Know-how and inspiration for the future of photonics

A few weeks before the start of Laser World of Photonics, the world’s leading trade fair for photonics has set a new exhibitor record: around 1,350 companies from 43 countries will be presenting their products and solutions in Munich from June 24 to 27, 2025. The trade fair is flanked by an extensive supporting program with practice-oriented forums, special shows, guided tours and career events. The supporting programs of the World of Quantum and automatica taking place in parallel will provide additional know-how from related subject areas.

“LASER 2025 is already a complete success,” says Exhibition Director Anke Odouli. “We have more exhibitors than ever before and visitors can look forward to an exciting and, as usual, top-class supporting program that offers plenty of space to exchange ideas with experts.” This includes four forums with practice-oriented presentations on industry topics, inspiring discussion rounds and numerous special events. Anke Odouli adds that “all of this makes LASER the perfect meeting place for anyone who wants to know more about the future of photonics.”

Expert know-how firsthand

In the Photonics forums, industry experts will provide best-practice examples of the latest areas of application for lasers and photonics. The Integrated Photonics Applications forum (A2) is a new addition and will focus on topics such as the role that integrated photonics plays in telecommunications and AI. The Biophotonics and Medical Applications forum (B2) will focus on laser-based innovations in the healthcare sector, and synergies between photonics and biotechnology. The Laser Materials Processing forum (B3) will deal with laser innovations in additive manufacturing and as a driver of innovation in electric mobility, for example. And the Lasers & Optics forum (A2) will address topics such as laser-based high-energy beam sources for industry and research.

Special shows – Photonics in industrial applications

Spread over 400 square meters of exhibition space (B3.441), the special exhibition “Photons in Production” will present the latest from laser material processing. Among other things, experts will perform live demonstrations of how lasers work in zero gravity and how integrated laser devices clean the surface of rollers used in the production of electrodes for lithium-ion batteries. At the Connected Machines special area (B5.224), experts and organizations such as FVA, OPC Foundation and umati will give presentations on how connectivity is becoming even easier. In a cross-exhibition showcase, visitors will also be able to access networked systems from various manufacturers that are connected via umati using a smartphone. Through practical presentations and exhibits, the special show “Photonics meets Robotics: AI Success Stories” (A3.433) will bring to life how artificial intelligence bridges the gap between photonics and automation. The two-day MedtecSummit (June 25-26, B4) will focus specifically on applications for the healthcare sector. The corresponding basic technologies for automation and robotics will also be presented there, with photonics technologies playing a key role.

Guided tours

On guided tours, experts from the ultrashort pulse laser network will provide information about the entire value chain of material processing with ultrashort pulse lasers—from the beam source and beam shaping to the system technology and machining processes—and enable direct contact with the respective manufacturers. The tours start at 10:00 on June 25 and 26 at Stand 900 (West Entrance). The tours in English are free of charge, and all that’s required is an advance reservation.

Awards and career prospects

The Innovation Award honors the best new products and solutions in the industry in seven categories. It will be awarded for the fourth time on the evening of the first day of the trade fair in cooperation with the British specialist publisher Europa Science. The Career Center (B3.245) will be all about personal career planning: free coaching sessions, practical application tips and numerous job and internship offers provide valuable support for career starters and anyone who wants to realign their career.

Find out more:

Overview of the supporting program

Details about the forum program