Photonics community's kick-off event includes week-long focus on industry, opportunity
The robust photonics industry is on display at SPIE Photonics West, from many angles and perspectives; above, visitors at the 2015 Photonics West Exhibition take a look at some of the latest optics technology.
BELLINGHAM, Washington, USA, and CARDIFF, UK -- The photonics industry is in an undeniable growth mode, and SPIE Photonics West 2016 next month will provide abundant demonstrations of exactly what's hot now as well as what is on the horizon.
Seen as the kick-off event of the year for photonics companies and industry analysts interested in applications of the widely utilized enabling technology, SPIE Photonics West will run 13-18 February at Moscone Center in San Francisco, California, USA.
An extensive industry-focused program will include updated market analysis reports, hundreds of new product launches, a pitch contest showcasing ideas from aspiring entrepreneurs, a gala awards banquet honoring new products, more than 1,300 companies in two exhibitions, and the high level of networking available only in a global event with attendance of 20,000.
Most industry events are accessible with free registration, in advance or on site.
The rich mix of opportunities to see the latest products and technologies and learn about future possibilities has helped make SPIE Photonics West the event attended by "everyone in the industry you would want to see," said SPIE Industry Development Director Stephen Anderson.
| SPIE Photonics West attendees follow events with the Show Daily, published Tuesday through Thursday during the event by optics.org; above, reading on the escalator in 2015. |
The three-day SPIE Photonics West Exhibition, including more than 1,300 companies supplying the photonics industry, will run Tuesday through Thursday. The BiOS Expo on the opening weekend will include more than 200 companies showcasing their biomedical optics products, systems, and software.
Among many other events, Anderson will provide the latest data in an ongoing market survey by SPIE, and SPIE Government Affairs Director Jennifer Douris will facilitate a briefing on proposed changes to U.S. trade regulations governing several key optics and photonics commodities.
Top-level panels will provide insights into fast-growing technology areas.
Industry technology leaders in silicon photonics and photonic integrated circuits will discuss progress in developing the new market for miniaturized, low-cost photonic components, being driven by demand for smaller and cheaper optical interconnections inside networks and computers. Panelists are:
As the pace of 3D printing development accelerates toward widespread adoption of its applications, the industry is overcoming hurdles related to cyber security, intellectual property, and other realities. Panelists providing their expert perspectives on those efforts are:
From the challenges of ever-changing business landscapes to the uncertainties created by new competitive forces and technical innovation, the operating environment for photonics businesses continues to evolve rapidly. An executive panel on emerging opportunities and new challenges will include:
Other forums will cover:
Winners of the most innovative photonic products entered in nine categories will be announced in the gala Prism Awards for Photonics Innovation banquet. The event has become one of the largest gatherings of CEOs and VIPs in the photonics industry. Advance purchase of tickets is required.
Aspiring entrepreneurs will vie for a top prize of $10,000 funded by Founding Partner Jenoptik in the SPIE Startup Challenge. Six finalists will present in a live pitch competition open to the public on Wednesday afternoon.
Startup Challenge competitors will also be in the SPIE Photonics West Exhibition on the final day to pitch their new photonics businesses, show prototypes, and explore potential partnerships, investment, or sales.
The SPIE Job Fair on the exhibition floor Tuesday and Wednesday will host recruiters from more than 30 companies. Participating companies include Apple, Daylight Solutions, KLA Tencor, Microsoft, Newport, Thorlabs, MIT Lincoln Labs, Coherent, and Ball Aerospace.
The industry program complements a technical program featuring more than 4,800 presentations and professional development short courses in lasers, optoelectronics, biomedical optics, green photonics, 3D printing, translational research, and related photonics topics.
Registration and other information is on the event website: www.spie.org/PW.
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