

SPIE Sensors + Imaging 2024
2024-09-16 - 2024-09-19 | Edinburgh International Conference Centre, The Exchange, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH3 8EE, United Kingdom
SPIE Sensors + Imaging combines two of Europe’s best photonics conferences – SPIE Remote Sensing and SPIE Security + Defence

The premier yearly European 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.

Single Photon Workshop 2024
2024-11-18 - 2024-11-22 | Edinburgh International Conference Centre, The Exchange, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH3 8EE, United Kingdom
The Single Photon Workshop (SPW) is the largest conference in the world dedicated to single photon generation and detection technology and applications. The biennial international conference brings together a broad range of people across academia, industry and government bodies with interest in single photon sources, single photon detectors, photon entanglement, and their use in scientific and industrial applications. It is an exciting opportunity for those interested in these technologies to learn about the state of the art and to foster continuing partnerships with others seeking to advance the capabilities of such technologies

Photonics 4 Space
2025-02-05 | National Space Centre, Leiceter, Leicester, United Kingdom
Bringing the Space and Photonics sectors together to identify solutions and opportunities for applying optical technologies in the space sector. Hear the needs of the space sector and from those with experience of delivering space solutions.
Following on from Photonics for Space 2024, the workshop will take your input to define specific Photonics for Space missions to propose to UK and EU agencies for support.
Embedded in the UKSA Ignite, the UK’s premiere event bring space sectors users and SME suppliers together at the National Space centre in Leicester. The event is a unique opportunity to meet the latest and most innovative UK suppliers and understand the rapidly growing opportunities in the space sector including:
Photonics for Space Missions aim to accelerate adoption of optical technologies in the space sector by demonstrating application relevant capability to lower barriers to commercialisation and adoption. Missions identify a clear opportunity, one or more gating barriers or limitations of existing technology and potential actions that may overcome these.

Low earth orbit intra-satellite communications
Ground to space communications links
Space Debris tracking
Deep space communication
Rocket engine ignition
Intra-satellite communications
Space docking and proximity detection

Register for free online including your preferred photonics for space mission to be developed in the workshop
Agenda (draft)

12:45
Welcome

12:50
Speed networking: linking photonics and space communities

13:30
Laser for Space, NKT Photonics

13:45
Packing for Space, Alter Technologies

14:00
Workshop session – Defining UK space photonics missions. Facilitated by Anchored Inn

15:10
Space needs from Photonics, TBC

15:25
Space needs from Photonics, TBC

15:40
ESA opportunities

15:50
PhotonHub

16:00
Wrap-up and close

Supported by Phorwards21 and Innovate Connect

Modelling tools for Photonics and Space: Leveraging Lumerical, Zemax and SPEOS for Space Technologies
2025-02-20 09:00 - 10:00 (Europe/London) | Online Virtual meeting
Designing optical and photonics systems for space comes with unique challenges – extreme temperatures, radiation structural deformation and dynamics lighting conditions.
Live webinar with Optics and Photonics experts to explore how to effectively enhance space designs with simulation

Telecommunication Optics and Photonics Conference 2025
2025-02-25 - 2025-02-26 | Scotland
The TOP Conference 2025. With sessions covering Telecoms, Free Space Optics, Data Centres, Photonics for RAN, Photonics Components and Quantum Communications, the conference will provide the chance to hear from and network with experts from across the industry

Industrial Laser Applications Symposium 2025
2025-03-26 - 2025-03-27 | Chesford Grange Hotel, Chesford Grange, Kenilworth, CV8 2LD
ILAS 2025 is a unique 2-day event that attracts international delegates and speakers to share the latest in laser material processing. You are guaranteed to make new contacts, expand your network, find business or collaboration opportunities, meet potential employers and employees to develop your organisation or career.
The symposium will be packed with presentations and exhibitions. It’s where academia meets industry for all things industrial laser related, so don’t miss out.
Prestigious AILU Awards will be presented at the Symposium Dinner on Wednesday 26nd March – book a dinner ticket when you register.

Flex-Inspire workshop
2025-04-01 15:00 - 16:00 | Online Virtual meeting
FLEX-INSPIRE will be the UK’s first Roll-to-Roll (R2R) thin film sputter infrastructure with sophisticated software, delivering rapid high-throughput material discovery and advanced thin-film patterning on both rigid and flexible substrates.
Help us shape this flexible sputtering infrastructure to meet your research needs at the online workshop on 1 April.

2025-04-14 - 2025-04-17 | Park Plaza London Riverbank, 18 Albert Embankment,, London, SE1 7TJ
The IEEE Silicon Photonics Conference delivers insights on current and future innovations in photonic devices, materials, and applications, as well as novel monolithic and heterogeneous integration and fabrication technologies on silicon platforms.
Formerly known as IEEE Group IV Photonics Conference since 2004, IEEE SiPhotonics inherits a track record of close personal interactions between colleagues from both academia and industry with state-of-the-art oral and poster presentations of contributed and invited papers, as well as plenary sessions with overviews of important topics and advancements in silicon photonics.
Registration is open with discounts before 7 March 20235
Prof Goran Mashanovich, University of Southampton and the PLG’s Chief Executive Dr John Lincoln are the general conference co-chairs.

Vision UK
2025-05-07 - 2025-05-08 | CBS Arena, Judds Ln, Coventry, CV6 6GE, United Kingdom
Committed to driving industry progress and helping our users make more informed technology decisions. Vision UK has become the leading UK machine vision exhibition from UKIVA and incorporates the Machine Vision Conference (MVC).
Keen to deliver greater benefits to visitors and exhibitors, we have opted to run the Vision UK trade show as part of the Automation UK exhibition for 2025.
Set to take place at Coventry’s CBS Arena from the 7 to the 8 of May, the expanded Automation UK exhibition will provide visitors with the opportunity to explore a range of industrial machine vision solutions. Exhibitors will also benefit from increased engagement with potential buyers and suppliers.
With a new name and identity, Automate UK will strive to ensure that Vision UK remains the UK’s leading machine vision event. The passion and commitment have been recognised by various machine vision companies, who are already registered to exhibit at next year’s event. However, spaces are still available, with registration details shared in the Automation UK brochure.

Economist Impact 4th annual Commercialising Quantum Global 2025
2025-05-13 - 2025-05-14 | Business Design Centre, 52 Upper St, London, N1 0QH, United Kingdom
At Commercialising Quantum Global, the Economist Impact teams case study-led agenda sets the stage for vital discussions on how organisations should prepare for and implement quantum technology. The event will provide an accessible and in-depth debate into the promise, peril, applications, limitations, hype, and reality of this transformative field.

What sets our event apart is our unique emphasis on real-world quantum applications and measurable returns on investment. We offer the most diverse range of fresh end-user case studies, making our sessions invaluable for enterprises at every stage of their quantum journey.
As we look forward to 2025, our fourth year promises to be even more impactful as we gather to celebrate the UN International Year of Quantum with an expanded 2 full-day programme where over 1,000 attendees from 40 countries are expected. Register early for the best rate

Photonics21 Annual Meeting
2025-05-15 - 2025-05-16 | Hotel Le Plaza, Brussels, Belgium
European Photonics Partnership Annual Meeting celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Photoncis21. A key event for networking with colleagues across Europe. Essential for those looking to join Eu collaborative research and innovation consortia and understand the direction of European funding, much of which is open to UK participation.
A packed agenda with keynotes from the European Commission and panel discussion on the future of Photonics in the next European framework programme.
Working group workshops on day two will update the strategic research and innovation agenda for photonics ready for the next framework programme

European Conference on Integrated Optics
2025-06-10 - 2025-06-12 | University of Cardiff, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3BB, United Kingdom
The conference focuses on leading edge research on integrated optics, optoelectronics and nano-photonics and gathers experts from academia and industry to show their latest technical results, and showcase their products and services. The application scope is broad and it ranges from tele/datacom communications, optical interconnects, and (bio) optical sensing applications to more disruptive areas as quantum computing and mid-IR photonics.
The proceedings (going back to 2003) can be downloaded here.

Laser World of Photonics 2025
2025-06-24 - 2025-06-27 | Messe Munich, Munich, Germany
The 27th edition of Europe’s leading trad trade fair and congress for Photonics Components, Systems and Applications.
Trade fair topics provide a comprehensive overview of the wide range of photonics themes in industry and research. Discover what our trade fair has to offer in this unique field.

SPIE Sensors and Imaging 2025
2025-09-15 - 2025-09-18 | IFEMA Madrid, Adva, delo Partenon, 5, Madrid, 28042, Spain
SPIE Sensors + Imaging combines two of Europe’s best photonics conferences –
SPIE Environmental Remote Sensing and SPIE Security + Defence
Make plans to participate and learn about latest insights, and breakthroughs. Call for papers is now open.
The premier yearly European 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.

Microelectronics UK
2025-09-24 - 2025-09-25 | 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 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 niche areas such as 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.
The full agenda and registration is now open

Photonics Means
2025-10-10 | Technology and Innovation Centre, Glasgow, 99 George Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom
A new one day annual photonics event for the UK at the Technology and Innovation Centre in Glasgow. Featuring a expansive programs of talks and briefings designed to bring the whole photonics community together under the themes

Photonics Means…

Tech
People
Growth
Community
Future

Alongside a comprehensive program of talks will a table top exhibition featuring some of the leading photonics suppliers in the UK

Future Tech Deep Dive - Photonics
2025-10-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Online Virtual meeting
Innovate UK are are including photonics in their next Future Tech Deep Dive series.

The objective of this event series is to look into the future and scan the horizon for long-term innovations of significant potential impact with key technology areas. The series aims to bring together thought-provoking experts from business, science, academia responsible for future strategy to discuss how technologies will develop over the course of the next 20-50 years.
Agenda for Each Online Event

10:00 – Opening Welcome and Introduction – Innovate UK Business Connect
10:05 – Guest Experts Introductions – Jonathan Mitchener, Futurist, Innovate UK
10:10 – Thoughts from Guest Experts
10:55 – Impromptu Summary and Scenarios – Jonathan Mitchener, Futurist, Innovate UK
11:05 – Group Discussions Introduction – Innovate UK Business Connect
11:10 – Group Discussions in Breakout Rooms
11:55 – Closing Remarks – Jonathan Mitchener, Futurist, Innovate UK
12:00 – Event Close

Quantum Showcase 2025
2025-11-07 | Business Design Centre, 52 Upper St, London, N1 0QH, United Kingdom
The UK is home to world-leading research institutions and Quantum Technology Hubs that foster collaboration between academia, industry, and government. This collaborative environment accelerates the development and commercialisation of quantum technologies.
The UK Quantum showcase highlights the latest innovations and industrial development in this key field for the future.

Quantum Industry Summit - Fourth Edition
2025-11-11 - 2025-11-12 | University of Bristol, M Shed Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol, BS1 4RN, United Kingdom
The Optica Quantum Industry Summit is back, this time for its fourth installment! This year’s edition elevates the event to new heights by taking place in Bristol, hosted by the University of Bristol, recognized as one of the global capitals of quantum technologies.
Continuing the tradition of focusing on cutting-edge developments, this year’s quantum summit will concentrate on the advancement of photonics technologies (including lasers, optics, PICs, detectors, and equipment), quantum computing, system integration, memory storage, cryptography, metrology, and information transmission.
This distinguished Summit serves as a confluence for quantum companies and their prospective supply chain partners, designed explicitly to address the industry’s demands and the substantial challenges on the horizon. Emphasizing collaboration and innovation, we aim to foster connections that spur progress and navigate the complex landscape of quantum technologies.
By situating the event at the University of Bristol, we’re at the heart of quantum innovation, offering participants an enriching experience in a city renowned for its significant contributions to the field. This setting is not just a backdrop but an active participant, embodying the spirit of discovery and advancement that defines the quantum realm.
Join us in Bristol for the fourth edition of the Optica Quantum Industry Summit, where the quantum journey continues, and the collective potential is limitless. We look forward to connecting, collaborating, and pioneering the future of quantum technologies together!

Wales Technology Week
2025-11-24 - 2025-11-26 | ICC Wales, The Coldra, Catsash Rd, Caerleon, Newport, NP18 1DE, United Kingdom
Created and powered by Technology Connected, Wales Tech Week is Wales’ largest international tech summit. It showcases Welsh technology, its ecosystem and champions the industry on the global stage, including photonics.
The international tech summit offers the best of both worlds – fusing the benefits of technology with the power of people, their interaction, exuberance, and ingenuity.
Wales Tech Week connects, promotes and develops Wales as a centre of expertise and opportunity for enabling and emerging technologies, and their applications for today’s business and society. It highlights the vital role of technology adoption for organisations across all sectors to innovate and thrive in tomorrow’s world.
Spotlighting the endless opportunities within technology, innovation, and collaboration, Wales Tech Week serves as a magnet for global engagement, investment, and talent.

Optical Communications Roadmap Launch
2025-11-24 13:00 - 17:00 | Techuk, 10 St Bride St,, London, EC4A 4AD, United Kingdom
Launch event for the Optical Communications Roadmap, including inter satellite communications, ground to space and space to ground communications links as well as teh continuing growth of terrestrial optical communications for all ground based applications.
Featuring a panel discussion on Photonics for Space and Beyond

Tech UK Photonics Sprint - Defence workshop
2025-11-26 10:00 - 13:00 | Techuk, 10 St Bride St,, London, EC4A 4AD, United Kingdom
The first of a three-part event series run in collaboration with Plexal, Dell and Intel that showcases UK- based Deep Tech SMEs to Defence primes.
Future events will focus on Semiconductors & Quantum technologies
