From May 5 to 7, 2026, the next Optatec – the international trade fair for optical technologies, components, and systems – will once again bring together optics enthusiasts from a wide range of industries and countries at the Frankfurt am Main exhibition center. As part of a strategic partnership with SPIE/Optics.org, the discussion format “Photonics Talks” serves as a platform for pioneers and experts from across the entire photonics supply chain to drive innovation in a variety of fields.
The trade fair organizer P. E. Schall, host of Optatec – the international trade fair for optical technologies, components, and systems – has entered into a strategic partnership with optics.org to shape the future of optical manufacturing at Optatec 2026. optics.org is a digital platform for photonics experts run by the international organization SPIE and is a key source of information for the global photonics community. Within this collaboration, optics.org will host the Photonics Talks at Optatec 2026 in Frankfurt am Main from May 5 to 7, 2026. Over two days, the event will feature high-level industry presentations and expert discussions. The program focuses on developments in optical manufacturing, emerging global markets, and the technological and production challenges of the coming decade.
The Photonics Talks bring together pioneers from across the entire photonics supply chain. They provide thought leaders with a platform to discuss the latest breakthroughs and to advance innovations in automotive sensing, medical imaging, semiconductor manufacturing, and defense applications. “Photonics technologies are rapidly transforming numerous industries – from autonomous mobility and precision medicine to microelectronics and aerospace. The Optatec trade fair organized by Schall therefore offers an important forum for collaboration,” says Rob Fisher, Head of Sales and Marketing at optics.org. “We are delighted to bring industry leaders together to provide insights into new manufacturing processes, market trends, and strategic innovations needed to meet the demands of the next generation of technology.”
Industry Leaders Discuss New Technology Generations
“We are extremely pleased about the cooperation with optics.org and the Photonics Talks 2026,” states Fabian Krüger, Project Manager of Optatec at P. E. Schall. “This partnership underscores optics.org’s commitment to advancing the global photonics community by bringing together decision-makers, engineers, and innovators who are shaping the future of optical manufacturing. As a key enabling technology for Germany, photonics supplies essential components and systems for other future-oriented industries. The strong focus on research and innovation generates new solutions to address the ecological, economic, social, and technological challenges of today and tomorrow.”
Optatec, recognized as the leading trade fair in optical technology and photonics, is internationally known as an exclusive industry meeting point for this highly specialized field. With its targeted offering for the development, production, and application of photonics, Optatec 2026 provides the ideal setting for expert exchange. The highly specialized three-day event brings together international experts, manufacturers, and users from optical engineering, precision optics, photonics, and imaging at the traditional trade fair location in Frankfurt am Main. Optical technologies combine engineering sciences with natural sciences and bridge the gap between fundamental physical research and technical application. “The 17th edition of Optatec will once again present the cross-industry theme of optics and photonics in an engaging, relevant, and top-level manner,” promises Fabian Krüger. “The two-day Photonics Talks will become a productive platform for information, expert exchange, and networking. We already invite exhibitors and trade visitors to this world-class event – it will be an inspiring industry gathering from May 5 to 7, 2026, in Frankfurt am Main.”
