Final report

Laser World of Photonics 2025: Record numbers, cutting-edge innovations and a boost for the industry

June 27, 2025

1,398 exhibitors, about 44,000 visitors
Optimistic atmosphere among exhibitors
Two Nobel Prize winners speak at the Congress

Laser World of Photonics 2025 in Munich came to a close under glorious summer skies, setting a new record for number of exhibitors and showcasing cutting-edge innovations. From June 24 to 27, 1,398 exhibitors from 41 countries presented the full spectrum of photonic technologies to around 44,000 visitors at the world’s leading trade fair. Trending topics in the supporting program and in the discussions included secondary sources, integrated photonics, biophotonics and the role of artificial intelligence in the industry. The concurrent World of Photonics Congress brought together top international researchers for six days, including two Nobel Prize winners, Prof. Anne L'Huillier and Prof. Ferenc Krausz.

“The Laser World of Photonics was once again a resounding success this year. Again, it demonstrated the strong innovative power of the photonics industry. Together with World of Quantum and automatica, it has provided powerful momentum for research and industry. The trade fair trio has proven once again that Munich is a hotspot for innovation,” says Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer, CEO of Messe München. Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs Huber Aiwanger also emphasized the strategic importance of the industry during his visit to the three trade fairs: “Photonics is a key technology without which many other high-tech industries would not be conceivable.”

“A traditionally strongly-growing industry sees an upwards trend again for its business driven by customer interest and technological innovation at the largest LASER ever,” summarizes Dr. Wilhelm Kaenders, Chairman of the Exhibitor Advisory Board and CEO of TOPTICA Photonics AG. A view that Exhibition Director Anke Odouli can confirm from talks with exhibitors, “We’ve spoken with companies from all corners of the world. They have all shared that they’re leaving Munich with a positive outlook and a fresh drive.”

Optimistic look ahead

Despite a challenging economic landscape, experts predict the global photonics market will grow a rate of at least six percent annually over the coming years. “While companies are navigating through tough economic conditions, the clear expectation that the trade fair can help drive business growth is almost tangible. A trade fair experience at its best!” says Spectaris Managing Director Jörg Mayer, summarizing the industry sentiment.

Synergies between photonics, quantum technologies and robotics

The parallel trade fairs World of Quantum and automatica created real added value and offered fresh momentum to the industry. “The co-location of Laser World of Photonics, World of Quantum and automatica has impressively demonstrated how photonics, quantum technologies and automation complement each other in practice,” says Dr. Sven Breitung, Managing Director of the VDMA Working Group on Lasers and Laser Systems for Material Processing, and adds “Cross-trade fair formats such as showcases, guided tours, and a special show ensured a powerful experience—with high added value for exhibitors and visitors alike.”

Premier gathering of photonics research

Europe’s largest photonics congress ran alongside the trade fair, providing a top-tier scientific platform. Among the distinguished scientists present were the two Nobel Prize winners, Prof. Anne L'Huillier and Prof. Ferenc Krausz, Herbert Walther Award winner Prof. Michael Fleischhauer and Prof. Christine Silberhorn. “With its diverse program and renowned speakers, the Congress brought together international experts from science and industry, encouraged networking and provided inspiring insights. An international groundbreaking event for photonics!” says Prof. Carlo Holly from Fraunhofer ILT and TOS RWTH Aachen University, in his function as Chairperson of the World of Photonics Congress Steering Committee. Over the course of six days, five specialist conferences featured approximately 3,000 scientific presentations and poster sessions, covering the full spectrum of photonics – from fundamental research to application-driven development.

The Laser World of Photonics in figures

1,398 exhibitors (2023: 1,220 exhibitors) traveled from 41 countries and regions, with 68 percent of them from abroad. There were about 44,000 visitors from 74 countries and regions (2023: more than 40,000 visitors). The share of international visitors totaled 57 percent. The top ten visitor countries after Germany were (in this order): Great Britain and Northern Ireland, France, Italy, China, Switzerland, USA, Japan, Austria, Spain and the Netherlands.

The next Laser World of Photonics will take place together with World of Quantum and automatica from June 22 to 25, 2027, in Munich. The next World of Photonics Congress will run from June 20 to 25, 2027.