EPIC AGM & SUMMIT 2026 - EPIC Photonics

Adam Piotrowski is a graduate of Warsaw University of Technology (Politechnika Warszawska) in 2002 with a master's degree in electronics engineering. He also received a Ph.D. degree in technical sciences engineer at the Military University of Technology (Wojskowa Akademia Techniczna) in 2008. He has worked at VIGO System S.A. since 2002, 2002-2003 as a Specialist in Technology of Detectors Department. From 2003-2006, he served as Specialist in MOCVD laboratory and Manager of MOCVD Lab. 2006-2008. From 2008-2014, Adam worked as Head of Detector's Department. In January 2015, he was appointed as a President of the Board and vice chairman of Polish Technological Platform on Photonics. In February 2018, he became the president of the Polish Technological Platform on Photonics. He is the author of many publications on methods of manufacture and applications of infrared detectors. He is working with Polish photonics to establish a collaborative platform supporting transfer of innovation from science to industry and collaboration between photonics companies. One of such initiatives in the Academy of Photonics is conducting workshops on various important issues, such as, sales of photonics products, IP in photonics or resource sharing.

Adam Piotrowski

CEO at VIGO Photonics

Adèle Morisset (CTO & COO) co-founded AeroDIODE in 2020 with Sebastien Ermeneux. Adèle graduated from an electronics & optics engineering school and a thesis with ALPhANOV and University of Bordeaux in 2013. She developed and managed projects on photonics systems like laser-based microscopy system but also on the development of electronic boards for driving photonic components. This opto-electronics expertise is now at the heart of AeroDIODE solutions.

Adele Morisset

CTO/COO - Co-Founder at AeroDIODE

Adrian Mahlkow (CEO) graduated in physics (TU Berlin) in 1997 and moved then to OUT e.V., a non-profit research institute specialising in optoelectronics and environmentally compatible technologies. Parallel to his work as a project leader, he completed his doctorate in 2003 and has been working on his habilitation in technical optics since 2005. Since 1999, Adrian has led more than 40 research projects with different focuses on LED technology. He also works as a technology consultant for various companies and was a member of the board of Optec-Berlin-Brandenburg e.V. and the Competence Network for Optical Technologies and Microsystems Engineering from 2015 to 2022. Since 2021, he has been on the presidium of the Zuse Association and a member of the German Physical Society and the European Physical Society. Since 1.1.2023, he has been the new managing director of OpTecBB e.V.

Adrian Mahlkow

CEO at OpTecBB

Adrian Phillips (President Europe) has over 30 years of leadership experience in the semiconductor and photomask industries. He currently leads regional operations for Tekscend Photomasks, a role he assumed in April 2022. Prior to this, Adrian spent over 15 years at Toppan Photomasks in various executive capacities, including Director of Europe Sales and Vice President General Manager for Europe. His tenure at Toppan also included serving as President of Toppan Photomasks France and Managing Director for the company’s German operations in both Hamburg and Dresden. Adrian holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) with a Diploma in Industrial Studies (DIS) in Electronics and Electrical Engineering from Loughborough University and an MBA with Distinction from the University of Warwick.

Adrian Phillips

Président Europe at Tekscend Photomask

Aftkhar Aslam (Co-Founder & CEO/CTO) brings over 30 years of leadership in semiconductor manufacturing, yield engineering, and enterprise digital transformation. He previously held senior leadership roles at Texas Instruments and served as a Director in Accenture’s Industry X practice, advising global semiconductor and high-tech companies on connecting design, manufacturing, test, and quality into unified digital frameworks. He has led digital transformation strategy, architecture, and implementation for industry leaders including Intel, Qualcomm, GlobalFoundries, Lam Research, Microsoft, STMicroelectronics, and Skyworks—driving initiatives in yield optimization, test data analytics, IP management and protection, and manufacturing digital thread integration. He is also an inventor with patents in IP Management and Protection and continues to focus on enabling next-generation AI, photonics, Quantum Compute, AR/VR/XR and advanced packaging ecosystems through data intelligence.

Aftkhar Aslam

CEO/CTO - Co-Founder at yieldWerx

Agnes Huebscher (Senior Director, Global Corporate Marketing & Communications) has worked at Edmund Optics since 2013, previously serving as Director of Marketing for Europe. Before joining Edmund Optics, Agnes held senior marketing and communications roles at SCHOTT Advanced Optics and earlier worked in investor relations, marketing, and sales support roles in the optics industry. She studied Intercultural Business Administration with a focus on Marketing and International Management at Friedrich Schiller University Jena and has additional international education experience from Universidad Loyola. Agnes is active in the optics and photonics community and has contributed to industry groups and events.

Agnes Hübscher

Senior Director Corporate Affairs, Communications & Industry Relations at Edmund Optics

Alan Boyd

CCO at Tech Group

Albert Hasper (CEO) is an operational and technical executive with 25+ years of experience in international high-tech business-to-business industry. He was for 7 years the Managing Director of the Amtech Solar Companies. In 2011, he was appointed General Manager of Tempress Systems B.V. Before that, he was the VP of Global Operations at ASM International. Prior to the VP role, he served for more than 5 years as General Manager of ASM Europe and was world-wide responsible for the Vertical Furnace product line. Albert holds an M.Sc. and Ph.D. Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Twente. He has authored and co-authored over 25 scientific papers in various scientific journals. He is an inventor of 13 issued US patents in the areas of CVD & ALD deposition and Capital Equipment.

Albert Hasper

CEO at Phix

Alberto Fasoli (Chief Operating Officer) joined Tecnottica - his family-owned company - in 2013 after completing his studies as an industrial technical expert in mechanics, he starts working directly in the production lines, following all the different steps that compose Tecnottica’s production cycle, with a specialization in fine-optics polishing and advanced metrology. He’s become firstly the production manager and, after a 10+ year experience, he’s started to work as Tecnottica’s Chief Operating Officer, following and managing all the daily activities that concour to the realization of all of the company products.

Alberto Fasoli

Chief Operating Officer at Tecnottica Consonni

Aldas Juronis (CEO) has more than 25 years of experience in sales and business management. He joined EKSPLA in 2018 as Head of OEM Lasers program and took the lead of product and business development of industrial and OEM lasers. Business from OEM Lasers has grown significantly since thus contributing to even faster growth of EKSPLA. He also initiated development and later launched to the market an innovative award winning industrial femtosecond laser FemtoLux30. Later Aldas took position as Chief Production Officer and initiated implementation of LEAN principles in production as well as in sourcing departments. Starting from January 2023 Aldas was appointed as CEO of the company.

Aldas Juronis

CEO at EKSPLA, UAB

Alessandro Greborio (CEO) is the founder and CEO of Lithium Lasers. With a PhD in laser physics and over 10 years of experience in the laser industry, he is recognized as an expert in the design and production of ultra-short pulse lasers. Alessandro earned his PhD in Engineering focusing on high-power ultrashort-pulse laser sources at the University of Pavia (Italy). Prior to establishing Lithium Lasers, he held positions as an R&D engineer at Spectra-Physics (Rankweil) and at NKT-photonics (Zurich). His primary focus lies in developing innovative approaches and solutions to advance femtosecond lasers into industrial-grade applications, a vision that led to the founding of Lithium Lasers in 2019.

Alessandro Greborio

CEO at Lithium Lasers

Alex Demkov (CEO) is a distinguished figure in the field of materials physics, serving as a Professor at the University of Texas at Austin. With a prolific career marked by notable achievements, Alex boasts an impressive portfolio of 10 U.S. patents and many patent applications, showcasing his innovative contributions to the field. He has published almost three hundred research papers, several books, and is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and a Senior Member of IEEE. Alex received his Ph.D. in Physics from Arizona State University. Prior to joining the University of Texas in 2005, he worked in Motorola’s R&D organizations. His expertise extends globally, positioning him as an international authority and thought leader in the crucial domain of semiconductor manufacturing materials.

Alex Demkov

CEO at La Luce Cristallina

Alexey Gayoso de los Santos (CEO) holds a Diploma in Economics and management of innovative activity of an enterprise and production management from the ITMO University (Institute of Fine Mechanics and Optics). Prior to founding Maiman Electronics in 2017, he worked for 6 years at Fedal company. Alexey started as a project manager and worked his way up to Sales and Marketing Director. He brought the company to the global market and signed distribution agreements with companies from the UK, China, USA.

Alex Gayoso de los Santos

CEO at MAIMAN Electronics

Alexander Guggenmos (CEO) holds a PhD in physics from the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU) and is an expert in ultrafast science with over 10 years of experience in the field. After the PhD in Munich, he did a Postdoc in Berkeley and joined UltraFast Innovations afterwards, in January 2019. Main expertise are thin film coatings (e.g. XUV mirrors), pulse-compression, femtosecond/attosecond physics.

Alexander Guggenmos

CEO at UltraFast Innovations

Alexander Laskin (Project Manager, CTO) is a project manager and technology leader at AdlOptica Optical Systems in Berlin, where he is responsible for laser beam shaping optics projects and development of advanced optical systems. He graduated in 1990 from Bauman Moscow State Technical University and earned his Ph.D. in 1994. His technical interests include optical system design for ophthalmology, interferometry, holography, laser beam shaping, and custom laser systems for industrial and scientific applications.

Alexander Laskin

Project Manager, CTO at AdlOptica Optical Systems GmbH

Alexander Roth

CEO at SCANLAB

Alexander Telle (CEO) joined Acktar/ACM in 2015 and took responsibility for the business development in the European market, especially for industrial photonic customers and aerospace business. He had previously held director and senior management positions in several photonics companies. He started his career in 2005 as an R&D engineer at JENOPTIK. Alexander holds an engineering degree (Dipl.-Ing. (FH)) from Ernst-Abbe-University Jena.

Alexander Telle

CEO at ACM Coatings

Alexis Feugier (EMEA Sales Leader) is a veteran leader in the photonics and spectroscopy industry, currently spearheading regional sales for Ocean Optics. With over 19 years at the company, he previously served as the Country Manager for France, where he was instrumental in expanding their market presence. Prior to joining Ocean Optics, he spent eight years at AMS Technologies as a Sales Manager, focusing on the distribution of high-tech photonics products and test equipment. He holds a Graduate Degree (DESS) in Lasers and Spectroscopy from the University of Metz, a Master’s Degree in Physics from University College Dublin, and a Master’s Degree in Physics from the University of Nice.

Alexis Feugier

EMEA Sales Leader at Ocean Optics

Amanda Li

Purchase Manager at ETSC Technologies

Amit Agrawal

CTO at Phaseshift

Anat Siddharth (CTO) is a specialist in nonlinear photonics and integrated laser systems with over a decade of research and development experience. He was appointed Chief Technology Officer of Deeplight in late 2025, having previously served as the company’s Senior Photonics Engineer. Anat’s technical background includes five years at EPFL as an ESA OSIP Fellow, where he focused on the development of low-noise, frequency-agile photonic integrated lasers. Earlier in his career, he held research positions at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, and the Indian Institute of Science, and worked as a Test and Development Engineer for Finisar Corporation, focusing on automated optical sub-assembly testers. Anat holds a Bachelor of Technology in Engineering Physics from the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, a Master of Technology in Applied Optics from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, and a Ph.D. in Photonics from EPFL.

Anat Siddharth

CTO at Deeplight

André Fougères (Vice-president, Chief Technology Officer) received his Bachelor of Physics from the Université de Montréal in 1988 and his master’s and Doctorate from University of Rochester (USA) in 1990 and 1994, respectively. His post-graduate studies, funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada “Génie ’67” scholarship, focused on quantum and nonlinear optics. In the summer of 1994, he joined the laser system technology group at INO as a post-doctoral scholar. He left his management position in active sensing technology in 1999 to join EXFO as Senior Product Manager for the Scientific Division at the head office in Quebec City, then in Geneva, Switzerland, at the Gap Optique SA subsidiary. Returning to INO in January 2005, Mr. Fougères’ activities as program manager focused on business and technology development. In March 2008, he was appointed Director of Program management. In September 2011, André joined INO’s senior management team as Vice-President, Operations and in September 2013 as Vice-President Business Development and Operations. Since July 2018, André has transitioned to Vice-president, Chief Technology Officer.

Andre Fougeres

Chief Technology Officer at INO

André Richter (General Manager) is an expert with 25+ years of experience in optical communications, photonics, and fiber optics. He received his M.Sc. degree from Georgia Tech, USA, and Ph.D. from TU Berlin, Germany. André co-authored 140+ publications and contributed to 15+ international R&D projects. Being with the VPIphotonics team since 1997, André has generated numerous novelties in industry research and education, commercialization, and market development. He held management positions for technical services, product management, research & development before being appointed General Manager in 2013.

Andre Richter

General Manager at VPIphotonics

Andrea Bianco (Senior Researcher) is a Materials Engineer and expert in optical technologies at the INAF (National Institute of Astrophysics). He currently leads the laboratory for new materials and optical technologies at the Brera Astronomical Observatory, where he specializes in photosensitive materials and holographic optical elements for astronomical spectrographs. Since 2005, he has also served as a Professor in Charge at Politecnico di Milano, teaching microstructural characterization. His research has contributed to major projects such as the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) and the SOXS instrument. Andrea holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Materials Engineering and a Ph.D. in Materials Engineering (with honors) from Politecnico di Milano.

Andrea Bianco

Dr. at INAF

Andrea Dunbar (CTO) is the CTO at CSEM and a Professor of Practice at EPFL. She has a PhD in Physics from Trinity College, Dublin and an EMBA from EPFL. As a board member and start-up coach she puts into practice her know-how on innovation management, digital transformation, and value generation through AI & data in business. Today, Andrea’s work focuses on machine learning, intelligent vision systems and multispectral systems. Her research areas are ultra-low power systems for a sustainable future including low power imagers, hierarchical computing, and resource aware ML training for IoT applications.

Andrea Dunbar

CTO at CSEM

Andreas Kuntze (CEO) is a passionate laser inventor and entrepreneur with international recognition in diode‑pumped solid‑state (DPSS) laser technology. Andreas holds numerous patents and innovation awards and is credited with developing the world’s first air‑cooled diode‑pumped laser marking system and other advanced laser technologies. He drives QuanteQ’s technology roadmap, product innovation, and commercial expansion in compact high‑power laser solutions.

Andreas Kuntze

CEO at QuanteQ

Andreas Löhr (CEO / General Manager) oversees corporate strategy, human resources, and software development. His nearly 14-year career at the company is characterized by deep technical roots, having progressed from a Development Engineer in Design to the Head of Construction (Leiter Konstruktion), where he specialized in optics and precision mechanics. Andreas holds a Graduate Degree (Diplom-Ingenieur) in Mechanical Engineering from the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen and a technical qualification in Media and Documentation from the Staatliche Technikakademie Weilburg.

Andreas Löhr

CEO / General Manager at Marzhauser Wetzlar

Andreas Tünnermann (Institute Director) is a prominent figure in laser and photonics research, serving as Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering (IOF) since 2003 and as Professor of Applied Physics at Friedrich Schiller University Jena since 1998. He earned his doctorate in physics in 1992, with a focus on nonlinear processes and high-intensity laser interactions. Before joining Friedrich Schiller University, he headed development at Laser Zentrum Hannover from 1992 to 1997. Tünnermann's work covers groundbreaking research and practical innovations in fields such as medicine, communications, and industry, particularly in fiber lasers and photonic devices. He played a pivotal role in founding the Abbe School of Photonics and the Max Planck School of Photonics and has supervised nearly 120 PhD candidates. Additionally, he actively contributes to Germany’s national photonics and quantum communication strategies, including membership on the Federal Chancellery’s Expert Council on Quantum Computing. His accolades include the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize (2005), an ERC Advanced Grant (2015), and the Order of Merit of the Free State of Thuringia.

Andreas Tuennermann

Director at Fraunhofer IOF

Andrew Blain (Managing Director) graduated in Physics (MSc) and Electronics and Electrical Engineering (MSc) from the University of Glasgow in 2008. Shortly after, Andrew joined Photonic Solutions as a Sales Engineer in 2011. He has over a decade of experience in the Photonics Industry. Since assuming the CEO role 6 years ago, he has successfully led the company to year-on-year growth and overseen the expansion into exciting new markets.

Andrew Blain

Managing Director at Photonic Solutions

Andrey Voloshin (Senior Technologist) leads Hamamatsu Photonics Pilot Line since 2024. This customer- and application-oriented service fuses Hamamatsu Photonics strengths (light emitters, detectors/spectrometers and optical building blocks) with electronics and firmware to deliver market-ready, scalable photonic modules. Andrey is also part of the Corporate Venture Capital team, building collaborations and synergies between startups and the company. An expert in optoelectronics and integrated photonics, his track record spans photonic sensing systems, ultra-low-noise PIC-based lasers and optical frequency combs.

Andrey Voloshin

Senior Technologist at Hamamatsu Photonics

Andris Anspoks (Director) has a PhD in Physics. He has an experience in entrepreneurship, innovation development, challenging projects, public sector, and science. Today he is leading the Institute of Solid State Physics with more than 300 employees and more than 120 researchers. To foster cooperation with industry, he has created Materize as a single access point speaking business language and managing industrial contracts.

Andris Anspoks

director at Institute of Solid State Physics

Angelo Fasoli (CSO) is the Chief Sales Officer and a Member of the Board of Directors at Tecnottica Consonni. Since joining the company in 2011, he has held multiple leadership roles, including Technical Manager, before assuming his current commercial and strategic responsibilities in 2017. With a strong foundation in optics and photonics, Angelo holds an engineering degree in Physical Engineering - Nanooptics and Photonics from Politecnico di Milano, as well as a diploma in Optics and Optoelectronics from Istituto Tecnico Industriale Statale Galileo Galilei in Milan.

Angelo Fasoli

Chief Sales Officer at Tecnottica Consonni

Anke Odouli (Exhibition Director) received her MA in Communication Science from the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz. After her studies, she began her career in the trade show business at the German American Chamber of Commerce in New York City, where she represented Messe München in the US. Since 2007, Anke has held several positions at Messe München in Munich, working for world leading trade shows such as electronica and productronica. As of December 2019, she has been the Exhibition Director for LASER World of PHOTONICS, the World of Photonics Congress and the World of QUANTUM in Munich, and since 2021 she also has been in charge of the worldwide network including LASER World of PHOTONICS China and India.

Anke Odouli

Deputy Executive Director at Messe Muenchen

Anna Kostic (VP/GM Advanced Industrial Sensing) is a high-level executive with over three decades of experience in global sales, market development, and business strategy within the optoelectronics and sensing industries. She currently serves as a Vice President and General Manager, having previously spent nearly nine years as the Vice President of Sales for CISS North America at Excelitas Technologies Corp. Her leadership was instrumental during the transition of the organization from the former IDS business of PerkinElmer. Prior to her tenure at Excelitas, Anna held several key leadership roles at PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, including Director of Sales and Sales and Business Development Manager, where she drove market expansion for nearly 13 years. Her earlier career includes strategic roles as a Market Development Manager at Nortel and over a decade as a Business Development Coordinator at MPB Technologies.

Anna Kostic

VP/GM Advanced Industrial Sensing at Excelitas Technologies

Anna Mårtensson (Marketing Manager) has more than 20 years of photonics marketing experience working for Hamamatsu. She is from Stockholm, Sweden and has studied marketing at Berghs School of Communication. Her knowledge in graphic design and her background in the photonics industry brings high value to EPIC. In her current position she is responsible for all graphic design and supports in all the communication activities of the association as well as the EU-funded initiatives. She is also responsible for helping members promote their own events through different channels.

Anna Martensson

Marketing Manager at EPIC - European Photonics Industry Consortium

Annemiek Chall (Optical Engineer) has more than 10 years of experience in the optical industry. She obtained her master of science degree in experimental physics from the Technical university of Ilmenau, Germany. She started to work in different optical industries as microscopy, 3D printing and illumination. 3 years ago, she joint SPIO Systems as the leading optical engineer and is responsible for the design process of optical micro systems and their evaluation.

Annemiek Chall

Senior optical designer at SPIO Systems

Annette Burgmair

Authorized Corporate Officer at Chips 4 Light

Anthonin Van Impe (Business Development) is a versatile professional specializing in bridging the gap between high-tech R&D and scalable industrial operations. Since February 2026, he has served as the Business Development Manager at O'Shenu Technologies, where he drives European expansion for integrated photonics test, packaging, and reliability infrastructure. His role is critical in structuring validation flows for Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), moving technology from wafer-level research to die-level production. Anthonin’s career is characterized by deep expertise in Supply Chain Management and International Business, particularly within the Asian market. He spent over seven years as the Supply Chain Manager at Achoka, where he spearheaded sourcing operations and supplier management in China. His background also includes operational leadership at NOOSA and business analysis at TIMBER TAILOR, reflecting a strong proficiency in data-driven decision-making and ERP implementations. He is a fluent Mandarin speaker, having earned a Master’s degree in Chinese Language and Literature from the Université libre de Bruxelles and completing advanced linguistic certifications at Fudan University in Shanghai.

Anthonin Van Impe

Business Development at O'Shenu Technologies

Antoine Dubrouil (CEO) is a laser physicist specialized in ultrafast laser and attosecond science. He received his PhD from the University of Bordeaux in 2011. During his PhD at CELIA laboratory, he developed the first Terawatt sub-10 fs laser source and used those high intensity pulses to generate intense attosecond pulses. He acquired during his PhD a strong expertise in the production and characterization of femtosecond and attosecond pulses. After his PhD, he went to Australia for a post doc position in Swinburne University in Melbourne. As a laser technology expert, he was in charge of upgrading their laboratory infrastructure to the latest laser technology. His next stint was in Milan, Italy where he spent his time in fundamental research with the Politecnico di Milano, one of the world’s best laser research institute. After this period in Milan, he decided to come back to Bordeaux at CELIA in 2014 with the motivation to create a company related to laser technology. After one year and a half of maturation, the project finally resulted in the creation of Femto Easy. Antoine founded the company in February 2016 with an associate Stephane Lecorné who is a talented software developer. After eight years of existence, by getting the full confidence of its customers, the company is doing well and ii growing fast.

Antoine Dubrouil

CEO at Femto Easy

Antonio has a PhD from the department of applied physics of Universidad de Santiago de Compostela in laser processing of glassy samples. In Madrid, he made a postdoctoral stay at the Instituto de Óptica of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), where he worked on the fabrication of nanostructures with dielectric and metallic materials via pulsed laser deposition. In 2010, Antonio entered the world of distribution as a sales engineer in the photonics department of the company Acal BFi, a job that he continued in the Spanish company Grupo Álava since 2012. In the latter, he was responsible for sales and marketing for Spain and Portugal of different laser systems, optical and optomechanical components, optical metrology equipment and other nano-characterization devices. In 2021 he became US sales manager for the company Fyla, a manufacturer of supercontinuum and ultrafast fiber lasers, for the development of the market in this country and the establishment of new relationships with the most relevant research centers in the world of optics and photonics. At EPIC, Antonio is supporting the technical needs of our growing membership as well as the EU-funded initiatives.

Antonio Castelo

Technology Expert at EPIC - European Photonics Industry Consortium

Arne Leinse (CEO) is active in integrated optics for more than 20 years. He received a PhD degree from the University of Twente in the integrated Optical Microsystems group in 2005. Hereafter, he joined LioniX BV where he was involved in the invention and development of the TriPleX™ platform from the beginning. He has been involved from the original concept until the exploitation and (co)authored over 100 articles in the last years. He has been active as Vice-President of LioniX BV in the last years and since the establishment of LioniX-international in 2016 active in the role of Chief Commercial Officer. Since January 2020 Arne is active in the role of CEO, leading the Management Team.

Arne Leinse

CEO at LioniX International

Arnolds Ūbelis (Science Manager) is a visible researcher and experimental physicist in the area of atomic physics, quantum sciences, and laser technologies, and an experienced science manager. He served as a Coordinator of the Latvian National Contact point system of EU Framework programs for 20 years, since 1999. His Google Scholar account indicates more than 70 scientific publications including the editing of several books. He has been a coordinator of several large-scale EU Framework Program consortium projects. His specific research interest - sustainability of atmosphere composition, particularly research on the photochemistry of the ozone layer in the stratosphere. He made remarkable input in spreading ideas of sustainable development in the City of Riga, being the deputy mayor during the years 1990-1994, and is continuing his efforts to contribute to the development of technologies for sustainable development. Currently, he is a leader and scientific secretary of the National Science Platform FOTONIKA-LV in quantum sciences and space sciences at the University of Latvia.

Arnolds Ubelis

Lead Resaercher at University of Latvia, NSP FOTONIKA-LV

Ashkan Seyedi (Director LinkX Products) received a dual bachelor's in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a PhD from the University of Southern California, working on photonic crystal devices, high-speed nanowire photodetectors, efficient white LEDs and solar cells. With a decade of industry experience at Intel, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Nvidia, Dr. Seyedi has been working on developing high-bandwidth, efficient optical interconnects for exascale and high-performance computing applications.

Ashkan Seyedi

Director LinkX Products at NVIDIA

Audrey Le Lay (Sales & Marketing Director) has a background in Engineering in physics, optics and Laser, and an experience in the photonics market for more than 20 years. After a few positions as sales manager for the optical telecom and photonics markets for international companies, she has recently taken the position of Sales Director at Imagine Optic in order to accompany this French leading and innovating company dedicated to optical metrology and wavefront corrections in its development and promising growth for the next years. She is moreover deeply involved in the community through national and international clusters.

Audrey Le Lay

Sales & Marketing Director at Imagine Optic Orsay

Axel Bauer (Head of Marketing and Communications) leads marketing and communications for the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT in Aachen, one of the world’s leading laser research and development institutes. In this role he is responsible for external communications, press relations, and promotion of ILT’s research activities and technological innovations. He represents the institute in media and industry events, and serves as a primary contact for press and marketing matters.

Axel Bauer

Head of Marketing and communications at Fraunhofer ILT

Axel Kupisiewicz (CEO) holds a master’s degree in applied sciences from ULiège – Belgium and a master's degree in economics and management from HEC - Belgium. Prior to founding LASEA in 1999, he worked as a Project Engineer for the CSL (one of the four coordinated facilities of the European Space Agency). Since then, he has specialized in laser applications and machine manufacturing. He is the co-author of several patents and scientific articles in the field and is responsible for the strategic development of LASEA and its subsidiaries in Belgium, France, Switzerland, and the USA. In 2024, he received the EPIC CEO Award, recognizing his leadership and sustainable growth in industrial laser machine manufacturing.

Axel Kupisiewicz

CEO at LASEA

Axel Schönbeck (CEO & Co-Founder) studied physics in Hannover and spent two semesters at the University of Queensland in 2011. Afterwards, he worked on nonlinear optics and the generation of optical quantum states in his master and PhD thesis. He then started working on the development of commercial sources for squeezed states of light with his team and Co-founded Noisy Labs in 2023.

Axel Schoenbeck

CEO & Co-Founder at Noisy Labs

Badre Kerzabi (CEO) obtained a degree in optical engineering from the Institut d'Optique Graduate School (Palaiseau) in 2006 and a Master's degree in photonics from Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) in 2007. He started his career in optical design for applications in medical imaging, semiconductors and displays. He then specialized in nano-fabrication technologies, joining the start-up Sunpartner in 2012 to lead the work on optical engineering and related micro and nano-fabrication processes for the development of semi-transparent solar cells. He will later take up the position of innovation program manager. After the acquisition by Garmin in April 2019, he will continue to hold the latter position until his departure in June 2020 to create and lead SOLNIL.

Badre Kerzabi

CEO at SOLNIL

Bárbara Buades (CEO & Co-Founder) finished a PhD in Photonics (Attoscience: Ultrafast & non-linear optics) at ICFO - The Institute of Photonics Sciences in Spain (2018), MSc in Photonics by Imperial College London UK and background in Physics (BSc+MSc). After her PhD, she co-founded MEETOPTICS together with Dr. James Douglas, to help researchers and engineers in Optics and Photonics find photonics components, equipment and technologies for their setups. MEETOPTICS developed what started as an optics metasearch, something like Skyscanner or KAYAK but for optics. Now with more than 85.000 optics, light sources, Optomechanics, Fiber Optics and Detection devices, they helpe +30.000 professionals every month around the world, mainly in Europe and North America.

Barbara Buades

CEO & Co-founder at MEETOPTICS Barcelona

Basil Garabet (President & CEO) has successfully grown the company since 2015. Basil is a serial entrepreneur with a 40-year tenure in Photonics where he has started, led and turned round a number of International Photonics companies. Basil’s career has spanned leading positions in JK Lasers, EM4, Altitun, Melles Griot and Lasertron. Basil is closely involved in promoting Photonics globally, especially research in new applications such as Quantum, and performs numerous honorary duties including Board seats on EPIC, Bifrost Communication, and the Danish Quantum Community. Basil holds an MSc in Lasers and Their Applications. Basil Garabet is President of the EPIC Board of Directors.

Basil Garabet

President and CEO at NKT Photonics

Beate Sauter (CEO) has >24 years of international management experience in the laser & photonics industry and is a globally recognized technical sales and application expert in this market. She joined Lumics in 2013, and has been instrumental in leaping the company forward to becoming one of the top leaders of diode laser solutions for medical & life-science applications as well as other profitable niche markets in industry and science. Prior to Lumics, Beate held senior management positions at a number of leading photonics companies, including Sales Director Europe for US diode-maker Intense, Key Account Manager South Europe for Edmund Optics, and Director Sales & Marketing for Toptica Photonics where she played a key role in the company’s first years. She also serves as mentor within the EPIC Photonics Mentorship programme.

Beate Sauter

CEO at Lumics

Benno Oderkerk (CEO) has a background in electronics and medical technology. He studied at the University of Twente, Netherlands and did his master’s thesis at Technion, Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa in 1988. Since then, he worked for 5 years in a small sensor company in Munich and, in 1994, he started Avantes, a spectroscopy company. In the following 26 years Benno lead the company as CEO to a successful worldwide leader in spectroscopy. In 2018, Benno sold Avantes to Nynomic and in 2020 he resigned as CEO. Since then he is in the board of a few photonics companies as well as in the supervisory Board of Photon Delta and Chairman of Photonics NL. Benno Oderkerk is President of the EPIC Board of Directors.

Benno Oderkerk

CEO at Betada Investments

Benoît d’Humières (Partner) graduated in Physics and Chemistry from the ESPCI Paris – PSL and Sorbonne University. He is an expert in Optics, Electronics and Instrumentation for industrial and research applications. In 1991, after some years of research at the University of Florida, he became an innovation consultant. He has run many marketing and technological studies for companies of any size and Research institutions. Benoît has also taught the marketing of photonic technologies at the Institut d’optique-Graduate School (Palaiseau, France).

Benoit d'Humieres

Partner at TEMATYS

Bera Palsdottir (Senior Manager R&D Product Development) is a highly experienced leader in the fiber optics industry. Her career is defined by an extraordinary 33-year tenure at OFS, where she held various leadership roles, including Senior Manager of R&D and Manager of the Incubation Center. During her long standing career, she also served as a Project Manager at Lucent Technologies, Bell Labs Innovations. Bera is a specialist in advanced fiber technologies, holding a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Aarhus University, where her research focused on the properties and gain of rare-earth-doped fibers. She also holds a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Physics from the University of Copenhagen and a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Physics from the University of Iceland (Háskóli Íslands).

Bera Palsdottir

Senior Manager R&D Product Development at Lightera

Bernard Azout (CEO) is the Managing Director, Co-Founder, and Owner of LAS Photonics, where he has led the company since 2010. With over 30 years of experience in the electro-optics and photonics industries, he previously served as VP of Sales & Marketing at ToyoRam Group and spent 14 years as a Sales and Marketing Manager at ATS LTD. He began his career as a Sales Engineer at Hamamatsu Photonics France, focusing on technical sales for major European research centers like CERN and CNRS. Bernard holds an M.Sc. in Physics from the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology and a B.Sc. in Physics from Faculté des Sciences de Luminy.

Bernard Azout

CEO at LAS PHOTONICS

Bernard Kress (AR Director) is a renowned expert in optics and photonics, with over 25 years of experience across academia, entrepreneurship, and multinational corporations. His career includes significant contributions to cutting-edge technologies in optical computing, telecommunications, data storage, anti-counterfeiting, industrial sensing, and immersive displays for augmented and mixed reality (AR/VR/MR) systems. He has authored several books, is principal inventor on over 100 patents, and has written numerous research papers. He is a leader in the optics community, serving as the 2023 President of the International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE). He chairs key SPIE conferences, including the SPIE AR/VR/MR conference co-located with Photonics West and the SPIE Digital Optical Technologies conference co-located with Laser Munich. He also teaches short courses on micro-optics and AR/VR displays and hosts the monthly online SPIE AR|VR|MR fireside chats. Bernard has held executive positions at Google[X] Labs (Google Glass) since 2011, Microsoft (HoloLens AR headset) since 2016 and is currently the Director for XR Engineering at Google AR in Mountain View, California.

Bernard Kress

Director, Optical Engineering at Google

Bernold Richerzhagen (Founder & CEO) is the Founder and CEO of Switzerland-based Synova S.A., the world pioneer in water jet guided laser technology. Synova’s proprietary technology was incubated at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) where Mr. Richerzhagen championed its transition from concept to today’s reality. Recognized worldwide as the inventor of water jet guided laser technology, Mr. Richerzhagen has received several prestigious accolades including: Technology Innovation Awards from the Swiss Secretary of Economy (SECO) and the Cantons of Central Switzerland (1997); the Technopark Zurich Foundation and the Swiss Minister of Economy (1998); Entrepreneur of the Year from Ernst & Young Switzerland (2004); and the Frost & Sullivan’s European Technology Innovation Award (2005). He is author of several hundred articles and has addressed numerous conferences on the subject of water jet guided laser technology. He also holds several patents on the development of the water jet guided laser and related inventions such as laser dicing tape, water film for surface protection, laser trenching of semiconductor wafers, and gas enveloped liquid jets. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen (RWTH) in 1986 and 1988, respectively, and a Ph.D. in Microtechnics from EPFL in 1994. For his thesis, he joined EPFL’s Optical Applications Institute as an assistant working on medical lasers. In 1996, Mr. Richerzhagen founded an engineering office where he developed the first prototype of a water jet guided laser machine, before founding Synova S.A to bring the Laser MicroJet® to market in 1997.

Bernold Richerzhagen

President and Founder at Synova

Bjoern Dymke (Managing Director) is a senior executive at TRUMPF, currently serving as Managing Director in Schramberg. Over a career spanning more than 14 years at the organization, he has held pivotal leadership roles, including Head of Corporate Finance and Controlling for the TRUMPF Group and Vice President (CFO) of TRUMPF North America. Earlier in his tenure, he served as the Executive Assistant to both the CEO and CTO, gaining comprehensive insight into the company’s strategic and technological operations. Bjoern holds a Doctorate (Dr. rer. pol.) in Economics and Social Sciences from the University of Tübingen. He also earned a Diplom-Kaufmann in Business Administration from the same institution and studied at Rhodes College.

Bjoern Dymke

Managing Director at TRUMPF Laser

Bogusz Stepak (R&D Director of Laser Microprocessing) manages research and development initiatives. In 2021, he founded the Ultrafast Laser Application Laboratory at Fluence, which focuses on advancing laser microprocessing technologies. Before joining Fluence, Bogusz worked as a researcher at Fraunhofer IWS in Dresden while pursuing his PhD. He earned his doctorate in 2017 from Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, specializing in laser microprocessing and materials science.

Bogusz Stepak

R&D Director of Laser Microprocessing at Fluence Technology

Boris Mayr (COO) is Chief Operating Officer at QuanteQ, a Berlin‑based company developing ultra‑compact high‑power laser systems for industrial material processing. In his role he oversees operations, execution of strategic objectives, and scaling of the company’s technology and products. Mayr is regularly featured as QuanteQ’s COO in industry forums and conference programs alongside the company’s leadership team.

Boris Mayr

COO at QuanteQ

Brigitte Waernier-Gut (Division Manager) has been working as Division Manager in Swissmem’s Industrial Sectors for 27 years. During this time she has been responsible for different areas such as the SSIG Swiss Space Industry Group, Process Engineering Equipment or Combustion Engines and has worked on various topics. The focus of her work has been on photonics since its establishment as a separate Industry Sector in 2013.

Brigitte Waernier-Gut

Head of Swissmem Photonics at Swissmem

Bruno Desruelle (CEO) received his doctorate from University Paris XI for his work on Bose-Einstein Condensation in Alain Aspect’s group. He has acquired a solid industrial experience in the field of high-technology photonics business while working for Corning Incorporated in the field of DWDM optical communication systems, then for THALES Optronique where he managed the development of several complex optronics systems. He was appointed Head of the photonics domain at the office for advanced research and innovation of the French Ministry of Defence in 2005, as well as government representative for the two main competitiveness clusters in photonics. He left this position in 2010 to prepare the creation of Muquans and was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the company at its creation in 2011.

Bruno Desruelle

CEO Photonics at Exail

Cara Gau (Business Development) is Liverage Technology’s regional sales responsible for the European market. She is based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, providing the best service for Liverage’s European customers and develop the business in Europe. Cara is 25 years old and is also studying for a master’s degree at the University of Amsterdam, major in Digital Business. Cara used to help Liverage with attending exhibition all over the world (OFC, ECOC, FOE, Computex) and officially joined the company in 2020.

Cara Gau

Business Developer at Liverage Technology

Carlos Lee

Director General at EPIC - European Photonics Industry Consortium

Carlos Viana (CEO) is the inventor, founder and CEO of ICON Photonics SAS, a deeptech startup company developing and commercializing photonics integrated packaging solutions. Since 2017, he drives the strategy, vision and execution for the company to transform photonics science and technologies into products, enabling the next generation connectivity. He received his Ph.D. degree in electronics and photonics in 2014 from the Université Paris-Est, France.

Carlos Viana

CEO at ICON Photonics

Cedric Baille (Senior Vice President) has over 15 years of leadership experience in the fiber optics and optoelectronics industries. Cedric began his career with an engineering focus at Airbus before moving into international business development at SEDI-ATI. He later spent nearly 12 years at LEONI, where he served as Regional Manager and eventually Director of Sales, managing global accounts such as General Electric and Schneider Electric across the medical, industrial, and renewable energy sectors. Cedric joined Weinert Industries in 2022 as Sales Director for EMEA and APAC, and was promoted to Senior Vice President in 2023. His career is defined by a strong blend of technical expertise in optics and strategic C-level management. He earned a Diplôme d’ingénieur from ENSEM (2006) and a Master of Science in Optoelectronics from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya.

Cedric Baille

Senior Vice President at WEINERT Fiber Optics

Cees Links (CEO) is a legendary figure in the wireless communication industry, widely recognized as a pioneer of Wi-Fi. Currently the CEO of SuperLight Photonics, he leads the development of next-generation wideband laser technology. His distinguished career includes founding GreenPeak Technologies, which was later acquired by Qorvo, where he served as General Manager of the Wireless Connectivity business unit. Earlier in his career, he held executive leadership positions at Agere Systems, Lucent Technologies, and NCR Corporation, where he spearheaded the development of the first wireless LANs. Cees holds a Master’s Degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of Twente.

Cees Links

CEO at SuperLight Photonics

Celia Millon (CEO & Founder) is one of the founders of RayVen, Germany. Celia received her PhD degree in Physics at the Atomic Energy Commission (Saclay, France) where she developed a prototype of laser ultrasonics system to control metallic additive manufacturing processes. She joined the Applied Optics Laboratory (LOA, Ecole Polytechnique, France) where she worked on filamentation. She created RayVen during her last pot-doc position in Photonics and Ultrafast Laser Science (PULS, Ruhr University Bochum). She stepped out of the lab to focus on the development and the executive activities of RayVen.

Celia Millon

CEO & co-founder at RayVen

Chantal Germain (Director of HEF Photonics Division) is a seasoned technical leader and engineering executive. She currently serves as the Director of the Photonics Division at HEF Group, a global leader in surface engineering. In this role, she oversees the strategic and technical development of photonic solutions, likely focusing on advanced coatings and optical components. Before joining HEF, Chantal spent over 15 years in high-level leadership at Thales, one of the world's premier defense and aerospace contractors. Her tenure there included serving as the Technical Director at the Thales LAS site in Saint-Héand, a global center of excellence for optronics and high-precision optical systems. She also led the Engineering Department, managing complex technical roadmaps and multi-disciplinary teams.

Chantal Germain

Director of HEF Photonics Division at HEF

Charles Edouard Marchand

Senior Product Engineer at NovoViz

Chris Scanlan (Senior Vice President Technology) is leading advanced technology road map development and technical promotion. Prior to joining Besi he was Vice President of Worldwide Applications Engineering at JCET Group where he was responsible for business development, technical program management, and product design. From 2009 to 2019 he was SVP of Product Development at Deca Technologies, a wafer level packaging technology provider. As a founding member of Deca, Chris was primarily responsible for the development of Deca’s portfolio of intellectual property and technology relating to M-Series fan-out, Adaptive Patterning and advanced wafer-level manufacturing methods. Chris worked at Amkor Technology for 10 years where he held leadership positions including VP of Global R&D, VP of the Advanced Products business unit and VP of the System-in-Package business unit. Chris started his career at Motorola Semiconductor where we developed a manufacturing line for high power IGBT modules, and managed the transfer of Motorola’s fcCSP technology from R&D to production. He has 70 issued US patents related to semiconductor packaging. He earned his Master of Science degree in Materials Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Chris Scanlan

SVP Technology at Besi

Chris Yates (Partner) is a Partner at Vision Ventures and has over 20 years’ experience in industry with a focus on early-stage technology in multiple start-up companies. Chris moved to Vision Ventures from the role of Director, Advanced Technology at Rockwell Automation. Chris was previously the CEO and founder of industrial 3D imaging specialist, Odos Imaging, which he led from inception until acquisition by Rockwell Automation in late 2017. Chris is also the current President of the European Machine Vision Association and has served on the EMVA board for many years.

Chris Yates

Managing Partner at Vision Ventures

Christian Bosshard (Managing Director) received his degree in Physics (1986) and his doctorate (1991, Silver medal award) from ETH. From 2001-2021, he was working at CSEM, first as Section Head and then as Vice President and Head Photonics. Since 2013 he is Managing Director of Swissphotonics. Christian is a Fellow of OPTICA, President of Swiss PIC, and Member of the Board of the University of Basel. Christian Bosshard is a former member of the EPIC Board of Directors.

Christian Bosshard

Managing Director at Swissphotonics

Christian Dupont

CEO at iPronics

Christian Korth (Managing Director) has served as Managing Director of Carl Zeiss Spectroscopy since 2018. He brings over two decades of leadership experience spanning high-tech manufacturing, strategic business development, and management consulting. Prior to his current role, he was Vice President of Strategic Business Development at Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH and held various roles at BCG, Sixt, and SilberTool, where he was CEO. He holds a doctorate in Economics (Dr. rer. pol.) from the University of Bayreuth, a Dipl.-Wirtschaftsingenieur (Industrial Engineering degree) from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), and a Master’s in Management Science and Engineering (Entrepreneurship) from Stanford University.

Christian Korth

Managing Director at Carl Zeiss Spectroscopy

Christian Raith (CEO) has been with IMM Photonics since 2010, progressing through various roles in engineering, sales, and marketing before being appointed CEO in 2020. He brings extensive expertise in photonics, laser technology, and fiber optics. He holds a Diploma Engineer degree in Bioengineering from Munich University of Applied Sciences.

Christian Raith

CEO at IMM Photonics

Christian Wenzel (CEO) has been with Innolite since 2008, leading the company in precision manufacturing and optical technologies. Prior to this, he spent a decade at Fraunhofer IPT (2006–2016) as Department Head, contributing to advancements in production technology. Christian holds a Ph.D. in Engineering from Fraunhofer IPT (2006) and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from RWTH Aachen University (2001).

Christian Wenzel

CEO at Innolite

Christian Zellweger (COO) studied at the University of Weingarten and graduated with a Master's degree (M.Sc.) in Optics. He has been working in various executive positions in the optics sector for more than ten years at home and abroad. Christian has experience and in-depth knowledge in the optical components, laser diode applications, metrology and coating fields.

Christian Zellweger

CEO (as from January 1st, 2026) at FISBA

Christina Graham (Project Manager) is a Domain Expert and Project Manager at MEETOPTICS, where she has applied her deep technical knowledge to the photonics industry since 2023. Her expertise is grounded in an intensive research background at ICFO, where she spent nearly six years developing multifunctional transparent surfaces. Her doctoral work focused on pioneering scalable techniques for 2D materials like graphene and MoS2, specifically for applications in flexible electronics and antimicrobial displays. She has also held research positions at the University of Bologna and the University of Alicante, specializing in quantum-chemical simulations for nanoelectronics. Christina holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in optical and biological materials from ICFO and a Master of Science in Chemistry from The University of Edinburgh.

Christina Graham

Project Manager at MEETOPTICS

Christoph Harder

President at Swissphotonics

Christoph Theiss

COO at Sicoya

Christopher Kocot (Fellow, CTO Office) is a senior technical leader at Coherent., where he has served in the Office of the CTO since 2023. His current role follows a steady leadership trajectory within II-VI Incorporated (which rebranded to Coherent), where he held senior executive positions including Senior Director and Director over a four-year period. With nearly seven years of high-level oversight at the company, he plays a critical role in steering the long-term technological roadmap and strategic innovation for one of the world's largest photonics and laser solution providers.

Christopher Kocot

Fellow, CTO Office at Coherent

Chuck Mattera (Founder and CEO) is a preeminent leader in the global photonics and semiconductor industries, currently serving as the Founder of Avalanche Thinking and Chairman of Hyperspectral.ai. His storied career, which he categorizes into "Acts," is defined by a 20-year "Second Act" at Coherent Corp. (formerly II-VI Incorporated). As CEO from 2016 to 2024, he orchestrated the massive expansion and strategic rebranding of the company into a multi-billion-dollar titan powering AI data centers, industrial manufacturing, and aerospace sectors. Dr. Mattera’s "First Act" spanned two decades at AT&T Bell Laboratories, Lucent Technologies, and Agere Systems, where he pioneered the development of optoelectronic and semiconductor laser devices. Beyond his corporate ventures, he is a Senior Advisor at McKinsey & Company, a Distinguished Fellow of the World Economic Forum, and a member of the Board of Trustees at the Brookings Institution. Chuck holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Chemistry from Brown University and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Chemistry from the University of Rhode Island. Together with his wife, he co-founded the philanthropic foundation Where There Is Light, focusing on transformative research and education.

Chuck Mattera

Founder and CEO at CHUCK MATTERA

Ciro Napoletano is Vice President technical marketing at SUMCO EUROPE, subsidiary of SUMCO SILICON Japan Corporation. Previously, he was Vice President of application engineering dept (2010-2020) and joined SUMCO in 1998. Earlier, Ciro worked as engineer at Texas Instruments (TI). He was member Technical staff division Semiconductors, (MGTS, 1997) for chemical materials lab, Silicon laboratories and Semiconductor operations. Ciro has a MS master’s degree in chemistry STEM (1985) and an Executive MBA.

Ciro Napoletano

Vice President Technical Marketing at SUMCO EUROPE SALES

Claire Guyonnet (President) is a strategic leader in the photonics industry, currently serving as the President and Chief Sales & Marketing Officer of the Fiber Optics Group (FOG). In her dual leadership role, she is responsible for fostering synergies across the group's various subsidiaries and accelerating its international growth. Her career at FOG began with a strong focus on global expansion, previously serving as the Sales & Marketing Director for SEDI-ATI Fibres Optiques, a key subsidiary specializing in complex fiber optic assemblies for extreme environments. Claire has extensive experience in international trade, specifically within the European market, having served as the Export Manager for Northern & Eastern Europe. She holds a Master’s degree in Management of European Companies, which she completed as an Erasmus scholar at Paris-Sceaux.

Claire Guyonnet

President at Fiber Optics Group

Claire Valentin (Chief Strategy Officer) is a double graduate engineer in optics and MBA. Claire spent ten years in French MoD to fund and manage R&D projects in electronic and optics. She followed her experience in telecoms business as product line marketing manager in Alcatel Optronics, then in Xray medical imaging and ophthalmic lenses. Skilled in Business to Business marketing in high value-added products, she was VP Marketing in Sofradir (now Lynred), leader in infrared detectors, during 5 years. She joined Photonis as Chief Strategy Officer, end of 2021.

Claire Valentin

Chief Strategy Officer at Exosens

Claus Heitmann (CEO) is responsible for TOPTICA EAGLEYARD’s recent growth and strategic positioning. THINKING BEYOND is not only the company’s spirit but also part of his DNA: Having customers’ visions in mind, he has shaped a clear path since he joined TOPTICA EAGLEYARD in 2020. After being in the industry for almost 25 years (Siemens, Infineon, Lumics among others) and having successfully integrated his own company C2GO into Trumpf SE he is very aware of all trends and fosters innovations, cooperations and thinking outside the box. His personal and professional preferences are projects that not only serve customers in a great way but that also make the world a better place.

Claus Heitmann

CEO at TOPTICA EAGLEYARD

Dainius Tumosa (CEO) holds an MSc in applied physics from Vilnius University and an MBA from Vilnius University. Dainius started his career as a laser engineer for the company Ekspla. In 2008, he moved to the position of Director R&D in Eksma Optics and he has been the CEO of Eksma Optics since 2013. Dainius has more than 15 years of experience in dealing with projects related to electro-optical and nonlinear crystals, production and testing of high damage threshold coatings and precision optical components. He is a board member of Lithuanian Laser Association, Laser & Engineering Technologies Cluster (LITEC).

Dainius Tumosa

CTO at EKSMA Optics

Damien Buet (CEO) was appointed President & CEO of Amplitude Laser in April 2023. He leads the global deep-tech company with over 400 employees, specializing in femtosecond laser technologies. His leadership focuses on turnaround strategies, growth, and M&A in the high-tech sector. Prior to Amplitude, Damien served as Vice President at Faurecia across several divisions, including Zero Emissions and Emerging Markets. He also held board and executive roles at Symbio and Delphi, where he led global strategy, sales, and business unit operations. He holds a Master’s degree in Management Sciences from Mines Paris – PSL.

Damien Buet

CEO at Amplitude

Damien Tuleu (Executive Vice President) is a senior executive at Merck Electronics, currently serving as Executive Vice President and Head of the Optronics business unit. He previously led the Display Solutions business unit and has held multiple senior roles within Merck Group, including SVP and global head positions for Sales, Marketing, and Surface Solutions. Earlier in his career, he directed BioMonitoring R&D and global operations at Merck Life Science, leading teams of over 380 employees and managing revenues exceeding €350 million, and held senior leadership roles at Millipore, including Director of Sales North America, R&D Product Development Director, and Global Product Manager. Damien’s experience spans product development, commercialization, sales leadership, and strategic market planning in life sciences, electronics, and biopharmaceutical sectors. He holds a Master’s degree in Water Treatment from University Lille 1 and a Master of Science in Biochemistry from Utrecht University.

Damien Tuleu

Executive Vice President at Merck Electronics

Dana Synakova (General Manager) studied at the University of Economics in Bratislava and earned a diploma in International Trade. She started working at company Sylex in 1998 as a Logistics Manager. From her initial role in logistics management, she seamlessly transitioned through various positions. Since 2018, she has held the role of General Manager. Recognizing the importance of expansion and diversification, Dana supports initiatives to lead the company into new markets and industries. At the same time, she places significant emphasis on the company by fostering a positive work environment and investing in employee development to ensure that the company thrives as a united and motivated unit.

Dana Synakova

CEO/General Manager at SYLEX

Daniel Kraus (CEO) is a leader in biophotonics and technology strategy with over a decade of experience in research and industrial management. He was appointed CEO of Opto in early 2026 after serving as the company’s Director of Global Technology Strategy and Product Manager for Biophotonics. Prior to joining Opto, Daniel spent 14 years with SpectroNet, where he managed various R&D projects, conferences, and workshops. His research background includes a tenure as a Scientific Associate at the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology within the Nanobiophotonics department. Daniel holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Biotechnology and a Master of Science in Pharma-Biotechnology from Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule Jena, as well as a Doktor-Ingenieur (Dr.-Ing.) from Friedrich Schiller University Jena.

Daniel Kraus

CEO at Opto

Daniel Lee (General Manager) serves as General Manager of Optizone Technology, a Chinese manufacturer and global supplier of passive optical components for telecommunications, fiber lasers, sensing, and high‑power optical systems. In his role he leads the company’s strategic operations, product representation, and market development efforts.

Daniel Lee

General Manager at Optizone Technology (Shenzhen) Limited

David Boutolleau (President) is the Co-Founder of First Light Imaging, where he has served as President since 2009. Following the company's acquisition by Oxford Instruments in January 2024, he continues to lead the business unit and its U.S. subsidiary. His diverse career includes over a decade in real estate fund management at Inovalis and executive roles in the international food export sector. He holds a Master’s degree in Economics, Finance, and Management from Aix-Marseille University and a postgraduate degree in Marketing from the University of Montpellier.

David Boutolleau

President at First Light Imaging / Oxford Instrument

David Castrillo (Director in Hamamatsu Ventures Europe) assumed this position in April 2024, where he oversees strategic investments and drives innovation. Before this, he spent over 30 years as the Area Manager for Spain and Portugal at Hamamatsu Photonics France, beginning in January 1993. In this role, he significantly advanced the company's presence and customer engagement in the region. David holds an Engineer's degree in Telecommunications Engineering from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, earned in 1992.

David Castrillo

Director Hamamatsu Ventures Europe at Hamamatsu Photonics

David Creasey (CEO) has served as Chief Executive Officer of Wasatch Photonics since February 2017, where he leads company strategy, operations, and growth for high-performance diffraction gratings, spectrometers, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) products. He is trained as a laser spectroscopist and brings deep technical insight to product development and innovation. Creasey has over 20 years of experience in sales, OEM business development, product strategy, and marketing of spectroscopy, laser, and optoelectronic instrumentation, including director and vice-president roles prior to joining Wasatch. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Leeds and a Ph.D. in Chemistry for his work on remote instrumentation for atmospheric sensing.

David Creasey

CEO at Wasatch Photonics

David Ettel (CEO) has a research background in the fields of nanotechnology, photonics, and EUV radiation chemistry on polymers. He is the founder and CEO of NANOTECHNA s.r.o. from the Czech Republic. He is passionate about completing R&D in advanced high-entropy materials and developing Petahertz next-generation chips.

David Ettel

CEO at Nanotechna

David Gillett (CEO) is CEO of AVR Photonics Group (Laser 2000 (UK) and AVR Optics). David's leadership is backed by a rich history in high-technology manufacturing, academic research, and a passion for fostering a growth-oriented, customer-centric culture. Our team, comprising professionals with advanced technical degrees and extensive experience, is dedicated to understanding and meeting the complex needs of our partners and customers. We prioritise a consultative approach, ensuring we deeply understand our partners' needs to design and implement bespoke solutions. Our dedication to innovation, employee well-being, and the promotion of STEM careers highlights our holistic approach to not just business but societal progress as well. By choosing us, our partners are assured of a relationship that extends beyond mere transactions, one that is built on mutual growth, understanding, and a shared vision for the future.

David Gillett

CEO at AVR Optics and Laser 2000 (UK)

David Löh (Editor-in-Chief, inspect)is a prominent technical journalist and editorial leader specializing in machine vision, optical metrology, and industrial automation. He currently serves as the Editor-in-Chief of inspect, a leading international trade magazine published by Wiley-VCH. Based in Germany, he oversees the editorial direction for both the German and international editions of the publication, which focuses on the "World of Vision" - covering components like cameras, sensors, and embedded systems, as well as their applications in quality assurance and smart manufacturing. Under his leadership, inspect has expanded its digital presence through e-specials, podcasts, and the Wiley Industry News portal, positioning itself as a primary information hub for the machine vision industry. He is a frequent figure at major global trade fairs, including VISION Stuttgart, SPIE Photonics West, and the Embedded Vision Summit, where he provides expert analysis on emerging trends in AI-driven imaging and industrial photonics.

David Loeh

Editor-in-Chief of inspect and Photonics Views at Wiley Weinheim

David Primhak (VP/GM) is a highly experienced industrial technology executive with a career spanning over 20 years in engineering, sales, and general management. A significant portion of David’s career has been spent in leadership roles at AMETEK Land, where he progressed from a Special Design Engineer to Division Vice President & Business Manager. His tenure there was marked by extensive international experience, including serving as the Sales Director for the Asia Pacific region. He also held key leadership positions at GeoSLAM (a FARO solution focusing on 3D mobile mapping) and Fluke Corporation, where he directed global sales and marketing strategies for high-precision testing and measurement tools. David holds an MSc in Engineering and Management from Sheffield Hallam University and a BSc (Hons) in Engineering from the University of Exeter.

David Primhak

VP/GM at Novanta

David Rogers (Director) received his PhD in Solid State Physics from the University of Glasgow (Scotland) in 1990. His early research career at Philips Research Laboratories (Netherlands), Carnegie Mellon University (US) and Nippon Telephone and Telegraph (Japan) focused on magnetic materials for data storage. Dr. Rogers was later Project Manager of a cuprate superconductor start-up company based in Paris. In 2001, he co-founded Nanovation (www.nanovation.com), a French start-up specialised in the development, fabrication and commercialisation of oxide semiconductor epiwafers and nanostructures. Dr. Rogers is the author/co-author of over 30 patents and 130 publications. He is also an organiser and a regular invited speaker at numerous international conferences. In parallel with developing Nanovation, Dr. Rogers has pursued an academic career as a lecturer at the University of St Andrews (UK), an Associate Professor at the University of Technology of Troyes (France) and a visiting Professor at the Indian Institute of Technology (Jodhpur). As well as his role at Nanovation he is also currently an adjunct Professor at the University of Technology of Sydney.

David Rogers

Director at Nanovation

Dirk Hauschild (Senior Strategic Marketing Expert) is a dynamic management professional with advanced knowledge in engineering, international project management and key account management with leading blue-chip companies in USA, Europe and Asia. Dirk has more than 30 years experiences in developing and marketing of technologies and related products with a demonstrated history of guiding the laser and optics industries into new applications and markets. Skilled in photonics, thin films, materials science, CMOS, nanotechnology and semiconductor industry with various management disciplines and positions; transformation of a deep-tech start-up into a world class high-tech company; proven ability to combine strategy with organizational change; coaching of technical and marketing managers up to C-level professional; strong record of increasing profitability and improving operational efficiencies and market share, with superior client service rating. He has more than 150 international publications, invited talks, papers and patents. He served with Focuslight as Head of LOBU R&D (01-2020 to 04-2023) and with LIMO as CMO (01-2017 to 12-2019) and various VP and Director positions in Product Management, Marketing and Sales. Dirk has a diploma degree in Electrical Engineering from the Technical University of Braunschweig with focus is on electronics, rf-technology, telecom and fiber laser technology.

Dirk Hauschild

Senior Strategic Marketing Expert at Focuslight Dortmund

Dmitry Tabakaev (Senior Scientist) is a Senior Scientist at the Photonic Systems Research Unit, Silicon Austria Labs GmbH. He co-leads the Laser applications ecosystem and is responsible for both business and research development in the fields of high-power compact lasers, high-energy laser fiber beam delivery, laser sensing and their application in the space, defense, and semiconductor industries. Dmitry did his PhD and Postdoc in the field of Quantum nonlinear optics in the University of Geneva.

Dmitry Tabakaev

Senior Scientist at Silicon Austria Labs

Dominic Schulz (Head of Photonics) has almost 15 years of experience in the field of photonics. Fraunhofer HHI offers various services and solutions related to quantum technologies, like QKD systems or components for quantum sensing. Dominic received the M.Eng. degree in communications engineering from the Berlin University of Applied Sciences, Germany, in 2012, and the Ph.D. degree from the Technical University of Berlin, Germany, in 2019. In 2012, he joined the Department of Photonic Networks and Systems at Fraunhofer HHI, where he worked in the field of optical wireless communications. His research interests included the development of high data rate systems for wireless access and research towards short-range outdoor backhaul links for small radio cells and wireless-to-the-home. He led several national as well as international research projects and was developing optical wireless systems together with partners from industry. From 2020 onwards he was responsible for the research and development of the optical wireless communication topic and was deputy head of group at Fraunhofer HHI. After completing his MBA at RWTH Aachen University in 2021, he now heads the Strategy Photonics group at Fraunhofer HHI, where he is responsible for business development, strategy and marketing for all photonic departments.

Dominic Schulz

Head of Strategy Photonics at Fraunhofer HHI

Dominique Bonnisseau (CEO & Founder) is the founder and CEO of PHOTONIKBIZ, bringing over 25 years of experience in business development for high-tech companies. His diverse career spans across leading French firms, from established players to nimble startups. Throughout his career, Dr. Bonnisseau has held various leadership roles, including expert design engineer, product line manager, and sales director. For the past decade, he has focused on supporting numerous companies in the photonics industry, fostering growth in sales and commercial processes across a wide range of technologies, including lasers, optical fibers, software, vision systems, quantum communication, nanomaterials, meta-optics, electro-optical transceivers, ion and electron sources, and more. Dr. Bonnisseau holds a PhD in Physics from Grenoble University, France and graduated with an Electronic Engineer degree.

Dominique Bonnisseau

CEO at PHOTONIKBIZ

Dorota Pawlak (President of the Board) is the president of the newly established Centre of Excellence for nanophotonics, advanced materials and novel crystal growth-based technologies, ENSEMBLE3, in Warsaw, Poland. DAP is also professor at the Chemistry Department at the University of Warsaw. She leads the Functional Materials Technology group at ENSEMBLE3 which works on new materials with special optical properties and potential applications in such fields as photonics, optoelectronics, medicine and photoelectrochemistry. Together with her group they invented a direct method for producing volumetric glasses doped with various nanoparticles including plasmonic ones and quantum dots, Nanoparticles Direct Doping. She is a laureate of highly competitive projects: Teaming for Excellence by the European Commission, International Research Agenda Programme and TEAM projects by the Foundation for Polish Science, and Maestro project from the National Science Centre in Poland. She is also the president-elect of the Polish Society for Crystal Growth.

Dorota Pawlak

President at ENSEMBLE3

Edwin Wolterink (CTO) started at Philips CFT Research after graduation at Eindhoven University of Technology, developing Metal Forming products and semi-conductor related processes. After 6 years, he started at BU Philips Key Modules / Hard Disk Drives where he developed and industrialized a new manufacturing processes. His interest in optics grew at Philips Optical Storage as project manager of OPU production line equipment development. In 2000, he started at Anteryon (former Philips Optics), and in 2001 started development of Wafer based produced optics. Having created the technology foundation of WaferOptics, mass production started in 2008. As CTO since 2013, he steers the technology roadmap for micro-optics based modules at Anteryon in Eindhoven.

Edwin Wolterink

VP Innovation and Business Development at Anteryon

Eelko Brinkhoff (CEO) has been working for 25 years in economic development before joining PhotonDelta in February 2024. In his previous role as Managing Director Internationalisation at the Brabant Development Agency (BOM) he gained a lot of experience and knowledge in the field of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), internationalisation of SME's, innovation cooperation and economic development. He has built a strong network in the Netherlands and abroad towards business, government, knowledge institutes and universities. In his role as CEO of PhotonDelta the challenge is to mature the organisation after a period of rapid growth and to become an internationally recognised accelerator for the photonic chip industry. PhotoDelta plays a key role in making the integrated photonics ecosystem indispensable for the goals and challenges that we face today. Photonic chips will become critical in various applications such as quantum computing, robotics, sustainable agriculture and autonomous driving. PhotonDelta as a Dutch world leading ecosystem will be a driving force to make this happen.

Eelko Brinkhoff

CEO at PhotonDelta

Elad Volfin (Founder) has a vast experience in Electro magnetics, Big data and intelligence, and a background in Electronics engineering and Business administration and has been part of the Photonics industry for more than 12 years. In the last year, after acting as the VP of Sales & Business Development for Monocrom

Elad Volfin

Founder at Manuup

Elina Koistinen

Executive Director at European Optical Society

Elisenda Lara (Marketing Manager) studied Media and Communication at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and has been working in content marketing for more than ten years. She started her career in audio-visual media working as a cultural reporter, then jumped into the e-commerce sector, and before joining EPIC she has contributed to the dissemination of photonics through an association of the sector.

Elisenda Lara

Marketing Manager at EPIC - European Photonics Industry Consortium

Elizabeth Illy (Director of Marketing) became the Head of Marketing for HÜBNER Photonics after Cobolt was acquired by HÜBNER Photonics in December 2015. Graduating with a PhD in laser applications from Macquarie University, Australia, she worked in research at Oxford Lasers specialising in micromachining. Moving from research, she went into sales working for the local distributor of Spectra Physics lasers before heading the Sales and Marketing team at Cobolt and subsequently becoming responsible for marketing at HÜBNER Photonics as well as Cobolt. As the head of marketing, Elizabeth is responsible understanding market trends and identifying opportunities.

Elizabeth Illy

Head of Marketing at HUBNER Photonics

Emil Tymicki

Head of Functional Materials Laboratory at ENSEMBLE

Eric Mottay (President) is a founder of Amplitude, a leading manufacturer of ultrafast lasers, and is the president of h-nu. Eric graduated from the Ecole Superieure d’Optique, Orsay, and has since specialized in laser development and manufacturing. Eric is the author of many scientific papers and holds several patents in the field. He is passionate about laser technology and applications development and believes that sound engineering and collaborations are the key to success in photonics.

Eric Mottay

President at h-nu

Eric Vieth (General Manager) is a seasoned engineering leader and executive with over 18 years of experience in high-tech product development and systems architecture. Since January 2026, he has served as the General Manager of FiberTech Optica, a subsidiary of the Fiber Optics Group (FOG). In this capacity, he leads the development of custom fiber optic assemblies tailored for demanding applications in quantum computing, remote sensing, and industrial scientific research. Prior to his current executive role, Eric spent nearly 18 years at Christie Digital Systems, a global leader in visual display technologies. He rose through the ranks from an Electrical Product Developer to a Senior Product Developer (Systems), where he was responsible for complex system architecture, requirement specifications, and technical leadership for high-end digital projection and display solutions. Eric holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Electrical Engineering from the University of Waterloo.

Eric Vieth

General Manager at FiberTech Optica

Erwin De Baetselier (Vice President Sales and Marketing) is a prominent figure in the Silicon Photonics industry and an experienced executive leader. Since November 2025, he has served as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Thema Foundries in Belgium. He is most widely recognized as the Co-Founder and former CEO of Luceda Photonics, a leading provider of design software and services for photonic integrated circuits (PICs). Under his 11-year leadership, Luceda evolved from a university spin-off into a global player, enabling engineers to design chips with the same "first-time-right" reliability as traditional electronic designers. Erwin’s career is deeply rooted in the Belgian research ecosystem, having co-founded Luceda as a spin-off from imec, Ghent University, and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). His professional background includes significant management and R&D roles at global technology firms such as Agilent Technologies and Hewlett-Packard, where he specialized in software support, strategic business development, and program management. He holds a PhD in Electronics from Ghent University and a degree in Applied Physics from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Additionally, he earned a Master of Business and Technology (MBT) from UNSW and previously studied medicine at VUB.

Erwin De Baetselier

Vice President Sales and Marketing at Thema Foundries

Estefania Cervantes Montano (Global Sustainability Manager) is a specialized engineering professional leading the environmental strategy for Edmund Optics. Since 2023, she has served as the Global Sustainability Manager, where she directs the Global Sustainability Committee and executes action plans to mitigate the company's environmental impact. Her versatile leadership at Edmund Optics also included a successful stint as the Interim EMEA Product Support Manager, where she managed a multi-national team and significantly improved response KPIs. Her professional foundation combines technical sales and energy analysis, having previously worked as a Sales and Applications Engineer at Edmund Optics and an Account Manager at Iberdrola México. Estefania has a long-standing commitment to environmental advocacy, dating back to her role as Vice President of Be Green A.C. and her leadership within the IEEE Student Branch at Tecnológico de Monterrey. Estefania holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Electrical Engineering and Renewable Energy Systems from the University of Leeds and a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Sustainability Studies from Tecnológico de Monterrey.

Estefania Cervantes Montano

Global Sustainability Manager at Edmund Optics

Eugen Bärwald (Business Development Europe) has a mechanical engineering background. He has worked for over a decade in the high precision bearing applications and mechatronic systems. Eugen has been working at MPS Microsystems since November 2020 and is responsible for the business development in Europe. He is curious about optical technologies and enjoys looking for new applications where MPS can provide added value to the industry like precise miniaturized zoom mechanism or fibre positioning x-y stages.

Eugen Bärwald

Business Development Europe at MPS Micro Precision Systems

Eugene Hohlov (R&D Director & Co-Founder) graduated from the Physical Department of Belarussian State University. His professional experience includes more than 20 years of design of thin film coatings and vacuum systems for different industrial applications. He started his carrier as an R&D engineer in field of optical coating, since time became a head of R&D department and finally a CEO of the company. In 2021 together with his partners founded I-Photonics. He believes that high skilled and motivated team I-Photonics could provide best solutions for new challenges in thin film optical coatings.

Eugene Hohlov

R&D Director, Co-owner at I-Photonics Avizieniai

Eugene Pinchukov (CEO), holds a degree in Economics and Marketing from Belarusian State Economic University. With over 15 years of international experience in the photonics and high-tech sectors, his expertise includes strategic sales, business development, and market expansion. He leads the company’s global growth, building partnerships and scaling operations across Europe, the USA, and Asia. Focused on international collaboration, Eugene works to align I-Photonics with key players in the global photonics and precision optics ecosystem. Under his leadership, the company continues to expand its technological capabilities and enter new markets with tailored solutions for demanding optical applications.

Eugene Pinchukov

CEO at I-Photonics

Evyatar Poleg (General Manager & Owner) established the company in 2015 after completing his engineering degree in electronics with a major in optics and electro-optics from Bar-Ilan University. In his role, Evyatar leads business development, customer engagement, and technical support for suppliers and OEM clients in sectors such as photonics, semiconductors, aerospace, and defense. He has trained at leading optics manufacturers and uses his engineering and market expertise to bridge suppliers and customers in the Israeli technology ecosystem.

Evyatar Poleg

General Manager & Owner at Bi-Pol Electro-Optics

Ewit Roos (General Partner) before joining PhotonVentures as a General Partner, co-founded PhotonDelta, which under his leadership as CEO, became a globally recognized, well-funded accelerator of the integrated photonics industry, focused on scaling the supply of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and their applications. He orchestrated an extensive ecosystem involving Netherlands-based universities, research labs, over 60 company partnerships, and investors, culminating in €1.1 billion of committed investments from the Dutch government and corporate partners for the next five years. Throughout the years, PhotonDelta has been instrumental in founding and funding over ten deep-tech photonics startups, within the broader semiconductor industry. In 2023, PhotonVentures, initially a private investment arm within PhotonDelta, spun off as an independent entity, continuing the venture capital activities incubated by PhotonDelta. Ewit's strategic and impactful contributions in venture capital and corporate partnership development have notably advanced the Dutch integrated photonics sector, particularly through the establishment as co-founder of the dedicated PhotonVentures VC fund. Ewit also made significant strides as Director at Brightmove BV, where he navigated early-stage equity funding for high-tech startups, leading to the funding of 45 companies, predominantly in Series-A rounds.

Ewit Roos

General Partner at PhotonVentures

Ewout Picavet (CEO) is a scientist and entrepreneur specialized in the development of next-generation photonic integrated circuits (PICs). He currently leads FFLOWS, where he oversees a VLAIO innovation mandate focused on the commercialization of a Ghent University spin-off. His work centers on the integration of ferroelectric thin films to enable advanced optical phase modulators. Prior to founding FFLOWS, Ewout spent over five years at Ghent University as a researcher and FWO fellow, where he pioneered pathways for fabricating high-performance photonic platforms. Ewout holds a Master’s degree in Chemistry (Magna Cum Laude) and a Doctor of Science in Chemistry from Ghent University.

Ewout Picavet

CEO at FFLOWS

Fabian Ruecker (Managing Director) joined Deutsche Private Equity in April 2011. Prior to this, he was an Associate at Morgan Stanley in Frankfurt, where he advised on a series of M&A and capital market transactions. Fabian Rücker studied business management at the Goethe University in Frankfurt, at the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba and the University of Sydney. Fabian Rücker has a degree in business management.

Fabian Ruecker

Managing Director at Deutsche Private Equity

Federico Fabrizi

Innovation Engineer at Lithium Lasers

Filip Lugovic (Business Development Director) has over 15 years of experience in business development within the Brussels public affairs arena. Before co-founding Digital Alley he helped DeHavilland, the London-based political intelligence provider, grow the EU arm of their business, and led commercial efforts for EUobserver, the leading online newspaper for EU politics. Filip holds an MBA degree and has studied and worked in Croatia, Russia, the United States and Belgium. He is passionate about playing and coaching water polo, winning the Belgian Cup in 2018.

Filip Lugovic

Business Development Director at Digital Alley

Florian Döring (CEO & Founder) is CEO and founder of an award winning Swiss deep-tech company that develops and fabricates innovative diffractive optical elements. He obtained a PhD from the University in Göttingen and went for a PostDoc to the Paul Scherrer Institut in Switzerland. Following his entrepreneurial mindset, he continued to study for an MBA and started the company XRnanotech. In his professional past, he developed and fabricated high-quality X-ray optics with record-breaking resolution. Now, he is determined to bring such optics to market with a dedicated team of scientists, engineers and businesspersons in the startup company XRnanotech.

Florian Doering

CEO at XRnanotech

Florian Emaury (CEO & Co-Founder) is CEO and Co-Founder of Menhir Photonics. After graduating in 2010 from the Institute d’Optique Graduate School in Paris (MSc in Photonics/Physics), his career started with engineer experiences in Fianium (UK) and Coherent (CA, USA) before joining ETH Zürich to obtain a PhD in Physics in 2015 in the group of Prof. Ursula Keller. Since then, Florian is devoting to create business opportunities with femtosecond lasers. In May 2018, Florian co-founded Menhir Photonics to offer reliable and turnkey ultrafast lasers to its users.

Florian Emaury

CEO at Menhir Photonics

Hervé Flutto (Managing Director) founded Sparksense in 2017. He contributes 25-year track record of scaling innovative tech solutions across Europe and US startup ecosystem. His career combines strategic business development, venture building, and technology investment expertise.

Flutto Herve

Managing Director at Sparksense

Francesco Manegatti (Co-Founder & CEO) is a scientist, entrepreneur and innovator in the field of nanophotonics. With a PhD in optoelectronic nanodevices and over eight years of experience in cutting-edge photonics research, he has worked at the forefront of silicon photonics, optical memories, light amplification and III-V on silicon nanostructures. His journey has taken him through prestigious institutions such as CNRS, IBM, and C2N (Centre de Nanosciences et de Nanotechnologies), where he contributed to groundbreaking advancements in the field. Originally trained as an electrical engineer, Francesco combined his technical expertise with a visionary approach to innovation. He has played a key role in developing ultra-small, high-efficiency lasers that are set to transform data processing and communication. Passionate about pushing the limits of technology, Francesco is dedicated to solving some of the most pressing challenges in AI hardware and high-performance computing, enabling systems that are faster, more efficient and infinitely scalable.

Francesco Manegatti

CEO at NcodiN

Francisco Javier Díaz Otero (CEO) holds a PhD in Telecommunications Engineering, an MBA, and master’s degrees in Cybersecurity and Geolocation. He is the promoter partner and General Manager of SPARC FOUNDRY, the first national commercial foundry developing photonic devices in group III-V components, and serves as President of Aephos, a private business association for the promotion of photonic technologies. A full professor at the University of Vigo, Francisco coordinates three Marie Curie collaborative actions with industry in integrated photonics, has led multiple European projects under H2020 and Horizon Europe, and directs the QOPHI Lab, a 14-member research group focused on applications of integrated photonics in space communications, QKD, and sensing, particularly in the design and testing of PICs in group III-V technologies.

Francisco Javier Díaz Otero

CEO at SPARC Foundry

Frank Bose (General Manager) is a highly accomplished executive and physicist with over 30 years of experience in high-tech manufacturing, microtechnology, and semiconductor engineering. Frank’s career is defined by his ability to scale "greenfield" operations and execute complex corporate turnarounds. As the CEO of NextLens and Managing Director at Optotune, he pioneered the commercialization of liquid lens technology, leading to its first-to-market integration in flagship smartphones like the Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold. His leadership in these roles involved building mass-production infrastructure in Switzerland and Slovakia capable of producing 40 million units annually. Previously, he served as CEO of Essemtec, where he led a major digital transformation and restructuring, and CEO of GS Swiss PCB, where he tripled revenue by expanding into the medical electronics market. His early career includes technical leadership roles at Applied Materials and LSI Corporation in Silicon Valley. Frank holds a Doctorate in Physics & Mathematics and a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from ETH Zürich. He also earned an MBA from the University of Cape Town.

Frank Bose

General Manager at Axetris

Frank Lerch (Vice President Business Development) studied Business Administration at Free University Berlin and University of Warwick. He did research on industrial economics and network management at Free University Berlin, University of Strathclyde, the University of Arizona and the University of Armed Forces in Hamburg. He holds a PhD in Business Administration. He was co-founder of Dahlem Research & Consulting Group GmbH (est. 2009). He is also mentor of photonics related start-ups in the Berlin ecosystem. He was managing director of OpTecBB, the Photonics network in Berlin Brandenburg, between 2012 and 2022. He joined EPIGAP OSA in October 2022.

Frank Lerch

CFO & VP Business Development at EPIGAP OSA Photonics

Frank Lison (CEO & Co-Founder) graduated in 1994 from Leibniz University in Hannover and earned a PhD in Physics from the University of Bonn. Frank began his career at Bayer AG and transferred in 2002 to TOPTICA Photonics AG as VP of Research & Development. In 2009, he became CEO of TILL Photonics GmbH. When TILL Photonics was acquired by FEI Inc. in 2011, he stayed on as the managing director of FEI Munich GmbH. He was responsible for the worldwide cell and tissue biology division at FEI until he left in early 2014. Since then, he has worked as an independent consultant in the Photonics industry, mainly focusing on start-ups. Since October 2016, he has been the CEO of TOPTICA Projects.

Frank Lison

Managing Director, CEO at TOPTICA Projects

Frank Wolfs (CEO) is an expert in international talent acquisition and recruitment strategy with over 15 years of experience in the Dutch high-tech and semiconductor industries. He is the Founder and Managing Partner of ProFound Corporate Recruitment and JointheDutch, organizations dedicated to RPO, employer branding, and assisting international professionals with career moves to the Netherlands. Since 2016, he has served as the Talent Acquisition Lead for imec the Netherlands at the High Tech Campus Eindhoven, and since 2019, he has held a similar leadership role at OnePlanet Research Center. Frank holds a BS in International Business Marketing from Inholland University of Applied Sciences and also studied at Northern Arizona University's W. A. Franke College of Business.

Frank Wolfs

CEO at Profound Corporate Recruitment

Gabriella Jager

Technology & Market Analyst at Semilab Co.

Gary Sum Huan Ng (Director) is a technical leader and strategist with extensive experience in manufacturing technology and semiconductor innovation. Since 2024, he has served as the Director of the National Semiconductor Translation and Innovation Centre (NSTIC) in Singapore, where he oversees initiatives to bridge the gap between semiconductor research and commercial application. Concurrently, he serves as a Deputy Director at A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), a role he has held since November 2022. He holds a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the National University of Singapore, as well as a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Additionally, he earned an MBA with a focus on Strategy from Nanyang Technological University.

Gary Sum Huan Ng

Director at National Semiconductor Translation and Innovation Centre (NSTIC)

Gediminas Račiukaitis (Head of Department of Laser Technologies) graduated from Vilnius University, Faculty of Physics in 1978 and got his PhD degree in 1985 in the field of non-linear laser spectroscopy. Since 1995, he is with the Ekspla and currently holds a position as a consultant on laser technologies. Since May 2021, he is the President of the Lithuanian Laser Association. His activity related to the application of lasers in the industry was moved to the Institute of Physics in 2004. Since February 2011, the laboratory has been converted to the Department of Laser Technologies with nearly 100 employees now. His research areas include the development of new laser sources, applications of lasers in material micro-processing with ultra-short pulse lasers and photonics and implementation of laser technologies in the industry. 2013-2017, he coordinated the European FP7 project APPOLO on assessment of laser-based equipment with 36 partners across Europe and is involved in the implementation of Horizon Europe projects LASER-PRO, SUINK, EPACE and coordinating the Lithuanian Chips Competence Centre.

Gediminas Raciukaitis

Head of Department of Laser Technologies at FTMC - Center for Physical Sciences and Technology

Georg Draude (General Manager) studied biology at Kassel University with a diploma in microbiology in the field of environmental cleaning. In 1999, he finished his PhD at the medical faculty of LMU Munich. Georg worked for several years as sales engineer for Imaging Solutions in medical and biological research and in the laser industry. He joined Chroma in 2010 as Key Account Manager Europe, became European Sales Director in July 2012 and General Manager of Chroma Europe in September 2015.

Georg Draude

General Manager at Chroma Technology

Gerald Silberer (Regional Sales Director Europe) has over 30 years of experience in technical sales and regional management. He has been at EV Group for over 19 years, where he currently serves as the Sales Director for Europe. Prior to this, he spent 16 years as a Sales Engineer at RSF. He is an alumnus of HTBLA Braunau, where he studied from 1986 to 1991.

Gerald Silberer

Regional Sales Director Europe at EV Group (EVG)

Gerard Whoriskey (Technical Director) graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University with BEng (Hons) in Electronic Engineering. He then embarked on an R&D based project through a KTP programme involving a partnership between CIL Ltd (CoolLED’s parent company) and the University of Southampton ORC department. During this project he investigated what could be achieved with LED technology and optics and helped conceive and develop the first CoolLED products. He has been with CoolLED ever since, working with the latest technology to develop exciting new products.

Gerard Whoriskey

Technical Director at CoolLED

Gernot Wolkenstein (Technical Director) is a specialist in precision automation and high-tech manufacturing. His career is defined by a steady progression through the microelectronics and photonics sectors, including over five years at Finetech where he transitioned from an Application Engineer into senior Product and Project Management roles. He also contributed to advanced process monitoring at LayTec and spent five years as a Research Assistant at the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Systems and Design Technology (IPK). Gernot holds a Graduate Degree (Diplom-Ingenieur) in Engineering Physics from the Technical University of Berlin.

Gernot Wolkenstein

Technical Director at Tresky

Giacomo Benvenuti (CTO) brings more than two decades of experience in thin-film materials, oxide deposition, and vacuum technologies. He has served since 2010 as CTO/CEO of 3D-Oxides, where he leads the development of advanced oxide thin-film materials, and as Founder of ABCD Technology, which provides specialized equipment for 3D-patterned oxide thin-film deposition. Earlier in his career, he worked as a scientist and consultant across materials science and R&D, including roles at EPFL, CERN, and several industrial research organizations, with a strong focus on laser-assisted thin-film deposition and advanced materials processing. Giacomo holds a Ph.D. in Thin Films from EPFL, a Master’s degree in Physics from the University of Milan, and has completed additional training in entrepreneurship and company management.

Giacomo Benvenuti

CEO at Nio-Lith

Gijs Brienen (Sales Engineer) is working as a sales engineer for Mintres B.V. Currently finalizing his study, commercial economics, at Fontys University of Applied Sciences in Eindhoven. Previously also worked as sales engineer at another company in the semiconductor industry.

Gijs Brienen

Sales engineer at Mintres

Giovanni Cennini (CTO) is a high-level technology executive and physicist with over 20 years of experience leading digital transformation and R&D in the photonics, lighting, and automation industries. His career is marked by significant leadership roles at Philips Lighting (now Signify) and Moba Group. At Moba, he led a global organization of over 100 engineers developing digital solutions for the food processing industry. During his long tenure at Signify/Philips, he was a key architect of the company’s digital transformation, driving roadmaps for Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, Digital Twins, and Quantum Computing. He also played a critical role in the strategic separation of Philips into two standalone companies. Giovanni holds a Doctorate in Physics from the University of Tübingen, where he graduated summa cum laude and received the best PhD thesis award for his work on quantum degenerate gases and atom lasers. He also earned a Global Executive MBA from the Rotterdam School of Management (Erasmus University) and a Master’s degree in Physics with honors from Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II.

Giovanni Cennini

CTO at Anteryon

Marcello Girardi (CEO) co‑founded the company along with other experts to advance prototyping and manufacturing of scalable photonic devices, including microcombs for applications in optical communications, sensing, and metrology. Girardi’s background is in physics and material science, having earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Trento, a Master of Science in Material Science from the University of Padova, and a Ph.D. in Microtechnology and Nanoscience from Chalmers University’s Photonics Laboratory, where he focused on design and fabrication of multilayer photonic integrated circuits.

Girardi Marcello

CEO at Solinide Photonics

Giuseppe D'Amelio (Chief Development Officer at ATLENSYS Group) brings over two decades of experience within the group, playing a central role in driving European development and supporting international growth. Based in Italy, Giuseppe bridges operational and commercial responsibilities, with a strong focus on strategic partnerships and long-term scalability.

Giuseppe D'Amelio

Chief Business Development Officer at ATLENSYS

Glenn George (CEO) has over 40 years of experience in the photonics packaging industry having worked for STC, Nortel and Bookham in their Paignton based centre of excellence. He formed Bay Photonics in 2007 to address the need of retaining this expertise to support customers in Europe and North America with their advanced photonic packaging design requirements. With the wider use of the photonics in areas such as 5G, sensors and Quantum communication, detection and encryption, Bay Photonics has grown from just the original 2 founders to become an established and impressively equipped packaging house with over 30 employees accessing world class laboratories which contain state of the art tools for design and manufacture of low to medium volume technology demonstrators, prototypes and production batches of 10s to 1000s/month. Our very well qualified and experienced team are eager to help you realise your next exciting project.

Glenn George

CEO at Bay Photonics

Glenn Jackling (CEO) has served as the CEO & President of APPLIED IMAGE since 2015. Glenn was awarded an MBA from the University of Rochester and an MS in Applied and Mathematical Statistics and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology. He held numerous senior management roles at various companies in the local community, including Eastman Kodak, CPAC, and Newtex.

Glenn Jackling

CEO at Applied Image

Gonzalo Guadaño (CEO) has 17 years of experience in the development of advanced laser processing systems and R&D machinery. He has served as Chief Officer at LASING since 2009, where he leads a team of experts in laser technology, robotics, motion control, and artificial vision. Under his leadership, the company specializes in creating precision laser processing solutions, including specialized machinery for battery R&D. Gonzalo began his tenure at the company as a Laser Systems Engineer, focusing on the technical integration of complex optical and electronic components. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Automatic and Electronic Engineering from the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and a Master’s degree in Photonics from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid.

Gonzalo Guadano

CEO at Lasing

Goran Karanovic (Managing Director) is a digital marketing and Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) expert. He leads the work on PPC advertising (Google and social media) and SEO. Google certified, he comes from a media background, having spent a decade in TV journalism. He is a writer, SEO copywriter, content creator and award-winning author. He holds a PhD in Law and is a member of Mensa.

Goran Karanovic

Managing Director at Digital Alley

Gregoire Bonnat (Co-Founder & CEO) is a French entrepreneur and engineer known for his leadership in mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) and his recent pivot into deep-tech and integrated photonics. Grégoire is most recognized for co-founding Padam Mobility, where he served as CEO for over nine years. Under his leadership, Padam evolved from a consumer shuttle service in Paris to a leading global B2B provider of on-demand transit (DRT) and paratransit orchestration software. Following the company's acquisition, it became a core part of Siemens Mobility Software, where Grégoire continued to lead as CEO and later as a Senior Consultant for Level 4 Autonomous Vehicle (AV) strategies. In addition to his executive roles, he is an Entrepreneur in Residence at Rosemont Technologies, where he scouts and develops spin-offs in III-V semiconductors, photovoltaics, and photonics. He holds a Master’s degree in Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering from École Polytechnique and studied Entrepreneurship at UC Berkeley.

Gregoire Bonnat

Cofounder, CEO at DECA-BFC / Lightspring

Guido Bonati is responsible for decisions in the quotations, product development and technical projects fields. He structures the services required of R&D with the resources, ideas and potential and deploys efficient teams to successfully handle customer projects. Guido was awarded a PhD in mechanical engineering, specializing in laser technology and design, at RWTH Aachen University in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. He has worked in management positions all over the world for various companies in the optical industry, including in the fields of laser technology and optics, for over 25 years.

Guido Bonati

GM at Sill Optics Wendelstein

Guillaume Adam (President & CEO of the ATLENSYS Group) began his career in 2001 at Optoprim France, when the company had only six employees, and has since been instrumental in its strategic growth. Under his leadership, ATLENSYS has expanded to over 120 employees and achieved revenues exceeding €70 million across five subsidiaries in France, Italy, and Germany. In 2025, Guillaume led the rebranding of the group to ATLENSYS, marking its evolution from a component distributor to a full-fledged provider of customized photonic solutions.

Guillaume ADAM

CEO at ATLENSYS

Guillaume Huss (CEO) has defended his PhD in 2001 at the University of Limoges (Xlim laboratory). The subject was the use of optical fibers and optical components for stellar interferometry application (high resolution imaging by aperture synthesis) Then, he spent two years as a post-doctoral researcher at IMEP (Grenoble), under a CNES contract for developing an integrated optics component for the recombination of stellar optical flux. In 2005, he starts the LEUKOS project by entering an incubator. He built the first prototypes of supercontinuum sources, jointly with Xlim institute, in the frame of a technological transfer and in 2006 he founds the company LEUKOS with an assistant professor.Guillaume Huss (CEO) has defended his PhD in 2001 at the University of Limoges (Xlim laboratory). The subject was the use of optical fibers and optical components for stellar interferometry application (high resolution imaging by aperture synthesis) Then, he spent two years as a post-doctoral researcher at IMEP (Grenoble), under a CNES contract for developing an integrated optics component for the recombination of stellar optical flux. In 2005, he starts the LEUKOS project by entering an incubator. He built the first prototypes of supercontinuum sources, jointly with Xlim institute, in the frame of a technological transfer and in 2006 he founds the company LEUKOS with an assistant professor.

Guillaume HUSS

General manager at LEUKOS

Guy Ear (Chairman, President and CEO) has 10 years of several sales and marketing management positions in airlines, tourism and luxury hospitalities in France, UK and the United-States, prior to deciding in 2004 to take a new challenge in the Photonics industry by taking a Sales & Marketing Director for Asia Pacific at a UV light-source manufacturer for Lithography, Mask Aligner, stepper in the Semi-conductor equipment in Japan. With his strong self-taught abilities and capability in speaking 5 languages in the Asian region, Guy has built up an extensive experience and a human network. He founded Etendue Mejiro KK (Japan) in 2006, a company specialized in design and manufacturing high performance scan lens for semi-conductor and digital displays industry, which was sold in 2009. Guy joined SIGMAKOKI Group (OptoSigma Parent company) as the Head of the International Sales Division to expand the international presence of the SIGMAKOKI Group in Asia and recently by establishing a new subsidiary in Europe in 2014.

Guy Ear

CHAIRMAN CEO at OptoSigma

Hamed Sattari (Technology Manager) obtained his PhD in Photonics from the University of Tabriz in 2014. He then worked as a photonic R&D engineer at NANOTAM, Bilkent University, Turkey. In 2016, he secured a Swiss government excellence scholarship for a research role at EPFL, Switzerland. At EPFL (2017-2021), he excelled in projects focused on silicon photonics and MEMS. In 2020, Hamed advanced to a senior R&D engineer at CSEM, where he managed various projects in PICs and photonic MEMS. Currently, he leads CSEM's LNOI PIC platform and coordinates the H2020 ELENA project for establishing an open LNOI PIC foundry in Europe.

Hamed Sattari

CEO at CCRAFT

Hannah Koeth

next generation at nanoplus Nanosystems and Technologies

Hans van den Vlekkert (CEO) is a prominent entrepreneur and deep-tech pioneer with over 40 years of experience in micro/nano technology, photonics, and quantum systems. He currently serves as the CEO of Chilas Lasers, a company specializing in ultra-narrow linewidth tunable external cavity lasers. Additionally, he operates as a Deeptech Business Consultant through HansiX, where he leverages his extensive background to guide high-tech ventures in the photonics and medical sectors. His career is marked by the founding and leadership of several influential companies in the Netherlands' high-tech ecosystem. He was the longtime CEO of LioniX BV (now LioniX International), a global leader in customized microsystem solutions, and previously held the CEO position at Panthera Group and XiO Photonics BV. He also served as a Director for QuiX Quantum, a leader in photonic quantum computing. Most recently, he held the role of Interim Managing Director for the IVAM Microtechnology Network in Germany.

Hans van den Vlekkert

CEO at Chilas Lasers

Heinz Seyringer (CEO) has a background in physics and mathematics with a focus on photonics. He was managing director of Photeon, which was specialized on integrated optical chips for telecom and sensor applications and moved after 9 years to the Zumtobel Group where he was responsible for the research collaborations of the group. He served in the board of directors of EPIC and is currently chairman of the Austrian photonics platform, Photonics Austria and in the extended executive board of Photonics21. Since September 2017, he is CEO of V-Research.

Heinz Seyringer

CEO at V-Research

Henner Befort (CEO) has led Befort Wetzlar for over 20 years, combining deep industry expertise with strategic foresight. As founder and business owner since 2003, he has cultivated a strong culture of innovation, excellence, and continuous development, positioning the company as a forward-thinking player in the optics industry.

Henner Befort

CEO at Befort Wetzlar

Henning Schröder (Group Manager) received his M.Sc. degree in applied physics from the University of Magdeburg, Germany in 1994 and his Ph.D. degree at the Technical University of Berlin in 2000. Currently, he is with Fraunhofer IZM, heading the Optical Interconnection Technologies Group. His main fields are R&D of photonic packaging and optical interconnection technologies for printed circuit boards and photonic modules. The research focus lies on the design, fabrication and performance enhancement of optical glass waveguides and micro optics for PCB and optical sensors, their characterization, and on reliable micro-optical assembling and packaging technologies for photonic modules, including optical fiber attachment. He holds a lot of patents in photonic packaging technologies. Henning is member of the German Physical Society, German Society of Applied Optics, and European Optical Society.

Henning Schroeder

Group Manager at Fraunhofer IZM

Henri Mrejen

Head of Investments at 7-Industries

Henrik Akesson

Chief Business Officer at UpNano

Henrik Madsen (CEO) founded SPIO Systems in 2020, dedicated to com-mercialising the new manufacturing technology SPIO, which enables applications previously impossible with traditional optical engine designs. Henrik Madsen holds a master’s degree in optics and mechanical engineering from Aalborg University and has worked for more than 30 years in the optical industry, covering both classical optics and, for the past 15 years, micro-optics at the wafer level. He spent eight years at Ibsen Photonics working in R&D on diffractive optics and another ten years at Kaleido Technology in product development and management, specialising in ultraprecision optics and wafer-level glass moulding. Henrik also co-founded Millpond Optics, where he served as CTO, a company that produces custom optics and tooling.

Henrik Madsen

CEO at SPIO system

Henrik Skov Andersen (CEO) joined Ibsen Photonics in February 2011, bringing international experience from senior management positions at Coloplast A/S, Scandinavian Mobility and The Timken Company, and several years as a consultant at McKinsey & Co. At Ibsen, Henrik is responsible for securing strong and sustainable growth through long term partnerships with industrial customers and has grown the business 20% per year since 2014. Henrik Skov Andersen holds a M.Sc. E.E. from the Technical University of Denmark and an MBA from INSEAD.

Henrik Skov Andersen

CEO at Ibsen Photonics

Henry Ryou (Director) has been leading the Space Business Development Team at Green Optics since 2006, managing international sales, national project implementation, contract review, export operations, and overseeing staff. Over his career, he has translated more than 150 optics-related books and served as an in-house English and Japanese teacher for 14 years. Earlier, Henry worked as an Overseas Staff Manager at DSCD, a Project Engineer at H-Tech, spending two years at Hyundai and Mobis automobile plants in the US, and as a Mechanical Engineer at Brother Group, focusing on industrial sewing machine R&D. His extensive experience spans mechanical engineering, international business, and technical leadership in optics and manufacturing.

Henry Ryou

Director at Green Optics

Herman Hogstrom (COO) is a highly specialized executive and physicist with over 19 years of experience at Spectrogon. He oversees the company's global operations. His career at Spectrogon has evolved through key technical leadership roles, including Production Director and Thin Film Production Director, where he focused on the R&D and manufacturing of high-precision optical components. Herman’s academic foundation is in the physics of light and materials. He earned a PhD in Material Optics from Uppsala University, where his doctoral research centered on the optical study of periodic microstructures. He later completed a Post-doc in Nano-photonics at Aalborg University, specializing in Scanning Near-field Optical Microscopy (SNOM) analysis. To complement his technical expertise, he holds an Executive MBA from the Stockholm School of Economics.

Herman Hogstrom

COO at Spectrogon

Hervé Pierrot (Marketing Intelligence Manager) is a veteran of the semiconductor industry with a remarkable 28-year career at STMicroelectronics. He currently serves as a Technical Marketing Project Manager, a role he has held for over 15 years, where he leverages his extensive background in silicon validation, customer support, and lab management to drive strategic marketing initiatives. Hervé’s career is defined by his deep technical roots and international leadership. He spent nearly a decade in Taiwan as a Lab Manager, where he managed teams of Field Application Engineers (FAEs) and led the development of validation tools and prototyping boards for OLED/LCD drivers and audio/sound processors. His expertise spans hardware and software, including FPGA coding, Java-based GUI development, and the maintenance of complex internal tracking servers using MySQL and SVN. He holds an Engineer’s Degree in Electronics and Telecommunication from ENSERB (Bordeaux, France).

Herve Pierrot

Marketing Intelligence Manager at STMicroelectronics

Herwig Van Hove (Founder) is a Belgian financier and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in global wealth management and deep-tech investment. He is the Founder and Director of Thema Foundries, a major semiconductor venture launched in 2024 to convert the former BelGaN silicon foundry in Oudenaarde, Belgium, into an open-access photonic integrated circuit (PIC) hub. Based in Singapore, he also serves as the Founder and CEO of Vahoca, an investment firm focused on securing European chip sovereignty and advancing photonics infrastructure. His career includes senior leadership roles at Notz Stucki Group, Morgan Stanley, and Citibank. Herwig holds a Master of Applied Economics from the University of Antwerp and an MBA from INSEAD.

Herwig van Hove

Founder at Thema-Foundries

Hiro Yokoi (CEO) has more than 25 years of experience in Isuzu Glass Group. Starting working at Isuzu Glass, Ltd (Japan) since 1999. Working for Isuzu Glass Hong Kong in 2004. He has been working for Isuzu Glass, Inc. (USA) since 2005. He initiated development of Double-sided glass moulded lens and IOP series (Glass Filters) of Isuzu Glass Products. He entered the Buddhist priesthood in 2023.

Hiro Yokoi

President at Isuzu Glass

Hiroki Yoshinaga

Executive Director at Keysight Technologies Japan

Hitesh Sahoo (CEO & Co-Founder) has over a decade of experience in micro/nano semiconductor fabrication. He leads the strategic market analysis and business development of sustainable, high-speed coherent receiver technologies. Prior to founding Phanofi, he established a strong technical foundation in the design and engineering of photonic components for ultra-high-speed data transmission. Hitesh holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Photonics from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU).

Hitesh Sahoo

CEO & Co-founder at Phanofi

Hugues de Carpentier (CEO) is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience leading complex industrial transformations and large-scale business units. He was appointed CEO of the ISP SYSTEM Group in 2025. Previously, he served as President and CEO of TK Elevator France, where he managed a €350M business and oversaw a workforce of 2,100 people. Hugues spent over 13 years at Air Liquide in senior leadership roles, including Vice President of Business Transformation Europe and CEO of Electronics Europe, where he managed strategic partnerships with major semiconductor players such as STMicroelectronics, Infineon, and Intel. Hugues holds a degree from École Polytechnique and a Master’s degree from Mines Paris - PSL.

Hugues de Carpentier

CEO at ISP SYSTEM

I-Feng Lin (General Manager) is overseeing operations and strategic direction. Previously, he served as Vice General Manager and co-founder at Atom Semicon. I-Feng holds a Master’s degree in Applied Chemistry from National Chiao Tung University and pursued doctoral studies at the university’s International College of Semiconductor Technology (ICST).

I-Feng Lin

General manager at New YF Precision Corp.

Il Ho Kim (CEO) has been leading Light Measurement Solutions as President and Chief Executive Officer since December 2003, overseeing the company’s strategic direction, operations, and growth over more than two decades.

Il Ho Kim

CEO at LMS

Ilya Kazansky (Co-Founder & CEO) is a serial technology entrepreneur and specialist in high-scale digital transformation and deep-tech innovation. Since 2024, he has served as the CEO of SPhotonix. Under Ilya’s leadership, the company recently secured $4.5 million in pre-seed funding to scale its team and transition its technology from technical validation to industrial prototype demonstration for cold data storage in terrestrial and space-based data centers. Ilya’s career is marked by a strong track record in scaling technology businesses from early stages to major acquisitions. He previously co-founded and served as CTO of GeoZilla (rebranded to Applyft), where he led the company’s growth from $1M to over $20M ARR. He also co-founded Statiq, a big data location intelligence company that was acquired by Telefónica in 2017, where he subsequently served as Technology Director for Telefónica Digital. His earlier experience includes leadership roles at StrikeAd (acquired by Amazon Sizmek) and technical consultancy for major firms like Daimler AG and Comverse.

Ilya Kazansky

CEO at SPhotonix Vilnius

Ingolf Cedra (Managing Director) has held the post since 2014. Ingolf earned a Dipl.‐Ing. in Mechanical and Process Engineering from Dresden University of Technology (1990‐97) and an MBA in Business Management from University of Augsburg/Pittsburgh (2001‐2002). Prior to assuming the chief post for HÜBNER, Ingolf has served VOITH (€ 4 billion privately owned corporate company) as Senior Vice President and Business Unit manager (2008‐2014), as Vice President Sales Project Management (2004-08) and as R&D Manager (1997‐2004).

Ingolf Cedra

CEO / Managing Director at Huebner Holding

Iñigo Artundo (CEO) obtained the M.Sc. in Telecom Engineering at the Universidad Publica de Navarra (Pamplona, Spain) in 2005, and received his Ph.D. in Applied Physics and Photonics at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Brussels, Belgium) in 2009. He has been involved in several national and European research projects and networks of excellence focused on reconfigurable optical interconnects, the design, fabrication and characterization of micro‐optic devices, and on flexible access and in‐building fiber network architectures. He has worked as a reviewer for several scientific journals and national funding agencies. He holds specializations in Business Financing, Commercial Management and Research, and Strategic Marketing. He is a member of IEEE, SPIE and COIT.

Inigo Artundo

CEO at VLC Photonics

Ivan Nikitski (Technology Expert for Quantum and Integrated Photonics) has a PhD in Photonics. He has a strong technical profile built by his experience in both academia and industry of new materials, optoelectronics and semiconducting. During the last 10 years, he grew professionally in the technical environment of photonic technologies and complemented it with important experience in microelectronic production. Ivan has developed projects covering a wide range of applications, such as detectors and wearables, image sensors and integrated photonics, high-speed and high-power electronics, thin-film materials and in-line metrology. He has developed various processes for wafer-scale material production and characterization, wafer-level device testing, innovative device concepts and demonstrators.

Ivan Nikitski

Photonics Technology Expert at EPIC - European Photonics Industry Consortium

Jacek Kulakowski (Business Development Manager) has been driving business development at VIGO Photonics since March 2022, with over three years of experience in the role. He holds a Master of Science (MS) degree in Applied Physics from Warsaw University of Technology, where he studied from 2012 to 2019.

Jacek Kulakowski

Business Development Manager at VIGO Photonics

Jacques Cochard (Founder) is an expert in photonics markets and technology transfer. He is Associate General Director of TEMATYS Development (seed fund) and founder of TEMATYS since 2010. He supports large companies, SMEs, and start-ups in strategic marketing and has led more than 120 market studies for RTO such as CEA, CNRS, RTI and Fraunhofer. He serves as an expert for BPI France, contributes to industrial roadmaps for both French and German Ministries of Economy and funding strategic roadmap for Photonics21 and European Investment Bank. A board member of deep-tech start-ups, he brings 25 years of experience in innovation funding and European project management. Graduated from École des Mines de Nancy, he also teaches technology transfer and marketing for Deeptech in an international environment.

Jacques Cochard

CEO at TEMATYS

Jake Saltzman

Managing Editor at Photonics Media

James Lee (CEO) undertook his PhD in Toshiba’s Quantum Information Group at Cambridge University. While at Cambridge, he developed photon sources for quantum computing, followed by a time modelling equity derivatives at an investment bank. James holds masters degrees in Photonic Systems Development from Cambridge University, and Physics from Oxford University.

James Lee

CEO at Wave Photonics

Jan Heeringa (Sales Director) leads sales activities for the company’s energy products and power solutions across key international markets. He has served in this role since at least 2021, focusing on expanding global sales and business development for SFC’s power supply solutions. Before joining SFC Energy, Heeringa held senior commercial roles including Global Business Development at DEMCON Focal and Global Business Development Manager at LEONI, with experience in B2B sales strategy and market growth. He studied Business Administration at Rijkshogeschool Groningen and Information Technology at Noordelijke Hogeschool Leeuwarden.

Jan Heeringa

Sales Director at SFC Energy

Jan Hendrik Peters (Owner) has a background in physics and business administration. He holds degrees in physics from the University of Washington, Seattle (M.S.) and University of Hamburg, Germany (PhD) and an MBA from the Nordakademie in Elmshorn, Germany, in International Management, International Marketing and Business Communication. Based on his management experience in the academic world (particle physics lab DESY) and the semiconductor business sector (AMTC and Carl Zeiss SMT), he started his management consultancy firm in 2017 to support SMEs in strategy development and balanced business management. He is an EFQM advisor, trainer, and assessor, helping companies to develop themselves. His work as an excellence assessor allows him to acquire a deep insight into management methods from organizations all over Europe, from Mexico, through the Near East and China which he transfers to the realm of small and medium enterprises. Since 2022, he has been providing training for sustainability managers.

Jan Hendrik Peters

Owner at bmbg consult

Jan Heye Buss (Director of Infrastructure) is a physicist and technology leader specializing in ultrafast laser technology and semiconductor dynamics. He joined Marvel Fusion in 2024 as Director of Infrastructure, following a successful tenure at Class 5 Photonics, where he served as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and led award-winning developments in high-power femtosecond lasers and optical parametric chirped-pulse amplification (OPCPA) systems. His career is characterized by deep technical expertise in EUV/soft-X-ray sources and time-resolved spectroscopy. Prior to his leadership roles in industry, Jan was an Affiliated Scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (awarded a DFG fellowship) and a Postdoctoral Fellow at Ruhr University Bochum. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Biology, a Master’s degree (Diplom) in Physics, and a Ph.D. in Physics (summa cum laude) from Ruhr University Bochum.

Jan Heye Buss

Director Infrastructure at Marvel Fusion

Jan Meise (CEO) joined AMS in 2010. He drives the company’s sales expansion plans, organically and inorganically, which resulted in the company’s acquisition of Sweden based Azpect Photonics in 2012 with the financial backing of AMS’ shareholders. Prior to joining AMS Technologies, Jan lived and worked for 9 years in Silicon Valley, USA. In his last position at Finisar, he was responsible for new markets, driving business cases and reviewing potential acquisition targets. As part of a small technical entrepreneurial team, he also co‐founded a boot strapped start up funded by Angel Investments. Jan Meise is a former member of the EPIC Board of Directors.

Jan Meise

Ceo at AMS Technologies

Jan Stensborg (CEO) is the Founder and CEO of Stensborg A/S. More than 25 years of experience in the industrial mass fabrication of functional surface structures, holograms and optical verification devices. Experienced leader and architect in managing product development and deliveries to companies ranging from startups to large companies. Optical and holographic engineering, management, technology evaluation, product management, financial analysis, general technology/IT. Specialties: NIL technology, innovative partnerships, production and tooling.

Jan Stensborg

CEO at Stensborg

Jangsun Kim (CEO) has been working for ICT business over 32 years including 23 years of Photonics related. As a vice president of OSK (Optical Society of Korea) Jangsun has built closer relationship between Academic and Industrial, not just in South Korea but also international communities to make better cooperation in Photonics industries over the world. He is a Senior member of Optical as well as SPIE, and now he has serving Exhibition committee chair of CLEO-PR 2024 (AUG, Incheon).

Jangsun KIM

CEO at Panoptics

Jean Sauvage-Vincent (CEO) studied optical engineering at Telecom Saint-Etienne (France) where he earned a PhD Thesis on the development of plasmonic solutions applied to optical document security. He introduced in 2010 with the French company Surys the first optical component for banknote based on plasmon. With 10 years of experience in the field of optical components development, he joined GLOphotonics in 2018 as a Business Developer for America, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Jean Sauvage-Vincent

CEO at GLOphotonics

François SÉGUIN has worked decades in varied fields of industrial research at IRphotonics, ITF Optical Technologies, EG&G Optoelectronics and Canadian Marconi Company. Since 2008, he is the Founder, Owner and President of XVP Photonics, operating from Montréal, an efficient and productive product development services company. Throughout his career, he has tackled a wide variety of assignments in the telecom, military, industrial, medical and aerospace sectors. He has led and contributed to product and technology development in the fields of integrated and guided wave optics, passive component packaging and reliability, optoelectronic systems, fiber sensors, fiber and semiconductor lasers as well as optical fiber manufacturing. Outcomes : carried out complete development cycles, bringing new ideas from the concept stage to qualification and transfer to production. François is currently executing product development mandates and continuing to manage the growth of XVP Photonics. I have authored several peer-reviewed and proceedings papers and hold or have applied for ten international patents.

Jean-Francois Boutin

Corporate Development at XVP Photonics

Jean-Louis Guyaux (Technical Director) earned a Master’s degree in Physics from the University of Namur, Belgium, in 1989. In 1991, he began a PhD in Physics at the same university, focusing on semiconductors and the surface analysis of thin films. Upon completing his PhD in 1996, he worked as an R&D Engineer at Thomson-CSF (now part of the Thales Group), developing lasers and detectors based on III-V semiconductors. He then became a field R&D Engineer for Picogiga, a France-based manufacturer of gallium arsenide semiconductors, primarily for telecommunications. In 2008, he was appointed Director of R&D, and in 2009, he became Riber’s CTO, responsible for technical and business development, coordinating and managing mechanical, automation, and software design, driving R&D, and leading a team of 26 engineers.

Jean-Louis Guyaux

Technical Director (CTO) at RIBER

Jeff Lee (VP of Sales & Marketing) has more than 30 years of experience in test and measurement solutions, including power electronics, LED, photovoltaic, VCSEL & 3D sensing test systems, and photoelectronics applications. Lee has co‑chaired the SEMI Taiwan PV Standard Committee and is an inventor on multiple patents in photovoltaic and LED testing technologies. Jeff holds a Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the University of California, Irvine, and a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering from the National University of Kaohsiung.

Jeff Lee

GM, Photonics & Precision BU at Chroma ATE

Jens Biesenbach (General Manager) leads BWT's operations in Europe, where he has served as General Manager since 2020. He brings over 25 years of experience in the diode laser industry, including more than two decades at DILAS Diodenlaser, where he was CTO until 2020 and played a key role in advancing high-power diode laser technologies. Before joining DILAS in 1998, Dr. Biesenbach led a research and development group at the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology in Aachen (1994–1997), focusing on diode laser manufacturing, packaging, precision mounting, thermal management, and beam shaping. He holds a master’s degree in engineering from RWTH Aachen University and earned his Ph.D. in the field of precision packaging of high-power diode laser bars.

Jens Biesenbach

GM at BWT Laser Europe

Jens Möller (Head of Optics) is an expert in optical components and optical design and has a wealth of experience in infrared optics and infrared materials. He studied Physical Technology and Optical System Technology at the University of Applied Sciences Ravensburg-Weingarten in Württemberg, Germany. Jens has been an R&D Engineer in the Optics & Laser Techniques department at Diehl Defence since 2008. He has also served as an expert for optical design and optical components at Diehl Group since 2011.

Jens Moeller

Head of Optics at Diehl Defence

Jeremy Picot-Clemente (Photonics Technologies Program Manager) is a physicist specializing in optics. After a PhD in Physics/optics and an MBA in Dijon (France), he decided to explore the photonics industry for several years by managing photonics systems integration for various applications and in different companies. At EPIC, Jeremy oversees the development of the optics and micro-optics fields, and all related technologies and applications. He has a strong interest in new technologies involving photonics, such as AR/VR, LiDAR, 3D sensing, and imaging devices.

Jeremy Picot-Clemente

Technology Expert at EPIC - European Photonics Industry Consortium

Jerome Prieur (President & CEO) has over 20 years of experience leading companies in photonics, lasers, and optical fiber communication systems. He co-founded AUREA Technology in 2010 and has been instrumental in driving its growth and innovation. Previously, Jerome served as Vice President of Sales at VPIsystems and as Director of Sales North America at Photonis and SmartQuantum. He has also played a key role in launching five high-tech start-ups in Europe and the United States. He holds an M.Sc. in Laser and Opto-Electronics from Heriot-Watt / St Andrews University and Sorbonne University Pierre et Marie Curie, a degree from Toulouse Business School, and executive training from EM Lyon Business School.

Jerome Prieur

CEO at AUREA TECHNOLOGY

Jim Theodoras (VP of Product Development) has over 35 years of industry experience in electronics and optics, with skills in project management and strategic partnerships, as well as in the design, qualification and high-volume production of advanced photonic technologies. Theodoras has held increasingly senior management roles in telecoms and optical networking. He started out in 1987 at Texas Instruments, holding positions in hardware engineering for 11 years. He then spent ten years at Cisco, where he led the team responsible for a new Ethernet switch. From 2008 to 2017, he worked for ADVA Optical Networking, first in technical marketing and then as VP of global business development. After that, he spent six years at transceiver manufacturer HGGenuine as VP of research & development. There, he launched a full 400G and 800G product line based on both EML (electro-absorption modulated l aser) and silicon photonics (SiPh) technology. He was most recently VP of engineering at QXP Technologies, where he led passive and active teams at this PLC manufacturer with multiple fabs, factories and production lines. Theodoras earned an MS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas in 1992 and holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Dayton, 1987.

Jim Theodoras

VP Product Development at Scintil Photonics

Johan Vlekken (CTO) graduated as a Master in Physics in 1993 at the K.U.Leuven and received his PhD in Applied Sciences in 1998 at the Institute for Materials Research (UHasselt) and holds a post-academic degree in Business Management. In March 2001, Johan joined I.D. FOS Research as project manager. When in 2003 the activities of I.D. FOS Research where transferred to FOS&S, he was promoted to Chief Technology Officer of FOS&S and became responsible for all R&D activities, the execution of the commercial projects and the production activities. In 2011 Johan joined FBGS International where he is active today as CTO and involved in the R&D as well as the business development activities. Johan is author/co-author of +50 publications published in international journals and conference proceedings. Furthermore, he is co-inventor of 4 patents.

Johan Vlekken

CTO at FBGS

Johannes Koeth (CEO) graduated 1996 in Physics at the University of Würzburg with studies on molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and optical properties of GaN. During his Ph.D., he worked on MBE of lasers in the AlGaSb system in the wavelength range between 1.5 µm and 2.0 µm. One of the main topics of his thesis was the investigation of GaSb based emitters on GaAs substrates. He realized the first GaSb edge emitting laser diodes based on GaAs as well as optically pumped Ga(Al)Sb/AlSb VCSELs, both at 1.5 µm. In addition, he developed and characterized antimonide based DFB lasers in the 2 µm range. In 1998, he founded nanoplus Nanosystems and Technologies GmbH and has presided the company as CEO since then.

Johannes Koeth

CEO at nanoplus

Johannes Pfund (CEO) studied at the Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh/Scotland. In August 2001 he founded the OPTOCRAFT GmbH. In October 2011 he received an innovation award Bavaria („Genossenschaftsverbandes der Volksbanken und Raiffeisenbanken“).

Johannes Pfund

CEO at Optocraft

John Golub

CEO at Groove Laser

Jonas Hellström (Chief Technology Officer) is a prominent physicist and engineering leader specializing in laser technology, non-linear optics, and R&D management. He leads the development department, overseeing the innovation roadmap and product development for high-performance laser systems and sub-systems. Jonas’s career is defined by a deep technical expertise in laser physics paired with a long-standing track record of executive leadership. He was the CTO of Cobolt AB for over 12 years, where he was responsible for the development and qualification of laser products primarily for the biotechnology industry. He also served as the Head of Engineering at Excillum, a manufacturer of high-end X-ray sources for semiconductor and industrial applications. He holds a PhD in Non-linear Optics and an M.Sc. in Engineering Physics from the KTH Royal Institute of Technology.

Jonas Hellstrom

Chief Technology Officer at Novanta

Joost van Kuijk (CEO) is a seasoned executive and strategic advisor with over 20 years of leadership experience in high-tech industries, specifically within the semiconductor, machine vision, and defense sectors. He currently operates as the Founder and Fractional CxO at HighTechExecutive, where he provides strategic guidance to B2B companies on scaling operations, professionalizing R&D teams, and refining go-to-market strategies. His extensive corporate career is highlighted by a 15-year tenure at Teledyne Adimec, where he served as CEO/CMO and VP of Marketing & Technology, driving global innovation in industrial camera technologies for healthcare and global security. Previously, he spent 12 years at Coventor Inc., rising to VP of Marketing & Business Development while shaping market positioning in the MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) and semiconductor manufacturing industries. Joost holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Micromechanics from the University of Twente and a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft). His early career included significant research contributions in semiconductors and MEMS at both of these prestigious institutions.

Joost van Kuijk

CEO at HighTechExecutive

Jörg Brück (Project Director) is a trained banker who worked for 12 years at Commerzbank Frankfurt. Before switching to the events industry in 2004, he was employed for 5 years as commercial manager of a medium-sized company. After that, he worked for altogether 5 years: first as director of a multifunctional arena and later as managing director of a trade fair and congress center. In 2010, he set up his own business, Backstage Consulting GmbH, and, among other things, has been working for Fleet Events as project director of W3 + FAIR since 2013.

Jörg Brück

Managing Director / CEO at W3 Fair

Jorge Julian Sanchez Martinez (Business Development Manager) received PhD in semiconductors technology for low dimensional photonics applications at ETSIT-UPM (Madrid) in 2000, MsC in Physics (UCM) and Mathematics (UNED). He has more than 20 years in the sector, covering different responsibilities in the whole stakeholder chains. Jorge Julian is EC industrial expert from 2002, and (co)author of more than 30 scientific contributions in the domain. From October 2022, he is Sales and Business & Development Senior at HEF Photonics BU/Kerdry in Lannion, France.

Jorge Julian Sanchez Martinez

Sales & Business Development Senior at KERDRY

Joseph Spilman (CEO) has been with the company for over 16 years, progressing through roles such as Business Development Manager, Sales Manager, Director of Sales and Marketing, and President. Joseph holds a Bachelor's degree in Optics from the University of Rochester’s Institute of Optics and an MBA from Rochester Institute of Technology’s Saunders College of Business. With more than a decade of experience in engineering, sales, and business development in the optics market, He has been instrumental in driving Optimax’s growth and success. His leadership combines technical expertise with strategic business acumen, positioning Optimax as a leader in precision optics.

Joseph Spilman

CEO at Optimax Systems

Juergen Frickinger (Head of Bavarian Chips Alliance) is a veteran leader in the European semiconductor and electronics ecosystem. With over 17 years at the organization, he also holds the position of Technology Group Leader, where he manages strategic project planning, technology scouting, and the initiation of scientific and industrial partnerships across Bavaria. His work focuses on critical fields such as microelectronics, embedded systems, power electronics, and MEMS. His extensive background in semiconductor manufacturing includes over 13 years at Fraunhofer IISB, where he led the "Contamination and Materials" research group and managed analytical cleanroom laboratories. During this time, he was seconded to International SEMATECH in Austin, Texas, to conduct global studies on silicon wafer contamination control. He has also served as an independent expert for the European Commission, evaluating large-scale research proposals. Juergen holds a Graduate Degree in Electrical Engineering from FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg.

Juergen Frickinger

Head of Bavarian Chips Alliance at Bayern Innovativ

Juergen Kosel (Head of Division Sensor Systems) is a globally recognized expert in sensing technologies. A prominent academic leader, he is an Adjunct Professor at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), where he was a founding faculty member and led the Advanced Micro and Nanosystems Lab. His career also includes entrepreneurial experience as the co-founder and CSO of Solutions for Nanotechnology, as well as industrial leadership as a Project Manager at MAGNA Powertrain. Juergen is a Senior Member of the IEEE and served as a Distinguished Lecturer for the IEEE Sensors Council (2020–2022). With over 150 journal articles and 40 patents to his name, his research has been featured on the covers of nine scientific journals. He holds both a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and a Master of Science (MSc) with honors in Electrical Engineering from the Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien).

Juergen Kosel

Head of Division Sensor Systems at Silicon Austria Labs

Juha Rantala (Founder) is a prolific entrepreneur, scientist, and investor with over 25 years of experience in advanced materials, semiconductor lithography, and photonics. He is the Founder of PiBond, where he leads the development of ultra-high purity siloxane-based materials for EUV lithography and semiconductor packaging. Rantala is also the Founder of Inkron, a specialist in optical metamaterials for AR/MR optics that was successfully acquired by the Nagase Group. Throughout his career, he has been a foundational figure in numerous deep-tech ventures, including Koite Health Oy (photodynamic therapy), Promilless (enzymatic diagnostics), and Valoya (LED technology for plant growth). His expertise spans the synthesis of organometallic compounds, nanoimprint lithography, and the commercialization of complex optical systems. In addition to his industrial leadership, Juha has been an Adjunct Professor in Materials Chemistry at the University of Oulu since 2000, where he supervises research in optical siloxane polymers and oxide semiconductors. He previously served as a Chief Research Scientist at VTT Electronics and held an adjunct faculty position at The University of Arizona. He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Inorganic Chemistry and a Ph.D. in Chemistry, all from the University of Oulu.

Juha Rantala

Board Member at Pibond

Jukka Perento (Vice President of Operations) is responsible of business development, sales, and marketing for the company. His background includes management positions in both multinational corporations and start-up ventures. Notably, he has served as the CEO of three start-ups specializing in measurement technologies, conductive polymers, and functional materials. Jukka has extensive experience in international business-to-business (B2B) sales, particularly in the realm of new technologies.

Jukka Perento

VP Operations at Inkron Espoo

Julian Rothenbuchner (CEO) is an aerospace entrepreneur and engineer focused on drastically reducing the cost of space exploration and manufacturing. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of Tumbleweed, a venture aimed at accelerating space-based manufacturing, and the Founder of Tumbleweed Mars, where he scaled a team from a high school classroom to over 85 people to develop breakthrough Martian infrastructure. Recently, he was selected as an EWOR Fellow, joining a highly selective startup fellowship led by unicorn founders. Julian holds a Master of Science (MSc) in Space Technology and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Aerospace Engineering (Aeronautics and Astronautics) from Delft University of Technology (TU Delft).

Julian Rothenbuchner

CEO at Team Tumbleweed Commercialization GmbH

Julien Crouzilles

Technical Sales Engineer at SEDI-ATI

JunHong Zou (Sales VP) focuses on the R&D and production of customized optical silicone lenses, sensor optics, LED reflectors, and precision lenses for advanced applications such as drones, aerospace, biomedicine, infrared sensors, and LED lighting. Earlier, he gained experience as Assistant Manager of Product Development at Darkoo Optics, collaborating with customers and software engineers to design tailored optical solutions. JunHong holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management with Communication from the University of Birmingham, where his thesis explored the influence of online personalities on consumer perception, and he also completed a Foundation degree in Commercial Business at UNSW Business School in Sydney, Australia.

JunHong Zou

Sales VP at Aubor Optoelectronic Technology

Justin Wang

Chairman and President at Radiant Opto-Electronics

Justinas Pupeikis (CEO) is a photonics entrepreneur with a deep technical background and strong customer focus. With over a decade of experience in the field and a global network of connections, he has established himself as an emerging leader in the field of ultrafast lasers. He successfully completed the Bridge Proof of Concept program which was at the roots of the first K2 Photonics products. Driven by both innovation and impact, Justinas is focused on building long-term customer value through reliable products and strong partnerships.

Justinas Pupeikis

CEO at K2 Photonics

Kaamutsup Sungkasem

CEO & Co-founder at Eit Lasertechnik

Kamil Pierściński (Research Group Leader) received the M.Sc. and engineering degrees in physics from the Warsaw Univers of Technology in 2004 and the Ph.D. degree (with hons.) in semiconductor laser physics from the Institute of Electron Technology, Warsaw in 2009. From 2012 to 2013, he was a Postdoctoral Researcher at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, working on optically and electrically pumped wafer-fused VECSELs. His main research interests include optical spectroscopy of semiconductor materials and devices with his current research on design and electrical, spectral, and thermal characterization of mid-IR QCLs and their applications.

Kamil Pierscinski

Research Group Leader at Lukasiewicz - Institute of Microelectronics and Photonics

Kaname Hashida Meguro (Product Manager) is the product manager of GaAs substrates in DOWA. She has been working for DOWA since 2007 and has experience in sales of red/Infrared LED and GaAs substrate business. DOWA provides high purity materials (Ga, In, Sb etc.), GaAs substrates, red/Infrared/SWIR/MWIR LED, and UVB-LED. She has a broad GaAs-based photonics experience and a large personal network in the GaAs-based photonics industry.

Kaname Hashida

Product Manager at DOWA ELECTRONICS MATERIALS

Karim Honda

Business Coordinator Manager at Inkron

Katrin Bouani

Head of Marketing at Finetech

Katrin Fleischer

Investor Relations & Sustainability Manager at Jenoptik

Kavitha Buddharaju (Head of Photonics) is a distinguished leader and innovator in the field of Silicon Photonics. Her career is defined by her pivotal role in transforming cutting-edge research into commercial success; she was a Co-Founder and the Business Development Head of Advanced Micro Foundry (AMF) in Singapore. At AMF, she built the sales and business development infrastructure from the ground up, establishing a portfolio of over 150 global customers and partners across the semiconductor and photonics industries. Before her entrepreneurial success at AMF, Kavitha spent over 11 years at the Institute of Microelectronics (IME) in Singapore. She transitioned from a Senior Research Scientist and Principal Investigator, where she authored over 30 scientific papers, into strategic leadership as the Head of Partner Relationship Management. In this capacity, she drove the business case and fundraising efforts that led to the successful spin-off of IME's Silicon Photonics division into AMF. Kavitha holds a Master of Science (M.S.) in Electrical Engineering from Louisiana State University and a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Andhra University.

Kavitha Buddharaju

Head of Photonics at Axiomatic

Kelvin Luo (CEO) is the Founder of Spectraline, where he has provided distribution and customized solutions in the photonics and microwave fields since 2018. He previously spent over eight years at Photonteck Company Limited, rising from Sales Engineer to Department Director. During his tenure there, he managed business development for scientific and industrial markets and led product line marketing and promotion for global principals. Kelvin holds a Bachelor of Science in Laser and Optical Technology from Wuhan University.

Kelvin Luo

CEO at Spectraline Photonics Technologies

Kim Hai Sim (Industry Development Manager) is the industry development manager at LUX Photonics Consortium where he joined since the establishment of the consortium in 2015. He is responsible for developing and fostering close collaborations and partnerships between industry and academia as well as the photonics communities. Prior to LUX, he was a product marketing manager at Globalfoundries and experiences in the semiconductor industry.

Kim Hai Sim

Industry Development Manager at LUX Photonics Consortium

Kim Hansen (CCO) has been with the company since 2001. First as project and product manager in Crystal Fibre and today with the responsibility for Sales, Marketing and products strategy. He has an engineering background in physics and telecommunication with a PhD from the Technical University of Denmark and comes from positions within the sensing and telecommunication industry.

Kim Hansen

CCO at NKT Photonics

Koichi Sato (President) has led NTKJ since 2012, specializing in the production of ultra-precise molds and components for optical, medical, automotive, AR/VR, and aerospace applications. He joined the company in 2006 and previously served as Manager, focusing on sheet lenses such as Fresnel and lenticular lenses. He holds a Master of Science in Operations Management and Manufacturing Systems from the University of Nottingham, and a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Waseda University.

Koichi Sato

President at NTKJ

Koichi Suzuki (Director of R&D Eindhoven) is a technical leader and materials science expert. Since moving into this leadership role in late 2025, he has overseen the company’s research and development initiatives within the Dutch high-tech ecosystem. Koichi’s academic background is from the University of Tokyo, where he earned a Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Chemistry.

Koichi Suzuki

Director of R&D Eidhoven at DNP

Konrad Wozniak (Business Area Manager) is a seasoned leader in the motion control and photonics sectors. With a career spanning over 18 years in technical sales and product management, he has spent more than a decade at the Tillquist Group, where he previously served as Manager of Sales. Additionally, he has maintained a long-term role as a Product Specialist at Nanor AB since 2014 and previously managed product portfolios at Parameter AB. Konrad holds a Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Electrical Engineering from Chalmers University of Technology.

Konrad Wozniak

Business Area Manager at Tillquist Group AB

Konstantinas Zakalskis (Head of Growth) is a commercial strategist with over a decade of experience in the photonics and laser industries. Currently leading growth initiatives at SPhotonix, he previously served as Chief Sales Officer for QS Lasers and held key sales engineering roles at Light Conversion. His career also includes nearly three years at OPTOMAN, where he rose to Lead Sales Development Manager, and a six-year tenure at EKSPLA spanning sales engineering and area sales management. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nuclear Energy Physics from Vilnius University.

Konstantinas Zakalskis

Head of Growth at SPhotonix

Krishna Kumar (Head of Technology) has over 25 years of experience in the development of photonic products with applications in multiple areas including telecom, medical, and defence markets. He has a successful track record of R&D leadership and excels in promoting a culture of innovation with a global objective. Prior to Avirata, he co-founded and led innovative photonic product development companies.. Krishna Kumar holds an MSc in Physics from the Univ. of Hyderabad, an MSEE from Oregon Health and Sciences University, and has completed a program in Technology Management from Georgia Tech.

Krishna Kumar

Technology Director at Avirata Defence Systems

Kurt Stokbro (CEO) is an internationally recognized researcher, tech investor, and serial entrepreneur. He is the CEO and early investor of Sparrow Quantum, a photonic quantum technology spin-out from the Niels Bohr Institute, founded by Prof. Peter Lodahl. In addition to his role at Sparrow, Kurt is engaged in multiple deep-tech start-ups as an investor, board member, and advisor. He founded Atomistix in 2003 and QuantumWise in 2008, both software companies developing quantum chemistry simulation tools (QuantumATK) for semiconductor devices. These tools are now industry standards used by most of the leading semiconductor companies. QuantumWise was successfully acquired by Synopsys in 2017. Earlier in his career, Kurt held a professorship at Copenhagen University and positions at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), where he coordinated a number of EU and Danish-funded R&D projects. Kurt's scholarly contributions amount to a publication record of over 100 papers and review articles in esteemed international journals, which has accumulated over 13,000 citations and an h-index of 44. The scheme for ab initio calculations of quantum transport, developed by Kurt and co-workers, has become the de facto standard for electron transport calculations and laid the foundation for QuantumWise and Atomistix.

Kurt Stokbro

CEO at Sparrow Quantum

Francis Ho (Managing Director) is in charge of Sunny Optical Technology's German operations for the European market. His main responsibilities include promoting the company’s products and services, maintaining relationships with local customers, identifying new business opportunities, and developing strategic partnerships across Europe. He has been with Sunny Optical Technology since 2007, working with a wide range of optical and camera module products, including mobile phone lenses, automotive cameras, AR/VR/XR devices, surveillance lenses, machine vision optics, and projection optics. Francis holds a European educational background in physics and has accumulated solid experience in optical design, inductrilisation and manufacturing.

Leit Ho

GM at Sunny Optics

Leon Hol (Managing Director) has been the Managing Director of NTS Optel since January 2022 and has spent his entire career in the High-Tech industry. Starting with his Bachelor's degree in Mechanics, he entered the world of Semiconductors and Photonics, working with several Front-End and Back-End OEM customers in roles such as Engineering, Project Management, and Senior Sales Management. He was involved in the early days of EUV and Cryo technology and participated in various projects in Lithography, Metrology, and several Back-End process steps. Since January 1, 2022, he has been leading NTS Optel and, together with the Management Team, has set an ambitious financial and technological growth plan.

Leon Hol

Managing Director at NTS Optel

Leonor Mariano (Commercial Director) has held various roles at Stensborg including Marketing and Brand Communication Manager, where she managed growth marketing, SEO, and event attendance across Europe. Her background includes experience in the B2B eyewear market with Prooptica SA and a successful freelance career as a User Generated Content (UGC) creator for brands like Hotels.com and Wolt. She holds a Master’s Degree in Economics and Business Administration - Brand Management and Marketing Communication from the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing Management from ISCTE Business School.

Leonor Mariano

Marketing Manager at Stensborg

Levi Terry (Territory Sales Manager) is a technical sales professional with a diverse background spanning photonics, biotechnology, and clinical diagnostics. He currently serves as a Field Sales Engineer and Territory Manager at Laser 2000 UK, where he supports academic and industrial partners across the South West of England and South Wales. In this role, he provides specialized solutions across the full photonics spectrum, including lasers, optics, and motion control. His progression at Laser 2000 UK includes previous roles within the Academia Sales Team and as an Internal Sales Engineer. Prior to entering the photonics industry, Levi built significant technical expertise in high-throughput clinical environments. He worked as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist for PerkinElmer and served as an Associate Practitioner for the London Medical Laboratory, where he managed teams and utilized advanced molecular biology techniques such as RT-PCR and LAMP testing. Levi holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Biology from the University of Lincoln.

Levi Terry

Territory Sales Manager at Laser 2000 UK

Lidia Briquets (Program Manager) has 10 years of experience in strategic commercial and corporate relationships management in the Photonics industry. She has experience in corporate and public relations and key account management, in a wide range of high-technologies industries related to photonics. At EPIC, as a Program Manager, she is responsible for the coordination of member-committee meetings and key activities, as well as working on the engagement of key contacts and stakeholders at various levels of organizations.

Lidia Briquets

Programme Manager at EPIC - European Photonics Industry Consortium

Linus Koeth

next generation at nanoplus Nanosystems and Technologies

Liz Stark (Head of Marketing & Business Development) has over 20 years of experience in sales, marketing and business development in pharmaceuticals and scientific instrumentation. She focuses on identifying opportunities for high-end LED technology across both life sciences and industrial applications. Liz works with customers and partners to align product innovation with practical needs, while overseeing marketing, and long-term planning. CoolLED’s systems are used worldwide in research and industry.

Liz Stark

Head of Marketing & Business Development at CoolLED

Lucas Redlarski (General Manager) joined Mitutoyo in 2012. His educational background is comprised of physics, mathematics, and computational science. In his current role as general manager at Mitutoyo Research Center Europe he overlaps scientific possibility, engineering feasibility, and business profitability. His working field is (mostly non-contact) future dimensional technologies that are accurate, fast, traceable, and robust.

Lucas Redlarski

Senior Technology & Business Consultant at EPIC - European Photonics Industry Consortium

Lukas Ceizaris (Chief Marketing Officer) is a strategic leader at OPTOMAN, where he has spent over four years driving market penetration and inbound sales for advanced laser optics and thin-film coatings. His career seamlessly blends deep technical knowledge with business management, having previously managed business and product development at NIREOS in Milan, where he successfully brought hyperspectral cameras from proof-of-concept to market. He also contributed to the Lithuanian innovation ecosystem through strategic roles at the Ministry of Economy and Innovation and Invest Lithuania. Lukas holds a Master of Science in Management Engineering from Politecnico di Milano and a Bachelor's Degree in Modern Technology Physics and Management from Vilnius University.

Lukas Ceizaris

Chief Marketing Officer at OPTOMAN

Lutz Aschke (Director Laser Strategy) is a seasoned photonics and laser strategy leader currently at Marvel Fusion, where he oversees laser strategy and technical direction for the company’s fusion energy and high‑power laser efforts. Prior to joining Marvel Fusion in 2025, Aschke held senior leadership roles in the photonics industry, including serving as Managing Director of the Photonics Systems Group and in executive positions at companies such as TRUMPF Photonic Components and Mahr Group. He has more than 30 years of experience in laser technology, business development, and innovation management and holds a Ph.D. in physics from Ruhr‑Universität Bochum with additional qualifications in business administration and industrial science. Aschke has also been actively involved in industry organizations, including roles on the boards of photonics associations and technology groups.

Lutz Aschke

Director at Marvel Fusion

Madhav Pulipati (CEO) has been leading the company since 2024. He also holds advisory and board positions at Ernst & Young Global Consulting Services and Sensorem Photonics India, and is a partner at Senaste Technologies. Prior to founding amPICQ, Madhav served as Chief Executive Officer at Photonics Valley Corporation for nearly a decade and held director and deputy director roles at GOAP/GOTS and IEG. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Osmania University.

Madhav Pulipati

CEO at amPICQ

Maik Müller (CEO) has been a member of the Management Board of Nynomic AG since May 2015 and is responsible for Technology, Operations and Research and Development at the holding company. He was also appointed to the Management Board of tec5 AG from October 2010 to April 2023 and had full responsibility for the operational management of the tec5 Group worldwide.

Maik Mueller

President at Nynomic

Majid Sarhangi (Strategic Marketing Manager) leads strategic marketing at Evatec AG, focusing on the photonics market in Europe, including precision optics, smart glass, wafer‑level optics, and functional coatings. He previously worked as a Market Research Analyst and Pricing Manager at Volkswagen AG, where he developed integrated market potential tools and key stakeholder reporting frameworks. Before that, he served as a Proposal Engineer at Valland SpA, managing cost analysis and contract negotiations, and began his career as a researcher on dynamic simulation of grinding processes at the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche. Majid holds an MBA in International Industrial Management from Esslingen Graduate School and a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Politecnico di Milano.

Majid Sarhangi

Strategic Marketing Manager at Evatec

Makoto Iwai (Manager) has nearly 30 years of experience with NGK Insulators (Nippon Gaishi). He currently serves as Manager of New Value Business at NGK Europe, a position he has held since 2023. His long tenure with the company began in 1997, and his recent experience includes serving as a Research and Development Manager in Germany from 2021 to 2023. He also holds a license as a Third-Class Special Radio Operator. Makoto holds a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Electrical Engineering from Osaka University.

Makoto Iwai

Manager at NGK Europe GmbH

Makoto Nishimura (Senior Manager, Marketing & Business Development) has been with Nippon Electric Glass Co., Ltd. since 1999, engaged in sales and business development of glass products for optical and photonics, electronic, and semiconductor applications. He worked as a sales manager for a subsidiary in the U.S. from 2013 to 2018, and he is currently with a subsidiary in Germany as a senior manager of marketing & business development for the European market.

Makoto Nishimura

Senior Manager, Marketing & Business Development at Nippon Electric Glass Europe

Manuel Aschwanden (CEO) holds an MSc in electrical engineering and a PhD in nanotechnology from ETH Zurich. Besides his excellent engineering skills he also gained a broad knowledge in economics during his business education at Imperial College London and at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Prior to Optotune, Manuel has gained experience in engineering at Avalon and ABB. He has been serving as CEO since 2008.

Manuel Aschwanden

CEO at Optotune

Marc Beusenberg (Senior VP Market Strategies and Innovations) received his MSc in mechanical engineering/biomechanics from the Technical University of Eindhoven (NL) in 1989. Marc has over 35 years of experience in R&D and product commercialisations in a variety of industries (Automotive, MedTech, Production- and Test equipment design and manufacturing) as well as at academia in the field of Industrial Design Engineering. Related to Optics and Photonics, Marc has directed equipment design and developments for lens-to-camera active alignment, isothermal wafer level glass moulding, automated optical fibre array assembly, visual wafer inspection systems, and functional testing of PICs on wafer.

Marc Beusenberg

Sr. VP Market Strategies and Innovations at Physik Instrumente

Marc Luennemann (CEO) has held various management roles, including CEO of Osram OLED GmbH, Docter Optics SE and Novaled GmbH, and has worked in the USA, China, Korea and other international markets. Marc holds an Executive MBA and a PhD in physics with a focus on light, optics and solid state physics. His expertise includes strategy, organizational and business development as well as portfolio and M&A management.

Marc Luennemann

CEO at Instrument Systems

Marcel Epping

Business Development Manager at AMS Technologies

Marcel Patraschkov (CEO) has been leading dopa diamond tools since 2007, driving the company’s growth in high-precision diamond tooling and advancing its position in global optics and semiconductor manufacturing markets. With nearly two decades at the helm, he has overseen strategic development, product innovation, and long-term customer partnerships across international high-tech industries.

Marcel Patraschkov

CEO at dopa

Marco Mayer (Strategic Business Development Manager) started his career as a mechanical engineer where he developed skills in the field of optics. His early professional experience incorporated periods in Telecom & Datacom, Ophthalmology and many more industries. He then applied his wide industry knowledge into sales with a focus on optoelectronic components and systems. In 1990, he joined Hamamatsu Photonics as an Area Manager for Switzerland overseeing the local sales team. He also heads the Hamamatsu Think Tank Europe group where he provides strategic support with responsibilities in Sales and Marketing throughout Europe. In January 2022, his role evolved to Strategic Business Development Manager Hamamatsu Europe.

Marco Mayer

Strategic Business Manager Hamamatsu Europe at Hamamatsu Photonics EUROPE

Marcus Verhoeven (Managing Director) co-founded aSpect Systems in 2003. He has extensive experience in the development and production of precision optoelectronic products, supporting sectors including medical, industrial, data and telecommunications, automotive, and aerospace. His expertise spans engineering, prototyping, testing, serial production, and end-of-life services, with a strong focus on product and process innovation, wafer back-end services, chip-on-board, flip-chip, 3D integration, opto packaging, and testing. Before founding aSpect, he was Test Floor Manager at Silicon Vision AG from 1998 to 2002, overseeing semiconductor test operations. Marcus holds a Diploma in Applied Physics from the University of Wuppertal.

Marcus Verhoeven

Managing Director at aspect systems

Maria Chiara Ubaldi (CEO) is a senior scientist and entrepreneur specializing in advanced photonics and optical coherence tomography (OCT). She leads the commercialization of industrial-grade OCT systems utilizing Swept Source technology. Her career spans over 20 years, during which she has transitioned complex photonic concepts - including integrated optics and external cavity lasers - into scalable industrial products. Maria Chiara is a prolific researcher with over 30 international publications and holds three international patents. She earned both her PhD and her undergraduate degree in Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering from the Politecnico di Milano. Her doctoral research focused on volume holographic techniques for optical signal processing, laying the technical foundation for her subsequent work in high-speed optical communications and sensing.

Maria Chiara Ubaldi

CEO at CareGlance

Marisa Edmund (Chairman & CEO) is a global business executive with over 25 years of experience in the photonics industry organizing and leading companies. She specializes in global communications, direct marketing, talent development, integration of acquired companies and expanding into emerging markets. Marisa is Chairman of Edmund Optics Inc. where she oversees 15 global offices including manufacturing facilities, 1,300 global staff members, and a Board of Directors. Marisa holds an master’s in business studies and is a Senior Member of the Society of Photo-Optics Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE).

Marisa Edmund

Chairman and CEO at Edmund Optics

Marius Šemeta (CEO) is the co-founder of 3photon with more than 20 years of experience in Laser Optics and Crystals components development. His working experience leads through a few largest Lithuanian Photonic Industry companies where he took various responsibilities as a manager for sales, new products development, and internal process improvement. Marius graduated from Vilnius University, Faculty of Physics, and holds an MSc in Laser Physics and Optical technologies. His deep knowledge of applications for crystals or optical components and technologies used in photonics allowed to start 3photon company in order to bring the best solutions for Laser Industry.

Marius Semeta

CEO at 3photon

Mark Goebel (Technology Fellow) studied Chemistry in Kaiserslautern with focus on non-linear optical and electrooptic properties of organic materials. Joined Merck in 2006 to work in liquid crystal related display research. He spent three years as head of liquid crystal research at Merck’s research center in Chilworth (UK). In his role as Technology Fellow, he is responsible to establish a clear view of coming macro trends in the electronics industry. To enable this, he works together with the CTO team as well as all Electronics businesses on establishing a trend radar, as well as technology roadmaps and strategies. Also, building up a strong external network to exchange on future trends is one of his key responsibilities.

Mark Goebel

Technology Fellow at Merck

Mark Kuijpers (Sales & Marketing Director) has been leading sales and marketing at Lobre since 2018, specializing in optical engineering and high-precision optical components. He also serves as President and CEO of Eview since 2003, a company focused on complex marketing research projects and consultancy. Previously, he was Director of the Interactive Division at Ipsos), and Director of International Research at DIRECTA. Mark holds an Engineering degree in Business Administration (Technische Bedrijfskunde) from Eindhoven University of Technology and studied at Fontys University of Applied Sciences.

Mark Kuijpers

Sales&Marketing director at Lobre

Markus Bartram (CEO) finished his degree in electronics engineering at the University of Aachen. He planed to conduct a research on high power pulsed laser diode arrays delivering as few as 100 ns pulse width. This dates back to 1998 when laser diodes where not as powerful as today. They had shorter life times and less reliability. We are talking about 100 hours of life time and up to 10 Watts of power back then compared to 100.000 hours and 500 Watts today. The industry was not ready yet to take advantage of such technology. So, the whole idea ended up in a box. In 2004, the market requested more and more high-power pulsed laser diodes. One year later, in 2005, PicoLAS was founded by Markus Bartram.

Markus Bartram

CEO at PicoLAS

Markus Bilger (Senior Director Product Line Management) leads global product line strategy at VIAVI Solutions, where he has built and managed product portfolios for more than two decades. Since 2019, he has overseen product line management as Senior Director, following progressive leadership roles including Director and Senior Product Line Manager. His work focuses on driving product strategy, lifecycle management, and market alignment for optical security and performance solutions. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Golden Gate University.

Markus Bilger

Senior Director Product Line Manager Optical Security and Performance Prods at VIAVI Solutions

Markus Riedi (CEO) studied precision engineering with a focus on optics, mechanics, and electronics at the Hochschule Munich. Internships at Rodenstock, Steinheil and Phytron complemented his studies. Since 1980, Mr. Riedi has also worked in his family's manufacturing business. During this time, Mr. Riedi qualified as a master craftsman and took over the management of the company in 1992. In 1993, Mr. Riedi began to work in parallel in Opto Sonderbedarf GmbH and took over 100% of the company in 1999. In 2008, the family business was integrated into Opto GmbH. Mr. Riedi acquired his business and management know-how in numerous seminars in business management and management training. In his private life, Markus was a top athlete in swimming for many years and subsequently coached competitive teams. Markus is married, has two children and lives in Munich.

Markus Riedi

CEO at Opto

Markus Ruetering (Managing Director and VP of Sales) is a veteran leader in the laser and photonics industry with over 35 years of experience in R&D, product management, and global sales. He currently serves as the Vice President of Sales for EMEIA (Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India) and Managing Director at MKS Instruments, where he oversees major brands including Newport, Spectra-Physics, and Ophir. His leadership focus involves managing sales for the Photonics Solutions Division and directing operations for Newport Spectra-Physics GmbH and Ophir Spiricon Europe GmbH from their Darmstadt base. Before joining MKS in 2022, Markus spent over a decade at Laserline, where he rose to the position of Sales Director. During his tenure there, he was instrumental in expanding the company's footprint in the EMEA and APAC regions, focusing on high-power diode laser technology for general manufacturing. His earlier career includes a prolific 22-year tenure at Rofin-Sinar Laser (now part of Coherent), where he began as an R&D Engineer before transitioning into executive roles such as Product Manager for laser sources and Sales Manager for Asia. Markus holds a Diplom-Ingenieur (Bachelor’s degree equivalent) in Physical Engineering from Fachhochschule Wedel.

Markus Ruetering

Managing Director and VP of Sales EMEIA at MKS Corporation- Newport Spectra-Phyiscs GmbH

Markus Wilkens (Coordinator EU CSA) has more than 15 years’ experience at the VDITZ in the set up and execution of innovation-oriented initiatives at the interface of research, industry and politics. He managed to grow the European Technology Platform Photonics21 from a 60-member interest group to a European organisation with today more than 3000 members representing 1700 photonics companies and research organizations. He is responsible for the managing the private side operations of the Horizon 2020 Photonics Public Private Partnership which was valued “best in class” by and independent expert group of the European Commission as part of the Horizon Europe mid-term review. Prior to that, he worked as a consultant for the Bayerische Landesbank, Munich, in the start-up technology financing. Markus Wilkens studied Biology and Engineering at the Freie Universität Berlin, Stanford University and University of Bremen.

Markus Wilkens

Senior Technology Consultant, Coordinator EU CSA at VDI Technologiezentrum

Martin Braun (Events Manager) has 20 years of experience in hospitality management. His extensive background in stakeholder management, organizing various types of events, and delivering excellent service and consulting to customers is a great asset to our EPIC.

Martin Braun

Events Manager at EPIC - European Photonics Industry Consortium

Martin Collins (Managing Director) has an MEng Electronic Systems. Martin previously worked on digital hardware design projects, developing ASICs and firmware for DEC PDP-11 computer emulation projects. Subsequent years as a Sales Engineer in the semiconductor distribution industry has led Martin to his current position with Yelo.

Martin Collins

Managing Director at Yelo

Martin Eckstein (CTO) is responsible for technology strategy and product development at Lumics, where he leads the evolution of the company’s diode laser portfolio, production technologies, and process innovation. He has been with Lumics for several years, previously managing product development and working as an optical engineer, focusing on high-power laser packages for medical and industrial applications. Earlier in his career, he conducted advanced research in ultrafast laser spectroscopy and quantum optics at the Max Born Institute, the University of Bonn, and the University of Glasgow. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Physics from the Free University of Berlin and a Master’s Degree in Physics from the University of Bonn.

Martin Eckstein

CTO at Lumics

Martin Hovestadt (CEO) studied mechanical engineering at the University of Dortmund. From 1986 to 1991 he worked at Volkswagen in Kassel in production planning where he builds his skills in organization and the planning of processes and manufacturing lines for the high-tech industry. In 1991, he joined Jueke Systemtechnik GmbH, which was just before founded by his partner Heinz Juergens and they together grow up the company. Today Heinz and Martin are the main owners of a successful technology company with 140 employees. Under his leadership, Jueke has developed into a successful service partner for product development, system integration, contract manufacturing and regulatory affairs in the high-tech sectors of photonics, medical technology, and diagnostics/analytics. Today his professional experience is based on more than 30 years of entrepreneurial, technical and management know-how.

Martin Hovestadt

Owner at Jueke Systemtechnik

Martin Oberroither (M&A Expert) is an experienced finance and operations leader at Miba, currently serving as Deputy Site Manager at Miba Sinter USA, where he is responsible for supply chain, production, quality, and controlling, and plays a key role in the site’s turnaround and sustainable growth. Previously, he held senior finance roles within the Miba Group, including Senior Group Controller for the Miba Sinter Division, overseeing global accounting and financial operations across multiple subsidiaries, and Corporate Finance Manager with a strong focus on M&A, consolidation, and risk management. Martin holds a Doctorate in Business and Economics from the University of Salzburg, a Master of Science in Finance and Accounting from WU Vienna University of Economics and Business, and a Bachelor of Science in Business and Social Sciences from the same institution.

Martin Oberroither

M&A Expert at Miba

Martin Roth (Scientist) served as Research Assistant at Universitäts-Sternwarte München from 1986 to 1991. He then became an Observer at Wendelstein Observatory in 1991 before joining AIP in 1994, where he worked as Head of Program until 2023. At AIP, he was instrumental in developing integral field spectrographs like PMAS, VIRUS, and MUSE, and contributed to projects such as MOSAIC and BlueMUSE. Since 2009, Martin has been the Chair of innoFSPEC Potsdam. He was a Professor at the Institute for Physics and Astronomy, University of Potsdam from 2011 until April 2023. Since his retirement from teaching, he continues to work full-time in the Astrophotonics department, focusing on advanced research and development in the field.

Martin Roth

Researcher at Leibniz-Institut fuer Astrophysik Potsdam (AIP)

Martin Sutrop

CEO at Tech Group

Martynas Barkauskas (CEO) is the CEO of Light Conversion, a leading femtosecond laser manufacturer located in Vilnius, Lithuania. Previously, Martynas held different positions within the company working at femtosecond laser development, managing world-wide service actives, and serving as head of sales. He holds a degree in laser physics from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and PhD in ultrafast spectroscopy from Vilnius University, Lithuania.

Martynas Barkauskas

CEO at Light Conversion

Masa Fukushima

Senior Manager at KLV

Mateusz Nowak (Chief Commercial Officer) is responsible for growing the business commercially and developing strategy of the company. Today, Noctiluca has agreements or relationships with 8 out of the 10 biggest OLED manufacturers along with dozens of agreements with smaller players. Experienced manager in the development and implementation of strategies, M&A, and due diligence processes, having worked on nearly 100 projects during his consulting years. While at PwC he was responsible also for building and managing an accelerator program for FinTech startups across Central and Eastern Europe. Additionally, Mateusz has professional experience as a Venture Director in Rubicon Partners (deep tech venture builder), as Partner at a VC fund and among others was a co-founder of the first Polish accelerator focusing on deep-technology projects, the MIT Enterprise Forum Poland (today under SmartStart CEE brand).

Mateusz Nowak

Chief Commercial Officer at Noctiluca

Matt Beebe (Vice President of Sales) holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts. Since 2011, he has personally helped over 300 companies in the photonics industry to create custom marketing strategies based on their specific needs.

Matthew Beebe

CRO at Photonics Media

Matthias Gamp (CEO) is Chief Executive Officer of EPIGAP OSA Photonics a Berlin‑based photonics company specializing in custom and standard LEDs and photodetectors for industrial, medical, sensing, and security applications. He leads company strategy and operations, representing EPIGAP OSA in industry news and product announcements focused on advanced LED and photodetector technologies.

Matthias Gamp

CEO at Epigap Osa Photonics

Max Brinkmann (CEO) combines deep scientific expertise with business leadership in photonics and laser technology. Since 2017, he has driven business development at Refined Laser Systems, building on a strong research background from his years at the University of Münster, where he completed a PhD in Physics, an MSc and BSc in Physics, and conducted pioneering work in fiber-based ultrafast light sources, nonlinear microscopy, and chemically selective imaging. He also holds an MBA in Management & Innovation, equipping him to bridge advanced research with commercial applications.

Max Brinkmann

CEO at Refined Laser Systems

Maximilian Heym (CSO) is an expert in laser technology and photonics sales. His leadership at IMM Photonics follows a successful tenure as a Key Account Manager, where he leveraged a deep technical background to manage high-level client relationships. Before joining IMM, he held product management roles at Inheco and SCANLAB GmbH, where he focused on the development and market positioning of precision optical systems. Maximilian's academic and early professional work is rooted in high-end laser development. He contributed to the engineering of ultra-short pulse laser oscillators at InnoLas Photonics and conducted advanced research at the Munich University of Applied Sciences on supercontinuum generation and non-collinear optical parametric amplifiers. He holds a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Photonics from the Munich University of Applied Sciences and a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Electrical, Electronic, and Communication Engineering from Hochschule Niederrhein.

Maximilian Heym

CSO at IMM Photonics

Mélanie Macioce (R&D Engineer), graduated with a Master’s degree in Photonics from the University of Limoges (France), joined Percipio Robotics in 2023. Her strong background in Quantum Optics built in several photonics high tech companies and her expertise in the field of Photonics contributes significantly to Percipio Robotics’ access in this new field. As an ambassador in both Photonics and Robotics, she builds bridges to bring exotic packaging processes to mass production.

Melanie Macioce

Photonics-Robotics Technology Strategist at PERCIPIO Robotics

Michael Lebby (Board Director) joined Lightwave Logic as a member of the Board of Directors in 2015. In May 2018, Dr. Lebby assumed the role of CEO, Lightwave Logic Inc (LWLG:OTCQB). Lightwave Logic is a leading technological company commercializing Electro-Optical polymers. Dr. Lebby (born 1961, London, UK) is an Anglo-American entrepreneur and intrapreneur in the fields of optoelectronics/photonics electronics and semiconductors. Dr. Lebby’s career started with the British Government in 1977 in telecommunications and he did research at their research labs (RSRE Malvern) in the early 1980s. Dr. Lebby worked at AT&T’s research labs: Bell Labs (1985-1989) in photonics, and subsequently drove the development (and co-authored the first patent) of the oxide VCSEL diode laser at Motorola in the 1990s (which is now used in laser mice, 3D sensing/FaceID in mobile phones, optical interconnects; where volumes of the laser are over 1B units today). From 2005-2010 he led the USA trade association in optoelectronics (OIDA) and represented the optoelectronics and photonics industry on Capitol Hill. Dr. Lebby has run technical start-ups and commercialized optoelectronic and photonics technology into volume manufacturing. He is currently a technical expert to the European Commission. He is a Fellow member of IEEE and OSA, and has been voted PIC (Photonic Integrated Circuit) business leader of the year by the PIC International Conference in 2018. Dr. Lebby holds over 450 issued international patents in photonics and electronics, that have been derived from over 200 issued USPTO utility patents, mostly in the field of optoelectronics, photonics and semiconductors. He has been cited by the USPTO to be in the most prolific 75 inventors in USA from 1988-1997. Dr. Lebby is passionate about photonics, and has focused his efforts over the last 30years to drive new photonics manufacturing programs in USA and Europe as well as industry-based photonics technology roadmaps.

Michael Lebby

CEO at GenusTechnik

Michael Mohammadi (President & CEO) became President and CEO in 2024. Before joining QED, Mohammadi served as Vice President of Global Sales and Business Development at Thorlabs, where he led the launch and growth of the OEM Division. He also held sales and business development positions at Andor Technology and Olympus America, gaining broad experience in the optics and photonics industry. Mohammadi holds a Ph.D. in Medical Physiology/Neuroscience from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Wayne State University, and is an MBA candidate at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.

Michael Mohammadi

President and Chief Executive Officer at QED Technologies

Michael Powell

Managing Partner at Renevo Capital

Michal Golias (Business Development Manager) holds a Master of Science degree from the Slovak University of Technology, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. During the final two years of his studies, he gained hands-on experience at SYLEX, collaborating with the quality assurance, technology, engineering and R&D departments. After graduating in 2003, he joined the company as a Process Engineer. Over time, Michal transitioned from technical roles into commercial leadership. Today, he is responsible for sales and business development activities, focusing on building long-term partnerships, identifying new market opportunities and expanding SYLEX’s international presence.

Michal Golias

Business Development Manager at SYLEX

Michał Nejbauer (CEO & Co-Founder) graduated in Physics (field of optics) from Warsaw University by making his first femtosecond CPA system. He then completed his Ph.D. in Laser Centre at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences by developing laser sources for femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy. Michał has more than ten years of hands-on experience in building ultrafast lasers from scratch in various technologies, emphasizing nonlinear light conversion techniques. He founded Fluence with other laser experts as he believes that femtosecond lasers can perform better.

Michal Nejbauer

CEO at Fluence Technology

Michelangelo Masini (Head of Corporate Research & Technology, ZEISS) leads global research and innovation efforts at ZEISS Group. Since joining in 2015, he has held multiple leadership roles across ZEISS Medical Technology, including Director of R&D and Head of Innovation in both Visualization and Ophthalmic Surgical Systems. He holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology from the University of Stuttgart.

Michelangelo Masini

Head of Corporate Research and Technology at Carl Zeiss

Miguel Bermudo (Chief Technology & Innovation Officer) is a distinguished executive with over 30 years of experience in the aerospace, defense, and space sectors. His career is marked by high-level leadership positions, including serving as CEO of Telespazio Ibérica and Vice President of Aerospace, Defense & Security at Grupo Oesía. Miguel's foundational expertise in space systems was established during his 7-year tenure at the European Space Agency (ESA) in the Netherlands, where he served as a Product Assurance Manager. Throughout his career, he has managed global business development and commercial divisions for major engineering firms such as Meggitt Sensing Systems in Switzerland and Endevco Corp. in the United States. He holds a degree as an Industrial Engineer with a specialization in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the Universidad Pontificia Comillas.

Miguel Bermudo

Chief Technology & Innovation Officer at Alter Technology

Mikko Juntunen (CEO) is the founder and CEO of ElFys. He has a doctorate in semiconductor physics and a strong background in commercially developing, industrializing and selling science-based innovations, including consumer electronics experience with Nokia and founding startups. He is an expert in detectors throughout the whole value chain and knows the customers. He has several patented inventions and publications in top journals like Nature.

Mikko Juntunen

CEO at ElFys

Mircea Guina (Executive Chairman & CSO) is a Professor of Optoelectronics and a serial entrepreneur. He serves as the Head of the Optoelectronics Research Centre at Tampere University, a position he has held since 2019 following over a decade as a professor and researcher at the Tampere University of Technology. Guina is the Co-Founder and CSO of several laser technology companies, including Vexlum (high-power VECSEL platforms), Picophotonics, and RefleKron. He holds a Doctor of Science in Technology from Tampere University of Technology, as well as a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Photonics and Microelectronic technology from University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest.

Mircea Guina

Executive Chairman & CSO at VEXLUM Tampere

Miwako Sato (Sales and Marketing Manager and IR Lead Contact Person) is a sales and marketing professional at DOWA. In her role she manages customer engagement, sales communications, and serves as a primary contact for marketing inquiries and investor relations related to DOWA’s light source and photonic component businesses. DOWA’s product range includes UV, NIR, SWIR LEDs and InGaAs photodiodes manufactured in Japan. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in German Language and Literature from Sophia University.

Miwako Sato

Sales and Marketing Manager (IR Lead contact person) at DOWA Holdings

Mridul Kalita (Director) is an accomplished photonics and laser technology professional with extensive experience spanning research, engineering, and leadership roles. Previously, he held positions including Product Manager at M Squared, Project Manager at NKT Photonics, and Optical Engineer and Senior Optical Engineer at Fianium, where he contributed to the development of high-power fiber lasers and advanced optical systems. Mridul holds a PhD in Photonics from the University of Southampton, where his research focused on bismuth-doped silica fibers for high-power sources and long-wavelength generation from ytterbium-doped fiber lasers, and he is author of 30 journal and conference publications. He also earned an MBA from Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University, a Master of Science in Physics from the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, and a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Cotton College.

Mridu Kalita

Director at LaserQuant Technology

Navneet Prasad

Sales Director at Lucius Photonics

Nele Koeth

next generation at nanoplus Nanosystems and Technologies

Neringa Norbutaite

Events Manager at EPIC - European Photonics Industry Consortium

Newton Frateschi (Full Professor) is Previous director of the Innovation Agency and Physics Institute - UNICAMP. PhD in EE from the University of Southern California and BS and MSc in Physics from UNICAMP. Unicamp is a leading University ranked among the top universities in Latin America. Currently, he leads the Integrated Photonic Labs at Unicamp which belongs to the National Photonics Effort (SISFOTON) of the Brazilian Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation. He is the author of several scientific papers and patents on photonics. With industry experience on lasers and modulators for TELECOM.

Newton Frateschi

Full Professor at Feec-Unicamp

Nick Martin (Managing Director) spent the early part of his career in the nuclear industry following a degree in physics at Cardiff University. He then spent around 7 years at the University of Oxford on the design of large particle physics experiments. This led to an interest in fibre optics for high density data experimental feed out, and a subsequent move into the commercial world. Nick formed AFE in 2005 and continues to support customers in unique and demanding applications.

Nick Martin

Managing Director at Advanced Fibreoptic Engineering

Nick Werstiuk (CEO) is the Chief Executive Officer of Quantum Valley Ideas Lab. Prior to joining Ideas Lab in 2020, Mr. Werstiuk was Director of AI Offerings at IBM where he led an AI and HPC product portfolio commercializing research innovations into successful products. Nick’s broad expertise includes early-stage technology commercialization, new product development, corporate strategy and development, and identifying growth markets to drive technology research towards commercial success. Nick graduated with Honours from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering.

Nick Werstiuk

CEO at Quantum Valley Ideas Lab

Nicoletta Casanova (CEO and President) is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for innovation, always striving to approach things differently. After graduating in civil engineering from ETH Zurich in 1994, she worked as a technical director and later as a director at a materials testing laboratory in Lugano. Additionally, she served as a researcher at EPFL. In 1996, she founded her first startup, a pioneering company in the use of fiber optic technologies for structural health monitoring. In 2006, her company merged with a Canadian group, and over the years, she also assumed the role of a manager at an international technical company in Paris, part of the new holding. Following her initial success, in 2013, she established FEMTOprint SA, a development and contract manufacturing company dedicated to industrial 3D laser micro-manufacturing of precision glass micro-devices. The company operates in various sectors, including the watch industry, med-tech, life sciences, optics and photonics, and telecommunications, among others. Since 2017, she has served as an innovation consultant at the Swiss innovation agency Innosuisse, chairwoman of the BRIDGE steering committee (a joint program of the Swiss National Science Foundation SNCF and Innosuisse), and leader of the innovation group at the Association of Industries in Ticino AITI, where she also holds the position of vice president. Nicoletta is involved in several additional activities related to innovation and consultancy in various professional and sports associations, such as Swiss MedTech, NTN Booster Microtech, Microcity SA, and AECL. Nicoletta Casanova is a member of the EPIC Board of Directors.

Nicoletta Casanova

CEO at FEMTOprint

Niels Quack (Managing Director) received a Master of Science degree from the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in 2005, and a PhD from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH) in 2010. From 2011 to 2015, he was postdoctoral and visiting researcher at the Integrated Photonics Laboratory and Berkeley Sensor and Actuator Center (BSAC), University of California Berkeley. From 2014 to 2015, he was Senior MEMS Engineer at Sercalo Microtechnology, Neuchâtel. From 2015 to 2021 he held a Swiss National Science Foundation professorship at EPFL, and from 2022 he was Associate Professor of Micro and Nano Systems at the University of Sydney in Australia. Since 2024, he had been Academic Director of the Research and Prototype Foundry at the University of Sydney. Since April 2025 he is Honorary Professor at the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Sydney. Prof. Quack was recognized as a Top 100 Innovators in Photonics by ElectroOptics in 2024, awarded the Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association (SUPRA) Supervisor of the Year Award in 2023, and the Sydney Research Accelerator Prize in 2022. Prof. Quack is a SPIE Fellow, IEEE Senior Member, Optica Senior Member and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).

Niels Quack

Director and Chairman of the Board at Institut for Mikroelektronik Stuttgart

Nikolajus Gavrilinas (CEO & Co-Founder) has more than 15 years of experience managing design and production of optical modules, optical telecom devices and ﬁber lasers. Since 2003 he was leading R&D at an innovative telecom component manufacturer. In 2015 Nick co-founded Litilit (known as Integrated Fiber Optics at the time). Nick also serves as a principal project implementer at the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology. He holds 4 patent applications (one in the US) and he is a co-author of 2 scientiﬁc publications.

Nikolajus Gavrilinas

CEO at UAB Litilit

Nikta Jalayer (Director of Business Development – Performance Automation) is PI LP’s Director of Business Development for Performance Automation. She holds master's degrees in electrical engineering and bio-medical engineering. Nikta has over a decade of experience in the precision motion industry and has played a pivotal role in driving the development of precision motion and automation technologies across various fields of applications. Nikta's illustrious career extends beyond industry, as she served as Adjunct Faculty of Electrical Engineering at California State University Los Angeles from 2012 to 2016, where her teaching skills made a lasting impact on aspiring engineers. Furthermore, her influence extends to the realm of academia, as she currently holds a prestigious position on the advisory board of the Electrical and Computer Engineering department, where her insights continue to shape the future trajectory of the field.

Nikta Jalayer

Global Portfolio Director - Photonics at Physik Instrumente

Ning Ding

Sales Engineer at SX-Optics

Noriaki Fukamachi

COO at KLV

Novica Mrdovic Vianello (CEO) is an accomplished executive and venture capitalist with over 25 years of experience in deep-tech, aerospace, and photonics. Beyond his operational leadership, Novica is a prominent figure in the European investment landscape. He is a General Partner at MountainX, a venture capital firm focusing on European aerospace and defense technology, and the CEO & Managing Partner of Add Value, where he manages syndicate club deals for VC and PE opportunities. His prior investment experience includes serving as COO for Silicon Roundabout Ventures in London and Portfolio Manager at AVM Gestioni. Novica’s technical foundation was built in Silicon Valley, where he spent over 12 years at NeoPhotonics (acquired by Lumentum) as Vice President and General Manager, and nearly six years at JDS Uniphase (now Lumentum and Viavi) focusing on optoelectronics for defense and aerospace. He holds an MBA from the Isenberg School of Management (UMass Amherst) and both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (Optoelectronics and Laser Technology) from the University of Belgrade. He has furthered his executive education at The Wharton School and Imperial College Business School.

Novica Mrdovic Vianello

CEO at StarTech Trieste

Olaf Dambon (Managing Director) studied Mechanical Engineering at Aachen Technical University (RWTH) with a special focus on Production Engineering. He successfully completed a research stay at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, USA where he finished his study with a Master thesis on Three Dimensional Printing (“3DPrinting”), a precursor technology of today’s innovative Additive Manufacturing Techniques. He obtained a master’s degree (“Diplom-Ingenieur”) from Aachen Technical University. In 2000, Olaf Dambon started his career as a Research fellow at the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT, working in the field of precision machining. In 2006, he became Chief Engineer of the Department Fine Machining and Optic. He was involved in more than 20 projects, both publicly and industrially funded, published Journal papers, and held a teaching position at Aachen Technical University in the field of precision optics machining. In 2011, he founded together with Benjamin Bulla the spinoff-company son-x GmbH, a specialist in ultra-precision manufacturing. Olaf has a PhD-degree (“Dr.-Ing.”) with his dissertation on polishing of steel.Olaf Dambon (Managing Director) studied Mechanical Engineering at Aachen Technical University (RWTH) with a special focus on Production Engineering. He successfully completed a research stay at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, USA where he finished his study with a Master thesis on Three Dimensional Printing (“3DPrinting”), a precursor technology of today’s innovative Additive Manufacturing Techniques. He obtained a master’s degree (“Diplom-Ingenieur”) from Aachen Technical University. In 2000, Olaf Dambon started his career as a Research fellow at the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT, working in the field of precision machining. In 2006, he became Chief Engineer of the Department Fine Machining and Optic. He was involved in more than 20 projects, both publicly and industrially funded, published Journal papers, and held a teaching position at Aachen Technical University in the field of precision optics machining. In 2011, he founded together with Benjamin Bulla the spinoff-company son-x GmbH, a specialist in ultra-precision manufacturing. Olaf has a PhD-degree (“Dr.-Ing.”) with his dissertation on polishing of steel.

Olaf Dambon

Managing Director at Edmund Optics son-x

Oleksii Ilchenko (CEO) obtained PhD in the field of Laser Physics and Optics in Kyiv, Ukraine in 2016. Then he moved in Technical University of Denmark as a postdoctoral researcher where he developed IP that created a base for foundation of company Lightnovo. In 2019, together with the team of founders, Oleksii created Lightnovo - company that designs and produces affordable and high performance Raman spectrometers and microscopes.

Oleksii Ilchenko

CEO at Lightnovo

Oliver Grass (CEO) has been pivotal in advancing hyperspectral imaging applications since the early 2000s. With deep expertise in optical technology and systems development, he has established inno-spec as a leader in machine vision, enhancing operational efficiency and material analysis accuracy. Actively involved in industry associations, Oliver's commitment to innovation and collaboration drives the evolution of image technology across various industries.

Oliver Grass

CEO at ASSEMBLIFY

Oliver Pust (Sales Director) has a background as mechanical engineer and earned his doctoral degree within the field of laser optical flow measurement techniques. He has long-term experience in working together with international OEM customers and partners in B2B sales of high-tech opto-electronics components and modules for a broad range of applications such as medical diagnostics, spectroscopy, microscopy, semiconductor, and gas analysis. He joined Delta Optical Thin Film A/S in 2011.

Oliver Pust

Sales Director at Delta Optical Thin Film

Patrick Leisching (CTO) started working as CTO for iThera Medical in Munich in June 2022 and is listening to molecules to open a new era of in-vivo medical imaging. Beforehand, he was engaged for 12 years as SVP R&D for TOPTICA Photonics in Munich, scaling the R&D organisation from 24 to more than 100 people and the revenue from 14M€ to 105M€. His industry career started in 1998 at Siemens Information and Communication Network in Munich, where had various functions from research to project management and head of optical systems R&D department, later at Nokia Siemens Networks he was engaged as head of portfolio management and finally head of product management for the operating systems software of optical and packet transmission systems. He holds academic degrees from Technical University of Munich (Dipl.-Phys., laser physics and semiconductor physics) and RWTH Aachen (Dr. rer. nat., III-V quantum well semiconductors and THz radiation), the post-doc as Feodor Lynen fellow was performed at Ecole Polytechnique in Paris (II-VI magneto-optic semiconductors).

Patrick Leisching

CEO at Blitz 22-914

Patrick Runge (Head of InP & RF Department) is a distinguished researcher and leader at the Fraunhofer HHI, where he has contributed for over 15 years. Since January 2024, he has led the Indium Phosphide (InP) & Radio Frequency (RF) Department, following successful tenures as the head of both the Modulator & Detector and Detector groups. His professional history also includes a role as a Patent Attorney Assistant and experience as a Development Engineer at Hymite. He holds a Doctorate in Engineering (Dr.-Ing.) in Electrical Engineering and a Degree in Engineering (Dipl.-Ing.) in Computer Science, both from the Technical University of Berlin.

Patrick Runge

Head of Department at Fraunhofer HHI

Patrik Lundström (CEO) holds an MSc in Business Administration from Lund University. He has more than 25 years’ experience from electronics and semiconductor industry with focus on management, sales, R&D as well as manufacturing. He joined Obducat in 2000 and was appointed CEO in 2002. Before joining Obducat he worked at Meget AB (part of Assa Abloy today), a leading player within the RFID industry. Early on he worked with electronics manufacturing having the responsibility for a lithography department.

Patrik Lundstrom

CEO at Obducat

Paul de Bot (President EMEA) joined TSMC in 2015, and after roles in account management, was appointed General Manager EMEA in 2022, responsible for the TSMC business in Europe and Israel. Paul started his career at Philips in the area of video technology, reaching the position of Chief Strategy Officer of the digital TV systems division of Philips. In 2003 he joined Philips Semiconductors (which later became NXP Semiconductors) as Vice President Strategy & Business Development for their consumer, automotive and identification businesses, respectively. Prior to joining TSMC, Paul had further executive roles in the software industry and in corporate finance. He received his M.S. in EE and Engineering Doctorate in Telecommunications from Eindhoven University of Technology of The Netherlands, and his M.S. in Business Valuation from TIAS Business School of The Netherlands.

Paul de Bot

Executive VP Global Sales Strategy at TSMC Europe

Paul Ryckaert (Executive General Manager - Imaging) obtained an engineering degree at Ghent and Manchester University and business management degrees in Belgium. Paul began his career in 1993 as a Test Engineer for Ford. He then moved to Siemens, first as a Project Engineer/ Manager for mobile phone connectors and then as a Project Manager with all-round responsibility for the Mobile Phone business. In 1999, he joined Tyco Electronics as a business manager and later became Director of Engineering & Product Management for Communications, Computer and Consumer Electronics for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. After 7 years in the connector industry, Paul was ready for a new challenge and in 2003, he moved to Barco, as director of their LED Product Management division. In 2006, he became VP of Barco's Media Business Unit in China with responsibility for developing, producing and marketing giant LED screens for sports stadiums and outdoor advertising. While he had gained invaluable experience and knowledge as a manager in large companies, Paul wanted to be involved more in the entrepreneurial side of things and in his early forties he decided to join Team Industries, a sheet metal company, as a co shareholder and co-CEO. With this move, he became responsible for overseeing production, engineering, purchasing and quality in locations in Belgium, Slovakia and Romania. After four years, Paul was approached by Xenics, a leading provider of advanced infrared imagers and cameras, who were looking for some new blood and new visions to move the company forward. By this time, Paul was also looking for a new challenge and in 2016, he joined the company as CEO.

Paul Ryckaert

Chief Strategy Officer at Exosens

Pei-Ting Chou

Division Director at Industrial Technology Research Institute

Per Karlsson (CEO) graduated from the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in 1994 with a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He started his career by joining Toshiba in Japan where he worked with design of manufacturing equipment for the semiconductor industry. Prior to co-founding Northlab Photonics in 2008, he served as a Business Development Manager, Product Manager, and Vice President for Sales and Marketing with Ericsson from 1998 to 2005. His expertise was then tapped by Accture Technologies in 2005 where he acted as president until 2008 when he co-founded Northlab Photonics, a fast-growing company focused on products and services for the photonics and fiber optics industry.

Per Karlsson

CEO at NorthLab Photonics

Peter Brunt (Sales and Marketing Director) is a seasoned leader in the photonics distribution sector. He leads the technical sales and support team, focusing on the research communities in the US and Canada. His career in photonics began at Laser 2000 UK where he spent over eight years rising from an Internal Sales Engineer to Field Sales Team Leader, developing a specialty in supporting university and medical research. Peter holds a Master of Physics (MPhys) in Physics and Astrophysics from the University of Leeds. During his studies, he gained international research experience at Paris Diderot University, where he contributed to the H.E.S.S. (High Energy Stereoscopic System) project, later completing his Masters working on the VERITAS (Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System) project.

Peter Brunt

Sales and Marketing Director at AVR Optics

Peter Kirkegaard (CEO) is an accomplished CEO and Board Member with extensive expertise in metrology, optics, photonics, nanotechnology, and life sciences. As a passionate global leader, he combines hands-on, fact-based leadership with the vision to identify and execute on emerging technology trends. Currently serving as CEO of IMT Microtechnologies for over 26 years, Peter has successfully led the company’s transformation and growth. He is a co-founder of Swiss photonics industry organizations and a mentor to start-ups in photonics and life sciences. With a global career spanning three continents, Peter’s leadership has shaped both start-ups and large corporations alike.

Peter Kirkegaard

CEO at IMT MicroTechnologies

Peter Rohrmann (Senior Product Manager) has more than 30 years of experience in business development, sales, and engineering across the semiconductor, sensor, and telecommunications sectors. He joined NGK Europe in 2025, where he focuses on high-performance semiconductors using next-generation bonded wafer technology for automotive, data center, and renewable energy applications. His extensive leadership background includes serving as Director of New Business at M&L, where he focused on Industrial IoT (IIoT) and big data analysis, and over nine years as Director of New Business Development at Althen Mess- & Sensortechnik. Peter holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Communications Engineering from Paderborn University.

Peter Rohrmann

Senior Product Manager at NGK Europe

Petra Wicherink (Director) has been leading PhotonicsNL since February 2023, representing and advancing the photonics, optics, and integrated photonics industry in the Netherlands. She has a long-standing career in marketing and communication within the photonics sector, having served as Marketing & Communication Manager at PhotonicsNL for seven years prior to her directorship. Petra also contributed her expertise part-time at MicroAlign, supporting the development of advanced fiber-to-chip alignment technologies. Additionally, she held roles at Holland High Tech and LioniX International, bringing over a decade of experience in marketing and industry collaboration in photonics.

Petra Wicherink

Director at PhotonicsNL

Philippe Bolle (CEO) co‑founded ESTEL to drive European technological sovereignty in optical data transmission and oversees company strategy, product development, and scaling of in‑house design and manufacturing capabilities. Bolle has spent his career in the telecom sector with experience at companies including Alcatel, AT&T, Lucent, and Finisar before launching ESTEL in 2022 with the aim of building next‑generation optical transceiver technology in Europe.

Philippe Bolle

CEO at e-s-tel

Pierre Brochard (President) is a photonics scientist and entrepreneur with a passion for new technologies and challenges. Since February 2021, he leads the company with a high motivation and expert knowledge on ultralow noise systems acquired during his international career in the field of time and frequency metrology. He holds a Ph.D. in Laser Metrology from the University of Neuchâtel.

Pierre brochard

President at SILENTSYS

Pim Kat (CEO) started his career in 1982 at Sun Electric Systems developing and building automotive test equipment. In 1987, he moved to Hoogovens Research (steel plant) and became senior researcher in the field of robotics, control technology and computer controlled motion. In 1996, he co-founded Bihca Systems and after a management buyout he build the Technobis Group. He extended the technology in optics and photonics combined with ultra-stable mechanics (mechanically and thermally). In 2010, he started experimenting on Integrated Photonics for sensing using chip sets based on InP, Si3N4 and SOI platforms. In 2012 he extended the capabilities of the group with packaging of PICs for many different applications (Telecom, Datacom, Lidar, FBG sensing, interferometry and many more). In 2019, he sold the majority of the shares of the Technobis Groep and co-founded Amazec Photonics.

Pim Kat

CEO at Amazec Photonics

Poul Svensgaard (CEO) holds an MSC. EE from the Technical University of Copenhagen. After 15 years of experience in various international sales and product marketing management positions, Poul was in 2008 employed as Senior Vice President of DELTA Light and Optics from 2008 and CEO of Delta Optical Thin Film A/S from January 2015. He has over 20 years’ experience in managing various high-tech BtB businesses. He is a Danish citizen with several years working experience from both Germany and Australia.

Poul Svensgaard

CEO at Delta Optical Thin Film

Pranciskus Dobrovolskis

Co-owner at UAB Optonas

Qi Mo

R&D Manager/Chief Expert at Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable Joint Stock Limited Company -YOFC

Rafal Wilk

CEO at Cycle

Ralf Kuschnereit (Member of the Executive Board) studied physics at the University of Bonn. Subsequently he received his PhD at the University of Heidelberg in physical chemistry and obtained a Master of Business Administration at the University of Heidelberg and Katz Graduate School of Business in Pittsburgh, PA. Ralf has extensive management experience in various roles. He started his professional career as a group technologist in the field of photolithography development and most recently held the role of head of the Ophthalmological Systems business unit and President & CEO of Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc. in the US. In July 2017, Ralf joined Jenoptik and is responsible for the Advanced Photonic Solutions division. He has been a member of the Executive Board of JENOPTIK AG since January 1, 2023.

Ralf Kuschnereit

Board Member at Jenoptik

Ramona Molnar (Head of Sales and Marketing) is a strategic commercial leader with over 20 years of experience in driving global growth for deep-tech, healthcare, and agritech organizations. Since 2024, she has led the commercial scale-up of Lightnovo, a Danish startup specializing in mirrorless Raman spectroscopy solutions. Parallel to her role at Lightnovo, she is the founder of Connecting Businesses B2B, a consultancy helping startups and SMEs in high-impact sectors scale through tailored go-to-market strategies. Ramona previously spent four and a half years at FOSS as the Global Head of Segment for Central Milk Testing Laboratories, where she managed the lifecycle and market execution of FTIR and Flow Cytometry platforms. Her background also includes nearly a decade at Riemann A/S (part of Orkla Health), where she held roles as International Sales Manager and Interim Sales Director, managing a vast distributor network across EMEA and LATAM. Earlier in her career, she held operational and compliance roles at IBM. Ramona holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Universitatea Dimitrie Cantemir, a Bachelor’s degree in International Business from Copenhagen Business School, and a Master’s degree in Management of Innovation and Business Development from the same institution.

Ramona Molnar

Head of Sales and Marketing at Lightnovo

Reinhard Voelkel (CEO) is an executive with profound background in technology and digital. Strong interpersonal and networking skills, inspirational leadership, strategic thinking, and execution skills. Experienced with all stages of the development cycle of innovative startups, scaleups and tech companies. Fellow SPIE, Senior Member OPTICA (OSA), Swiss Manufacturing Award 2021, EPIC CEO Award 2022, DVN Lighting Star Award 2024, Expert Innosuisse, member of Sand Hill Angels, member of multiple industrial, conference and company boards.

Reinhard Voelkel

President/Founder at SalesPro4U

Renato Juliano Martins (CEO) is an expert in photonics and semiconductor materials with extensive experience in the development of metasurface-based systems and ultrafast dynamics. He has served as the CEO of Flatlight since 2024, leading the company’s innovation and market strategy from its base in Valbonne, France. Prior to this, Renato spent over four years as a Post-doctoral Researcher at CRHEA CNRS, where he focused on the development of metasurface-based LiDAR systems. He also served as a Postdoctoral Scientist at the Université de Bourgogne, investigating the all-optical control and manipulation of acoustic phonons in silicon nanostructures. Renato holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, a Master’s degree in Physics from the Universidade de São Paulo (USP), and a Ph.D. in Fundamental Physics from the same institution.

Renato Juliano Martins

CEO at Flatlight

Rene Kromhof

Founding Partner at Cloudberry

René Ronchetti (CEO) joined Posalux in May 2023. Previously, he held managing director positions in various industrial companies in Switzerland and France. Before his management career he worked gained experience as software engineer and project manager. He has a broad experience in machine building, project management and international business. René holds a degree in computer science and an MBA.

René Ronchetti

CEO at Posalux

René Zünd (CEO) joined the family business in 2012, shifting the company’s focus from contract manufacturing toward integrated development and production of optical and optomechanical assemblies, particularly miniaturized photonic systems. His leadership emphasizes innovation, quality, and creating high-value optical solutions for applications such as medical endoscopy and advanced imaging. René grew up in the optics industry and began his career with an apprenticeship as an optical technician at Leica Microsystems. He later earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Optical System Engineering before returning to Feinwerkoptik Zünd to lead development and production efforts. He continues to guide the company’s strategic growth and product innovation while nurturing its reputation for Swiss precision and quality in photonics and optical components.

Rene Zuend

CEO at Feinwerkoptik Zuend

Richard Wang

CEO at O'Shenu Technologies

Robert Rudolph (CEO) leads the strategic development of an innovation ecosystem that accelerates technological disruption through close collaboration between science and industry. He focuses on knowledge transfer, infrastructure development, and fostering high-tech companies in proximity to the Paul Scherrer Institute. Previously, he served as President of Industrie 2025, a national initiative supporting the adoption of Industrie 4.0 in Swiss manufacturing in cooperation with swissT.net, asut, electrosuisse, and Swissmem. He also held senior leadership roles at Swissmem, contributing to digitalisation, education, and innovation strategies for the Swiss MEM industry, and served on the board of DECTRIS, a global leader in X-ray detector technology. Earlier in his career, he led technology transfer activities at the Paul Scherrer Institute and held technology management roles in industry. He holds Master’s degrees in Industrial Management and Electronics / Power Electronics from ETH Zurich.

Robert Rudolph

CEO at Park Innovaare

Robin Hassell (CEO & Co-Founder) was appointed CEO of Acqiris in January 2024, and has been instrumental in driving Acqiris's growth and innovation over the past seven years. Under his leadership, the company continues to reach new heights and expand its influence in the electronic industry. With over 25 years of experience in business development within the electronics and semiconductor sector, Robin possesses a deep understanding of the OEM business in various markets. Prior to leading Acqiris as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, he held key roles at prominent companies such as NXP, HiNT Corporation, PLX Technology, Agilent, and Keysight Technology. His extensive background has equipped him with a wealth of knowledge and expertise that he leverages to steer Acqiris toward sustained success.

Robin Hassell

CEO at Acqiris

Roger Artigas (President & CTO) was born in Terrassa in 1973. He won the title of Physics Science from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona in 1997 and a Ph.D. in Physics, specialty of optical engineering, from the Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya in 2001. He has been working since 1997 to the present at the Centre for Sensors, Instruments and Systems Development (CD6) as optical engineer researcher. In 2001 he founded the company Sensofar Tech SL. From 2005 to the present, he is part of the TC213 WG16 committee of the ISO25178 standard which is applied in the field of equipment developed in Sensofar. Currently, he holds the position of President and CTO at Sensofar Tech SL.

Roger Artigas

President at Sensofar Tech

Roland Knubel (COO / VP Business Development) is a versatile professional who blends technical expertise in electronics with a strong background in process design and marketing. His career path is characterized by a unique transition from a trained Electronics Technician (Elektroniker EFZ), where he worked on string inverters at SolarMax and electronic component logistics, to a creative strategist. He also spent several years in the culinary industry as a professional chef at prominent Bern-based establishments like tibits and Kongress + Kursaal Bern AG, often acting as the technical point of contact for his teams. Roland holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Post-Industrial Design from the HyperWerk Institute (FHNW), where his studies focused on process design, technology as an interface, and organizational autonomy. He previously pursued a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at the Berner Fachhochschule BFH and holds a Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training (EFZ) with a Vocational Baccalaureate.

Roland Knubel

COO / VP Business Development at Meerstetter Engineering

Roman Koerner (Head of Global R&D (CTO)) leads global research and development at TRUMPF, where he has held technical and leadership roles since 2019. Prior to becoming CTO in 2023, he headed Device and Technology Development and previously worked as a Senior Development Engineer. He holds a Dr.-Ing. from the University of Stuttgart and completed executive training in Management and Digital Leadership at MIT Sloan School of Management.

Roman Koerner

Senior Director, R&D at Western Digital

Ronald Dekker (Chief Technology Officer) has been active in the field of material engineering, micro-fabrication, integrated optics, packaging and assembly for over 20 years. After receiving his B.Sc. degree in the field of Applied Physics he worked several years at the MESA+ Research Institute for Nanotechnology at the University of Twente in the Netherlands as a process engineer on the development of novel clean room processing steps for the IC-industry to improve the quality of flat panel displays. Hereafter, he was employed at JDS Uniphase, both in the Netherlands and Canada where he worked on the development of MEMS based Variable Optical Attenuators (VOAs) and a new fabrication platform for low cost Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexers (DWDM) systems. Later, as a Quality Engineer, he was also responsible for all reliability and quality issues related to the DWDM systems at JDS Uniphase. After receiving his PhD degree in the field of integrated optics at the University of Twente, he joined LioniX BV where he led multidisciplinary projects in the field of integrated optics and microfluidics for both telecommunication and biomedical applications. Since 2010 he was CTO of XiO Photonics, where he has been working extensively on standardization and assembly methods for integrated optics. After the merge of LioniX BV, XiO Photonics BV and SatraX BV into LioniX International BV he is was responsible for the assembly of integrated optical modules for visible light applications, telecom applications and hybrid integration. As of January 2024 he is the CTO of LioniX International BV.

Ronald Dekker

CTO at LioniX International

Ronny Timmreck (CEO) received his diploma degree in physics from the University of Technology Dresden, Germany and his PhD for a work on organic solar cells in the group of Prof. Karl Leo renowned for the organic electronics start-ups Novaled and Heliatek. Ronny founded his first start-up at the age of 23 and developed this company to a leader in its branch. In 2016, he took the lead in the start-up project SENORICS. He has been CEO of SENORICS since the company’s foundation in 2017.

Ronny Timmreck

CEO at Vitrealab

Roy McBride (Managing Director) co-founded PowerPhotonic in 2004 and drove the formation and funding of the company. Prior to PowerPhotonic, Roy was Hybrids Development Manager at Alcatel UK, where he managed a team developing advanced active modules for optical communications. Other prior roles included Electronics Development Manager at Kymata, lecturer and researcher at Heriot-Watt University, and Laser Development at Ferranti. Roy is the author of numerous publications and co-inventor on 7 granted patents.

Roy McBride

Director of Strategy at PowerPhotonic

Rozalia Beica (Field CTO Packaging Technologies) has more than two decades of experience in the semiconductor industry, specifically in advanced packaging, Beica has extensive experience across a wide range of markets, and in-depth expertise in the supply chain including materials, substrates, equipment, device, system level manufacturing, market research, strategy and management consulting. Most recently Beica was chief commercial officer for LQDX (formerly Averatek Corporation), a company providing advanced materials and interconnect technologies for AI and high-performance computing applications. She also held senior positions at industry-leading companies including AT&S, DuPont, Yole Développement, Lam Research and Applied Materials.Beica holds a Global Executive Master of Business Administration from the Instituto de Empresa, a Master in Science in Management of Technology from Kennedy Western University, and a Master in Science in Chemical Engineering from Polytechnica University of Timisoara. An active participant in the industry, she has authored and/or co-authored more than 175 presentations and publications, including three book chapters on 3-D IC technologies, and has participated in several keynotes, invited presentations and panel participations. Beica has been a program director for EMC3D Consortia, the general chair of ECTC, IMAPS Device Packaging and Global Semiconductor and Electronics Forums and a technical advisory board member at IEEE EPS, IMAPS, IMPACT TW, SRC, Terecircuits and 3DInCites. She has also chaired and participated in several committees including ITRS, IMAPS SiP, ECTC, IWLPC, 3DIC, EPTC, ESTC, CPMT, SiP China, and the WLP Technical Working Group within Heterogeneous Integration Roadmap activities.

Rozalia Beica

Field CTO Packaging Technologies at Rapidus

Rudolf Morawetz (Head of BU eMotors) is a highly experienced engineering executive with a distinguished career spanning nearly 30 years in the automotive and e-mobility sectors. Rudolf’s career is highlighted by high-performance engineering roles at world-renowned organizations. Notably, he spent nearly four years at Ferrari in Maranello as the Head of Special Transmissions. During this period, he led the development of the 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT), Ferrari’s first 4x4 system, and advanced torque vectoring technologies. His foundational experience also includes seven years at GKN Driveline, where he managed the engineering for the iconic Fiat Panda 4x4. Throughout his career, Rudolf has held multiple C-level and senior leadership positions, including COO of Intercable, CEO of Keller & Kalmbach, and CTO/COO of Alupress. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Technische Universität Wien.

Rudolf Morawetz

Head of BU eMotors at Miba

Ruud Oldenbeuving (Principal Scientist) is an all-round expert in laser physics, specialized in hybrid integration of passive and active photonic integrated circuits. He is consulted by industry leaders, institutes, and universities for his knowledge on hybrid integrated lasers, because he is a pioneer in the field of tunable ultra-narrow linewidth hybrid integrated lasers. Ruud has been active in the field of integrated photonics since 2008 and in the field of laser physics since 2005.

Ruud Oldenbeuving

Principal Scientist at imec

Sabine Klisch (VP Brand & Communications) has many years of international experience in the technology and industry environment. Sabine was VP Global Marketing at MOSTLY AI, a start-up in the field of AI-generated synthetic data based in Vienna, Austria. She spent most of her career working and living in South Africa, where she successfully set up and led global marketing for the international telematics company MiX Telematics, among others. Other professional roles before that were at IBM and Pixelpark in Germany. In recent years, she has focused primarily on the topic of data-driven marketing and communications.

Sabine Klisch

VP Brand & Communications at Jenoptik

Sabine Schneider-Betz (Director Innovation New Materials & Markets) is a seasoned professional with 20+ years of experience in strategic product management, business development, technology management and innovation. After concluding her studies of mechanical engineering at the Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW) Mannheim, she joined Heraeus and since then has been serving in various leadership roles, managing projects and global initiatives in highly technical and complex markets for advanced materials like precious metals, glass and ceramics. Her expertise lies in strategy development, identifying market potentials, expanding portfolio, and aligning innovation with business strategy to drive sustainable growth.

Sabine Schneider-Betz

Director Innovation New Materials and Markets Photonics at HERAEUS COVANTICS

Sami Musa (CTO) obtained a PhD in integrated optics from Twente University in the Netherlands in 2003. Following his graduation, he took several research positions in academic and industrial institutions including Technical Universities of Delft and Eindhoven in the Netherland, University of Limerick in Ireland and ASML. In 2011, he Joined Vision and Actions as a CTO. In 2017 he co-founded V&A-Photonics, a company active in photonic business development between Europe and China. Currently, he serves as CTO of V&A-Photonics. Dr. Musa has 18 US and International patents and co-authored more than 30 scientific papers.

Sami Musa

CTO at VA-Photonics

Samuel Bucourt (CEO) graduated from Institut d’Optique Graduate School and from HEC. He founded Imagine Optic in 1996, Imagine Eyes in 2003 and Shocklite beginning 24. The companies are offering instrumentation based on wavefront sensing and adaptive optics for academic, industrial and medical purposes and more recently a high energy fibered laser for shock applications. He is also the cofounder of Axiom Optics Inc, a US distribution company dedicated to high end European products. Samuel is the co-author of a few patents and scientific articles. He is an expert in metrology as he started his career by developing a 3D probe based on conoscopic holography (Le Conoscope). Samuel is also deeply involved in Photonics France since more than 20 years and president of Alphanov. Samuel Bucourt is a member of the EPIC Board of Directors.

Samuel Bucourt

CEO at Imagine Optic

Samuel Poulain (CEO) is the CEO of Le Verre Fluoré. With over nine years of leadership at Le Verre Fluoré, Samuel has been instrumental in steering the company to new heights. Prior to this role, he gained extensive experience over 16 years and 4 months at PSA Peugeot Citroën, where he honed his skills in the automotive industry. Samuel holds a Diplôme d'ingénieur in Automatique et Recherche Opérationnelle from ENSTA Paris, where he was actively involved in the Forum Trium and served as the treasurer for the Bureau des Élèves (BDE). His diverse background and commitment to excellence have been key drivers in his successful career.

Samuel Poulain

General Manager at Le Verre Fluorre

Sana Amairi-Pyka (Lead Scientist - Quantum Communications) has been leading the Abu Dhabi Quantum Optical Ground Station (ADQOGS) project, aiming to position the UAE as a pioneer in space-based quantum communication technologies and ensure the global availability of secure free-space optical communication networks. Sana earned her Ph.D. in Quantum Optical Metrology in 2014 from the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt in Germany. During her five-year postdoctoral research position at Humboldt University of Berlin, she developed and tested novel laser sources for space missions, including the European Space Agency’s Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). In 2017, her scientific accomplishments were recognized with substantial funding from the Berlin Senate Administration BCP, and she was named an ambassadress for the “Brain City Berlin” campaign. Transitioning to industry in 2020, she worked as a Project Leader at the European Photonics Industry Consortium (EPIC), enhancing the European ecosystem in photonics, quantum, and space industries. She has been an external expert for the European Commission since 2017.

Sana Amairi-Pyka

Lead Scientist - Quantum Communications at Technology Innovation Institute

Sébastien Blais-Ouellette (President) has a diverse work experience in the field of physics and entrepreneurship. Sébastien started his career as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in 1999, where he worked until June 2001. After that, he moved on to work as a Physicist at Université de Montréal from 2001 to 2002. In 2002, he joined California Institute of Technology as an Instrument Scientist, a role he held until 2004. In the same year, he became the President and CEO of Photon etc., a position he still holds. Sébastien Blais-Ouellette has also had various leadership roles, including being a Board Member at Québec Photonic Network from 2008 to 2018, a Board Member at Nüvü Caméras Inc. since 2010, and a Member of the Board of Directors at Centre d'entrepreneuriat Poly-UdeM since 2014. Sébastien Blais-Ouellette obtained a B.Sc. in Physics from the Université de Montréal in 1994. Sébastien then pursued an M.Sc. in Subatomic Physics at the same university from 1994 to 1996. Following this, he completed two Ph.D. degrees in Astrophysics from the Université de Montréal and Aix-Marseille University, both from 1996 to 2000.

Sebastien Blais-Ouellette

President at Photon etc

Seiya Matsumoto (Sales Manager) after gaining six years of experience in the semiconductor testing jig manufacturing industry in Germany, transitioned to HOYA, where he’s been thriving as a sales professional responsible for the entire European market for the past five years. He is one of the few sales representatives with extensive knowledge in optical lenses, optical glass materials, and colored glass filters, actively contributing to our business activities.

Seiya Matsumoto

Sales Manager at HOYA

Selina Edwards (UK Sales Manager) leads sales at Knight Optical, managing high-profile clients across Defence, Aerospace, Space Exploration, Medical Research, and Gas Analysis. She previously held roles as Senior and Technical Sales Account Manager, focusing on business development, strategic customer solutions, and expanding market share. Selina has strong expertise in B2B sales, technical optical components, and CRM systems such as SAP.

Selina Edwards

UK Sales Manager at Knight Optical UK Ltd

Selina Sia (Regional Director) is an accomplished professional with a strong educational background in management science, engineering, and business analytics. She completed her Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Management Science & Engineering from Columbia University in the City of New York, and her Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Technical University Munich. Selina has held various roles at the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), including Account Manager for Digital Industry Singapore and previous positions like Lead for Infocomms and Media, and Associate. Prior to her work at EDB, she was a Course Assistant for Business Analytics at Columbia University and a Part-Time Student Consultant at FreshDirect. Her diverse experience also includes being a Tutor at Technical University of Munich, a Project Officer at EDB, a Student Mentor and Organizer at Technical University of Munich, and an Intern at Glints.

Selina Sia

Regional Director at NA

Shahida Imani (CEO & Co-Founder) is a chartered accountant with over 25 years of experience driving growth in investor-backed deep tech companies. She has a proven track record of building high-growth, sustainable businesses, leading successful exits to multinational corporations. Shahida was the CEO of Chromacity Ltd, an ultrafast laser company, for five years, where she played a pivotal role in scaling the business. Prior to this, she ran a successful business consultancy firm, supporting a portfolio of leading Scottish technology companies, including Odos Imaging, MPathy Medical, and Sumdog. Her career began at Optos, where she managed global financial operations and later spearheaded the company’s U.S. expansion. Throughout her career, she has excelled in building high-performing teams for complex technology ventures. Beyond her executive roles, Shahida is deeply engaged in shaping the future of photonics and quantum technologies. She serves as a Board Member of the European Photonics Industry Consortium (EPIC) and Chair of the UK Photonics Leadership Group (PLG), working closely with Westminster on national strategy. She also contributes as a mentor and judge for initiatives at SPIE (Society of Photographic Instrumentation Engineers). A recognized leader in deep tech, Shahida continues to drive innovation, investment, and leadership in the global photonics and technology landscape.

Shahida Imani

CEO at Singular Photonics Limited

Shai Lavy (CEO) is a highly experienced executive and finance specialist with over 25 years of leadership in the optical and technology sectors. He is currently the Managing Director of Prolog Optics, where he has led the company’s operations and strategic direction for over 16 years. His deep expertise in market expansion was established during his six-year tenure as VP of Marketing & Business Development at Pro-Log Ltd., following an earlier career phase in corporate finance as the CFO of eWave. Shai holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance and a Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy, Accounting, and Finance from The College of Management Academic Studies.

Shai Lavy

CEO at Prolog Optics

Simon Schwinger (CEO) joined JAT in May 2024. “The most powerful leadership tool you have is your own personal example.” This quote by John Wooden best describes Simon’s mindset. Throughout his 20+ years in the industry, Simon has successfully shaped highly technical as well as business teams to exceed their goals. Prior to his current role, he filled several cross-company management positions, e.g. at Jabil Inc. and JENOPTIK AG. As a member of the board of the industry association SPECTARIS and member of the Corporate Engagement Council of Optica he actively shapes and drives the prosperous future of Photonics. Simon graduated from the University of Applied Sciences in Jena/ Germany and holds an MBE® degree from Steinbeis University Berlin/ Germany.

Simon Schwinger

CEO at Jenaer Antriebstechnik

Simon Thiele (CTO) studied Microsystems Engineering at the University of Freiburg. After graduating in 2012 he worked on his doctoral thesis "Design, simulation and process optimization for 3D direct laser writing of micro optics" at the Institute for Applied Optics (ITO), University of Stuttgart. He achieved his PhD in 2019 summa cum laude and kept working at the ITO as head of the optical design team. With over 10 years of experience in the field he is an ideal fit for the R&D of Printoptix.

Simon Thiele

CTO at Printoptix

Simonas Kicas (Co-Founder & CEO) is a specialist in laser and optical engineering with over 15 years of experience in the optical coating industry. He has been at OPTOMAN for over 7 years, serving as Co-Founder and CEO since August 2025 and previously as Co-Founder and CTO. His technical background includes serving as the Head of the Optical Coating Laboratory at the Center for Physical Science and Technology and as the CTO of Optida Co Ltd., Lithuania's largest optical coating company. Simonas holds a PhD in Materials Engineering, a Master's degree in Laser and Optical Engineering, and Bachelor's degrees in International Economics and the Physics and Management of Modern Technologies, all from Vilnius University.

Simonas Kicas

Co-Founder & CTO at OPTOMAN

Smriti Sakhamuri (Executive Director) has been the Executive Director at HHV Advanced Technologies since 2024. Previously, she worked with The World Bank, National University of Singapore, Development Analytics, Community Systems Foundation, and University of Michigan in research and analytical roles, focusing on economics and development analytics. Smriti holds a Bachelors in Mathematics from the University of Warwick and a Masters in Applied Economics from The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Smriti Sakhamuri

Executive Director at HHV Advanced Technologies

Sören Meyer (Sales Manager) has been in sales for Europe, Africa, Turkey and Israel at Ferrotec for almost 4 years and is always interested in the needs of the customers. Before Ferrotec, he was already in sales for the DACH region, the Baltic States and Scandinavia. Here he has supported the sales for two manufacturers for refrigeration compressors. The basis for all these activities, he has collected in the training as a refrigeration engineer, the bachelor and master studies in mechanical engineering and energy system and the work as a development engineer for heat pump systems at Bosch.

Soeren Meyer

Sales Manager Europe Electronic Segment at Ferrotec

Sonal Agrawal (CEO) is one of India’s most influential marketing professionals and is currently the CEO of Laser Science Services India Pvt. Ltd. She holds a master’s degree in management and has over 15yrs of marketing and management experience across various industries. She has been associated with Laser Science since 2012, when she initiated the company’s digital marketing division and took up the management leadership role in 2023. Sonal Agrawal, with her dynamic leadership and strategic vision, continues to drive Laser Science Services India Pvt. Ltd towards unparalleled success.

Sonal Agrawal

CEO at Laser Science Services

Stefan Hackl (CEO) joined the Laser Sources division of TroGroup in 2024 and he is CEO of Iradion and Luxinar. Stefan has a track record of delivering exceptional results in previous leadership positions in the fast-paced automotive industry. He brings extensive experience in operations and sales at plant and divisional levels from Miba and SAS Interior Modules, including plant responsibility and restructuring projects. Stefan has a strong reputation for exceptional leadership, a hands-on mentality, a deep understanding of the industry landscape, and cultural awareness, having lived, worked and studied in various countries. Stefan holds a Masters in International Business from the University of St Andrews. His commitment to excellence and fostering empowered and diverse teams aligns with TroGroup’s values and culture.

Stefan Hackl

CEO at Luxinar

Stefan Hauser (CEO) has been leading J. Hauser since 2005, driving the company’s success in precision optics and manufacturing. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering (Dipl.-Ing.) from FH Gießen.

Stefan Hauser

CEO at J. Hauser

Stefan Schindlbeck (Vice President Sales) holds a diploma in physics from Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich, with a thesis focused on bimolecular optics. He started his career at DELO, developing equipment for curing and dispensing adhesives, with a focus on LEDs and light curing. In 2011, Stefan joined the sales team at Instrument Systems and established the key account management. He built a global network of service sites and partners to support the company’s growth in industrial applications. With extensive experience in product management, sales and managing global accounts in the LED, display manufacturing and electronics OEM, Stefan now leads the sales department at Instrument Systems.

Stefan Schindlbeck

VP Sales at Instrument Systems

Stefan Traeger

None at NONE

Stefan Uwe Best (Senior Sales Engineer) has a long-standing career in optics and mechanical engineering, including leadership roles such as Location Manager at TRIOPTICS and Head of Department Production Technology at Leica Camera AG, where he managed teams, oversaw process development, and implemented automation in optics manufacturing. Earlier in his career, he worked as a development engineer at Robert Bosch and as a precision mechanic at Carl Zeiss Sports Optics. Stefan holds a Diploma Engineer (FH) in Precision Engineering, Automation, and Microsystems Technology from Furtwangen University of Applied Sciences.

Stefan Uwe Best

Key Account Manager at Sill Optics

Stefan Weber (CEO) is the CEO of Phaseform GmbH, a deep-tech startup using innovative adaptive optics for a wide range of optical applications. With a solid background in photonics and adaptive optics, he has successfully led the company from inception, focusing on the development and commercialization of the breakthrough Deformable Phase Plate technology. His previous experience includes leadership roles at SwissLitho AG and modum.io AG, where he was instrumental in pioneering nanolithography tools and IoT solutions for the pharmaceutical industry, respectively. With a Ph.D. in experimental physics from the FU Berlin, where he developed advanced polarization methods for LC-SLMs, his academic and professional career includes significant contributions to optical systems, marked by his tenure as a product manager at Jenoptik Optical Systems GmbH, working at the cutting edge of high-end sensors for the semiconductor industry, and as a postdoc at EPFL, where he developed optical MEMS systems.

Stefan Weber

CEO and Co-Founder at Phaseform

Stefanie Foerster (CEO) is a highly accomplished executive and biophysical chemist with over 20 years of international leadership experience across the photonics, automation, and environmental engineering sectors. Stefanie’s career is defined by her ability to bridge the gap between complex engineering and global business strategy. She spent significant portions of her career in high-level roles at Siemens, where she headed the Process Automation Business Unit in Russia, and thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions, where she served as Regional Head for the CIS region. Her expertise also extends to industrial water treatment and environmental technology, having held leadership positions at EnviroChemie GmbH and EISENMANN Anlagenbau. Beyond her executive roles, Stefanie is an active Member of the Supervisory Board for LAP Laser. She holds a Doctorate (Dr. rer. nat.) in Biophysical Chemistry from the Technische Universität Berlin and an Executive MBA from the University of St. Gallen. Her academic background is further bolstered by certifications in Digital Transformation from the Rotterdam School of Management and Corporate Governance from the Berlin School of Economics and Law.

Stefanie Foerster

CEO at Art Photonics

Stefano Cattaneo

General Manager at Optoprim Italy

Steffen Novotny (Fiber Sales and Applications Manager) has studied Physics at the University of Heidelberg and completed his PhD with research in Molecular Physics at the Max-Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics (Heidelberg, Germany). His focus turned towards Photonics when studying nonlinear effects and supercontinuum generation in optical fibers as a researcher at Aalto University (Espoo, Finland). In 2015 he joined nLIGHT and has since then been responsible for specialty optical fiber sales and application support of customers.

Steffen Novotny

Fiber Sales and Applications Manager at nLIGHT

Stephan Prinz (Senior Product Manager) obtained his M.Sc. in optics and photonics from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and his Ph.D. in physics from Technical University of Munich. For seven years he developed cutting-edge ultra-short pulsed laser systems at TRUMPF for scientific applications like attosecond metrology or multiphoton spectroscopy. Stephan joined DELO in 2020.

Stephan Prinz

Senior Product Manager Optics & Photonics at DELO

Stéphane Bussa graduated with a Master's degree in Optronic from the School of Engineering at the Paris-Sud University and after that held a high-level executive and sales positions at Keithley/Tektronix, Alcatel Optronics and in the Thales Group before beginning his career at PI. Mr. Bussa has been working for PI for more than nine years. He joined PI France SAS in Paris as Managing Director in 2007 and took over the position of Président in 2012. In September 2016, Mr Bussa has been appointed as Vice President, Sales & Marketing of the PI Group.

Stephane Bussa

Managing Director at SYMETRIE

Stéphane Duval (CEO) is the founder of ARDOP Industrie & Lighting in France. He holds a diploma in optical instrumentation. He started his career in the European R&D center with Corning Inc. in optical Fiber-based Telecommunications. Then, he moved to BFI-Optilas a Pan-European company in Photonics as Sales Manager & was promoted Business Unit Manager of the photonic group in 2013. He has a strong experience in Sales & Business development. In 2017, Stéphane co-founded ARDOP Industrie in Bordeaux being Sales Director and became CEO in 2020. Recently, he has co-founded ARDOP Lighting which designs and manufactures multispectral solutions based on LED.

Stephane Duval

Ceo at ARDOP Industrie

Steven Konsek

Investment Director at Applied Ventures

Sujatha Ramanujan (Managing Director) is a serial entrepreneur and seasoned executive with 25 years of experience in Clinical Devices and in Consumer Electronics. Sujatha has started, built, and grown three startup businesses in cardiac surgical equipment, optical communications, and nano materials. In addition, as CTO and Product Line Manager of Mammography CAD and Pediatric Businesses within Kodak and Carestream, her team developed and launched clinical equipment and Clinical IT on every continent. Sujatha has held scientific, technical leadership, and laboratory head positions in Chrysler Corporation, GE, Kodak, Carestream, and Intrinsiq Materials. She holds 28 issued US patents. As a corporate investor for Kodak, then later working with regional investment councils she provides guidance to startups, M&A strategies for growing businesses, and vetting of technologies to investors. She has served on investment advisories in US, Canada, and Israel. Dr. Ramanujan holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan and is an Executive Board Member of the National Women’s Hall of Fame.

Sujatha Ramanujan

Managing Director at Nextcorps Luminate

Sven Rüger (CEO) obtained his degree in business administration, specializing in accounting, taxation and general Management at Mainz University. Additionally, he was trained as a business coach for reframing processes. During his career in different multinationals, he acquired profound business know how in the area of specialty chemicals as well as life science / biotech and semiconductor. For several years he worked in India as well as in US. For nearly 20 years now, Sven is active as a consultant CEO / CFO and angel investor / co-founder of companies in the above-mentioned business areas. In 2021, he took over as CEO of Innolume in order to facilitate the transition into a higher volume approach company. End of 2022 Sven bought out Innolume`s shares (99%) held by sanctioned Russian entrepreneurs.

Sven Rueger

CEO at innolume

Sven Sassning (Business Development Manager) has been part of the optics team at Jabil in Jena since February 2024. Before joining Jabil, he gained valuable experience at Trioptics and in the pharmaceutical industry. He holds an engineering degree in physics. With over 15 years of experience in optical test and measurement, optics and optomechanical assembly, Sven is ideally suited to successfully guide customer projects from ideation to mass production and remains the ideal point of contact at all stages. In his leisure time, Sven enjoys spending time with his family and travelling the world.

Sven Sassning

Business Development Manager at Jabil

Sven Schreiber (General Manager) leads LASER COMPONENTS Germany where he oversees sales, marketing, and strategic business operations in the German market. He joined Laser Components in 2002 as an export manager, playing a key role in building the company’s global distributor network. Since 2014 he has been responsible for sales and marketing, and in 2023 he was appointed General Manager. During his studies of economics and business administration in the USA, he first engaged with the photonics industry, which has remained his focus throughout his career.

Sven Schreiber

General Manager at Laser Components Germany

Sze Set (CTO) has extensive experience in optics, photonics, and high-speed optical communications, combining academic research and industrial leadership. He is currently a Project Professor at the University of Tokyo, after serving as Associate Professor at the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, Information Devices Department. He previously co-founded Alnair Photonics in Malaysia and led Alnair Labs Corporation in Tokyo as CEO, President, and R&D General Manager, where he developed novel laser technologies including the first carbon-nanotube femtosecond pulsed laser and launched industrial 3D laser measurement systems. Earlier, he was a Senior Engineer at Micron Optics and a JSPS Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Tokyo. Sze Set holds a PhD in Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering from the University of Southampton, where he performed the first 40Gb/s optical transmission field trial using mid-span spectral inversion for dispersion compensation, and a Bachelor of Engineering (First-Class Honours) in Electronic Engineering from the same university.

Sze Set

CTO at MOL Solutions Inc.

Teck Lee Chee (CEO) is the Founder & CEO of Moveon Technologies Pte. Ltd., a company dedicated to leading edge optics & nanofabrication solutions catering to a diversity of industries.He received his MSc in Materials Engineering from Loughborough University, U.K. after graduating from Singapore Polytechnics. He was also the Executive Director of Unisteel Technology Ltd. (2006-2009) and the founder of Valen Technologies Pte Ltd (1999-2005). Prior to this, he was involved in a number of senior management and engineering positions in MNCs and local SMEs. He has more than 30 years of experience related to precision manufacturing.

Teck Lee Chee

CEO at Moveon Technologies

Teodora Grujic

Events Manager at EPIC - European Photonics Industry Consortium

Terry Teh (CEO) has over 30 years of experience in semiconductor Integrated Circuits (IC) design, application, sales, business development, and management. He earned a first-class honors Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from The University of Adelaide, Australia (1991) and a Master’s degree from the National University of Singapore (1998). Terry began his career at Toshiba Electronics (1991–1993) as a Senior ASIC Application Engineer. He then joined Motorola Singapore IC Design Center in 1993 as part of its pioneer team, rising to IC Design Section Head (Staff Engineer) during his eight-year tenure. At Motorola, he led teams in designing flagship ICs, including HC05, HC08, 68000, and the ARM7-based Dragon Ball Media Processor, a predecessor to the NXP i.MX series. In 2001, Terry joined Infineon Singapore as a Project Manager (Senior Principal Engineer), overseeing multiple IC design projects. He later contributed to a startup, eMicro, before co-founding Advinno Technologies in 2002. Terry’s career highlights include leading the development of cutting-edge ICs, building strong teams, and driving business growth. His blend of technical expertise and leadership defines his success in both innovation and entrepreneurship within the semiconductor industry.

Terry Teh

CEO at Advinno Technologies

Theodor Nielsen, CEO, Founder, NIL Technology ApS. Mr. Nielsen holds an engineering masters degree from The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) where he has specialized in nanotechnology. Mr. Nielsen has worked with nanoimprint lithography since 2003 where he as part of his studies took part in pioneering the nanoimprint activities in Denmark. Mr. Nielsen is one of the founders of NIL Technology where he has held the position as CEO since 2006, and since 2019 he has been leading the transformation of NIL Technology from being a technology company to become a leading company of modern optical solutions, using diffractive and meta optical elements, to be used in consumer electronics, automotive and AR/VR, among others.

Theodor Nielsen

CEO at NIL Technology

Thibaut Atche (President) is a dynamic entrepreneur and sales executive with a specialized background in high-tech industrial solutions and energy management. Thibaut is widely recognized for his tenure at Cailabs, where he was the International Sales Manager for the CANUNDA product line. In this role, he spearheaded the global commercialization of laser beam shaping solutions designed to optimize industrial laser processes such as additive manufacturing, welding, and cutting. His career also features a strong international footprint in the Middle East and Africa, where he managed large-scale sales operations for Camfil, a world leader in air filtration and clean air solutions. His professional foundation includes a high-level diplomatic and technical posting in Moscow, where he served as the Deputy of the Nuclear Adviser for the French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energy Commission (CEA), overseeing nuclear energy relations between France and Eastern Europe. He holds a degree in Energy and Environmental Management from the IMT Mines d’Alès, one of France's premier engineering schools.

Thibaut Atche

President at etendue.io

Thierry Georges (Founder and CEO) has more than 25 years of world-class scientific activity in the field of lasers and optical transmission, together with a successful track record as an entrepreneur. He was formerly the CEO of Algety Telecom, a start-up he co-founded in 1999 and which was later sold to Corvis Corp. From 2000 to 2002, he was also Senior VP Technology of Corvis. He regularly advises new ventures and is a board member of several high-tech companies. He received his Ph.D. from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Télécommunications (ENST, Paris) and holds Engineering degrees from Ecole Polytechnique (Paris) and ENST.

Thierry Georges

President and CTO at oxxius

Thijs van Leest

Director R&D at PhotonFirst

Thomas Fletcher (Scientist) is an experienced research chemist and innovator specializing in advanced materials, printed electronics, and energy harvesting. In his current role, he leads technical initiatives to develop novel high thermal conductivity materials for electronics, focusing on material selection, processing methods, and advanced metrology. Thomas has a strong track record of transitioning laboratory research into functional prototypes. During his tenure at CDT, he was a key figure in developing printed thermoelectric energy harvesters, contributing to substrate architecture, ink formulation, and the scaling of fabrication processes from rigid to flexible formats. His early career included significant work with OLED test devices and inkjet printing techniques in cleanroom environments. He holds an MChem (Master of Chemistry) from the University of Southampton. Before joining CDT, he gained valuable international experience as a contract chemist in New Zealand and a research assistant at Merck Chemicals, where he worked on liquid crystal technology for next-generation displays.

Thomas Fletcher

Scientist at Cambridge Display Technology

Thomas Hessler (CEO) studied at the University of Constance (Germany) and Imperial College London (UK). He received his Diploma in Physics in 1994 and his PhD in Applied Optics from the University Neuchâtel (Switzerland) in 1997. From 1998 to 2019, he started as employee No 1, led as general manager and grew the corporate start-up Axetris to 130 people and market leadership in wafer level micro-optics and gas sensing. Recently, he joined Ligentec SA as a late Founder to support the scaling of this high potential company. Besides his general management experience to navigate in a complex, multi-disciplinary, multi-market, high investment, high-tech OEM business environment, he has profound experience in a variety of photonics and non-photonics technologies (sensors, infrared gas detection, MEMS, micro-optics and micro‐fluidics) and markets (automotive, medical, telecom, analytical, industrial).

Thomas Hessler

CEO at Ligentec

Thomas Kietzke (Head of Business Development Electronic) is a senior executive and materials scientist with extensive experience in the semiconductor and display industries. He currently serves as the Managing Director of Unity Semiconductor and the Head of Business Development for Merck Electronics, where he identifies and drives new business opportunities for the electronics sector. His 14-year tenure at Merck KGaA includes high-level roles such as Head of Technology and Market Intelligence and Head of the Optoelectronics Business Field, where he managed a global team of over 120 people across the US, Europe, and Asia. Thomas holds a Doctorate in Natural Science with a focus on Materials from the University of Potsdam, where he graduated summa cum laude for his research in OLEDs, photovoltaics, and nanotechnology. He also earned a Graduate Degree in Semiconductor Physics from the University of Göttingen and a Master of Business Engineering (MBE) in General Management from Steinbeis Hochschule.

Thomas Kietzke

Head of Business Development Electronics at Merck Electronics

Thomas Suedmeyer

Director of the Physics Institute at University of Neuchatel

Thorsten Mayer (CEO) joined Vanguard in 2020 and served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for one year. Prior to joining Vanguard Automation, Thorsten has held several regional and global leadership positions at National Instruments (NI) in sales, strategic marketing and operations. Amongst his roles at NI he served as Managing Director for East-Central Europe quadrupling revenues and profits over seven years and led high-impact transformational projects at the global level as Chief of Staff and Global Head of Alliance Sales & Strategic Partnerships. He has lived and worked in four countries. Thus, he offers U.S. Corporate, European and Asian experience and a strong international background to business development and geographical expansion. Thorsten has also been contributing through his voluntary work at SWAN Impact Network, both as investor and advisor, to startups with measurable social or environmental impact.

Thorsten Mayer

CEO at Vanguard Automation

Tobias Bauert (Chief Sales Officer) has been leading sales at IMT Microtechnologies since December 2024, driving business growth and strategic partnerships in the Zürich area. Prior to this, he held roles as Business Development Manager for Life Sciences & Diagnostics and R&D Group Leader at IMT. Tobias has a strong technical background with a diploma in Materials Science from ETH Zürich and a doctorate in Organic Chemistry from the University of Zurich, where he researched corannulenes’ self-assembly and electronic properties. He also expanded his leadership skills through a CAS in General Management at the University of St.Gallen.

Tobias Bauert

Chief Sales Officer at IMT

Tobias Roth (CEO) is an experienced industrial leader and sales strategist. Tobias originally joined the company in 2020 as the Chief Sales Officer (CSO), where he was instrumental in expanding the company's market presence before transitioning into the top executive role. His professional background is rooted in sales leadership and international business development. Prior to joining OBERON, he spent five years at Elektror airsystems, a leading manufacturer of industrial fans and blowers. At Elektror, he rose from a Sales Coordinator to the Teamleader of Direct Sales for the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region, managing complex accounts and cross-border sales initiatives. Tobias holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) in International Management from the Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences.

Tobias Roth

CEO at OBERON Fiber Technologies

Tolga Tekin (Group Manager) has received the Ph.D. degree in EECS from the Technical University of Berlin, in 2004. He has conducted research at Fraunhofer HHI, UC Davis, Teles AG, and TU Berlin, working on optical signal processing, O‑CDMA, photonic integrated circuits, phased‑array antennas, and advanced packaging technologies. He leads the Photonic & Plasmonic Systems Group at Fraunhofer IZM. His R&D focuses on heterogeneous systems, interconnects, and photonic/wireless networks, including electronic–photonic co‑integration and high‑performance system architectures. He has coordinated major European projects FP7‑PhoxTroT, H2020‑L3MATRIX, and H2020‑MASSTART, and currently leads ALLEGRO, a Horizon Europe flagship initiative targeting agile, ultra‑low‑energy, and secure optical networks for 6G- and AI‑ready systems and infrastructures. His work contributes to driving innovation for next‑generation systems and networks.

Tolga Tekin

Group Manager at Fraunhofer IZM

Torsten Vahrenkamp (CEO) holds a Diploma for Applied Laser Technologies from the University of Applied Sciences in Emden, Germany. During further work at the Institute of Laser Technology in Emden and at the University of Loughborough, UK, he built a fully automated laser lithography system for rapid generation of microstructures in sub-micron dimensions. He also developed a process to generate the world’s first in-glass diffractive optics using ion exchange processes in gradient refractive index glass – a process that is still used today for the generation of waveguides in glass. Torsten is Chief Executive Officer of ficonTEC and, together with CFO Matthias Trinker, one of the co-founders of the company. When founding the company in 2001, the goal was to provide fully and semi-automated assembly and test solutions for the photonics industry.

Torsten Vahrenkamp

CEO at ficonTEC Service

Udo Fetzer (Key Account Manager) graduated from the University of Kaiserslautern, holds a master’s degree in electrical engineering. He has more than 30 years of experience in photonics and fiber optics. Before joining OFS (now Lightera) in 2017, he was working in different product management and business development roles at Hirschmann, JDSU, and Laser 2000. His deep knowledge and experience encompass passive and active optical components, network systems, optical test and measurement, and fiber sensing. His current focus is developing the business for Lightera in Europe for specialty fiber and photonics solutions.

Udo Fetzer

Key Account Manager at Lightera

Ugo Drieux (COO) received a Master’s degree in Applied Physics from the Denis Diderot Engineering School of the University of Paris in 2019. He is now part of OptoSigma’s team responsible for customer relationships and custom project handling. He is also a master’s intermittent professor at the University of Paris for Business and corporate integration.

Ugo DRIEUX

COO at OptoSigma

Ulrich Tobiasch (European Sales Manager) has studied chemical engineering in Germany before joining the semiconductor industry in 1997 when the transition to 200mm Silicon wafer fabs peaked in Europe. Working for durable and consumable materials suppliers he has managed several factory installation and ramp-up projects from the technical and commercial side. Major 200mm and 300mm Silicon fab projects include Qimonda (now Infineon), AMD and GF Dresden, Philips (now NXP) Nijmegen, and STMicroelectronics Rousset and Crolles. In 2001-2004 he was based in Colorado with a global position in marketing and onsite services management. Back in Frankfurt at JX Metals Europe (formerly Nikko Materials) he supports users of sputtering targets, high purity metals, InP, and CdZnTe wafers and leads the sales team for the European market. Conversing fluently in German, English, and French language, Ulrich focuses on understanding issues, providing solutions, and contributing to human development.

Ulrich Tobiasch

Sales Manager at JX Advanced Metals Corporation

Ulrike Fuchs (Vice President Strategy & Innovation) studied physics at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena from 1999 to 2004, majoring in optics. She began her academic career in 2003 with numerical simulations of ultrashort pulse propagation in complex optical systems. Afterwards she was a Fellow of the German National Academic Foundation at the Fraunhofer IOF in Jena and received her doctorate in 2009. Postdoctoral, she worked at the IOF Micro-Optical Department and as assistant lecturer at the Abbe School of Photonics. When she joined asphericon in 2010 as an optical designer, her research focus shifted to combining manufacturing and metrology of aspherics with questions of optical design. She has been Head of the Applications Department since 2012 and is continuously working on concepts that enable the prediction of system performance in optical design and tolerance processes. Recently, great emphasis has been given to transferring these ideas to freeform optics. Her current position comprises all R&D activities at asphericon as well as strategic product development. She is also the inaugural winner of the Kevin P. Thompson Optical Design Innovator Award and has been working as an Associated Editor for Optics Express since April 2018. Since 2023, she is serving as Director at Large for the OPTICA Board of Directors.

Ulrike Fuchs

VP Strategy & Innovation at asphericon

Ulrike Helfferich

Chief Operating Officer at EPIC - European Photonics Industry Consortium

Uwe Wagner (CEO/CTO) studied Electrical Engineering/Communication Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Hanover, and began his professional career at the Laser Zentrum Hanover (LZH). In the following years, he worked for LPKF Laser & Electronics, Jenoptik Automatisierungstechnik, and Jenoptik Laser, where his responsibilities included product management, international sales and the development of new business fields, as well as business development for the laser & material processing division at Jenoptik. Since joining 3D-Micromac AG in 2012, he has advanced from business development to Chief Sales Officer (2013) and has held the dual role of Chief Technology Officer and Chief Executive Officer since 2021.

Uwe Wagner

CEO at 3D-Micromac

Valentin Wittwer (CEO) is a scientist and entrepreneur with a distinguished career in ultrafast laser physics and frequency metrology. He is the Founder and President of Utom AG and previously co-founded Silentsys SAS, a company specializing in high-performance laser systems. Since 2016, he has served as a Senior Scientist and leader of coating activities at the Time and Frequency Laboratory of the University of Neuchâtel. Valentin holds a Doctorate of Sciences (Dr. sc. ETH Zurich) in Physics and a Master of Science in Physics from ETH Zurich. He also earned a Swiss Teaching Qualification in Physics and completed advanced business studies through the MAS-MTEC program at ETH Zurich.

Valentin Wittwer

CEO at Utom

Velko Tzolov (Director General) is a leading technology professional with an outstanding engineering R&D and business background. As a Director General he leads the Advanced Electronics and Photonics Research Centre and the Canadian Photonics Fabrication Center at the National Research Council of Canada. Dr. Tzolov also served as a Director of NRC's Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), supporting a large portfolio of small and medium-sized enterprises developing innovative technologies, and several key IRAP innovation ecosystem initiatives. He also served as an industrial technology advisor with NRC IRAP, as well as an officer with the Energy, Mining and Environment portfolio, focusing on engineering projects in clean energy and on-grid energy storage in Vancouver. Dr. Tzolov is the founder of three Canadian technology firms: Optiwave Systems, Peleton Photonics Systems and Palladium 7 Corporation, where he was leading strategic industrial technology development and commercialization, including major business transactions, securing venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, and IP asset transactions. He led developments of the world’s first commercial engineering simulation tool for Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifiers, as well as the Finite Difference Time Domain photonic simulator OptiFDTD, which is of critical importance for advanced photonics research globally. Dr. Tzolov also managed sizeable engineering technology deals and partnerships within multinational business development teams in over 50 countries worldwide.

Velko Tzolov

Director General at National Research Council of Canada

Veronica Oliver (COO) serves as the Chief Operating Officer at UltraFast Innovations, a role she has held since 2023. During her six-year tenure at the company, she transitioned from a Research and Development Engineer where she led the design, production, and quality control of optical devices to overseeing global operations, technical team management, and strategic sales. Her background includes a significant research career at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), where she served as a Research Assistant and Laboratory Teacher. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Chemistry from EPFL, a Master of Science in Engineering in Advanced and Applied Chemistry from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), and a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from the Autonomous University of Madrid.

Veronica Oliver

COO at UltraFast Innovations

Viacheslav Artyushenko (Co-Founder & CEO) is a pioneer in mid-infrared fiber technology, with a career spanning over four decades in specialty optics and spectroscopy. After earning his PhD in solid-state physics, he founded art photonics, which became a global leader in fiber-optic solutions for industrial, medical, and scientific use. Following its acquisition in 2024, he co-founded Art Fiber Systems (AFS) to bring next-generation PAT solutions directly to end users. He is a recognized innovator, EPIC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, and an active member of numerous international photonics organizations.

Viacheslav Artyushenko

Founder & CEO at Art Fiber Systems

Vicente Calvo Alonso (CEO & Co-founder) holds an M.Sc. in Industrial engineering from the Polytechnic Centre of the University of Zaragoza, Spain. Since his graduation in 2001, Vicente has gathered more than 17 years of work experience in different industry fields including electromechanical appliances, aeronautics and design of industrial equipment. First, he worked as an Engineering Consultant in the Benelux and Finland. Before founding Comptek, he worked as Lead Innovator in the Touch Screens Division of Nokia and later with Microsoft Mobiles, where he was responsible for scouting new technologies and their implementation into new products.

Vicente Calvo Alonso

CEO at Comptek Solutions Oy

Vijay Ramya Kolli (Head of Strategy) leads strategic initiatives in the production market segment at Oxford Instruments. Prior to joining the company in 2024, she spent over nine years at SUSS MicroTec, where she held multiple roles including Business Development Manager, Program Manager for Imprint Technologies, Technology Lead in Photolithography, and Application Scientist. She holds a Ph.D. in Microelectronic Engineering from the University of Kassel, a Master of Technology in Telematics and Signal Processing from the National Institute of Technology Rourkela, and a Bachelor of Technology in Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University.

Vijay Ramya Kolli

Head of Strategic Production Markets at Oxford Instruments

Viktor Schuetz (Head of Partnership Management) leads the industrialization of holography and the strategic development of the Enabling Ecosystem. Since joining ZEISS in 2020, he has focused on building technology roadmaps and global supply chains for micro-optical solutions. His career includes four years as a Technology Manager at LG Electronics and nearly a decade in R&D at Laser Zentrum Hannover Viktor holds a Dr.-Ing. in Laser and Optical Engineering from Leibniz Universität Hannover, an MBA from PFH Private Hochschule Göttingen, and a Dipl.-Ing. in Photonics from the University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer.

Viktor Schuetz

Head of Partnership Management at Carl Zeiss Jena GmbH

Viorel Otgon (COO) received his master’s degree in Electronic Engineering from the University of Valencia in September 2016. Previously he obtained a degree in Telecommunications Engineering from the University of Valencia, the last year being coursed at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences (Helsinki, Finland). He has started his professional activities during his studies. On February 2015 he joined the R&D Department of the company FYLA LASER. His main functions were hardware/firmware development and photonics product characterization. He has actively participated in product development and quality projects and was the inventor of several patents. His research work in photonics has been published in more than 5 international conferences. After a bit more than three years as an Electronic Engineer at FYLA, he transitioned to the Operations Department, first as Supply Chain and Quality Manager, and since January 2023, as Director of the Operations Area where he oversees all operational aspects, including production, supply chain management, quality control, and process optimization. His main tasks are focused on ensuring efficient manufacturing processes, timely delivery of products, and adherence to quality standards while striving for continuous improvement and innovation in operations.

Viorel Otgon

COO at FYLA LASER

Volker Raab (CEO) earned his diploma degree from Technical University Munich on data analysis of particle collisions at CERN, Geneva. Then, after the fall of the Berlin wall, he went to the former east for a Doctorate in theoretical physics of nonlinear systems. This was applied to arrays of semiconductor lasers during a post-doc activity. These researches spawned the company which now offers over 25 years of optical development experience resulting from over 130 projects of all sizes.

Volker Raab

CEO at Raab-Photonik

Warren Clark (CEO) has more than 30 years of experience in connecting science and technology communities through online platforms and publications. Initially on the content team, including some years as an editor, Warren moved onto publisher and executive roles, taking over as CEO in 2016. During his time leading the organisation, it has transformed from a classic publishing company to a multimedia content creator, building audiences across its four key brands – Electro Optics, Fibre Systems, Imaging & Machine Vision Europe and Scientific Computing World – and delivering best-in-class commercial solutions to a range of international clients.

Warren Clark

CEO at Europa Science

Wilhelm Kaenders (Founder & CTO) received a Physics Diploma from U Bonn and Imperial College, London in 1989. He finished his PhD in Physics at the U Hannover in the field of laser-cooled atoms under the guidance of Prof. Meschede by devising and building magnetic atom optics. Wilhelm is a member of OSA (Fellow), SPIE (Fellow), and the German Physical Society (DPG). Since 2009 he is Chairman of the Fachbeirat “LASER World of Photonics”. His scientific work was recognized with the Berthold-Leibinger Innovation Award in 2016 and the OSA Paul-Forman-Award in 2017.

Wilhelm Kaenders

Vorstand CTO at TOPTICA Photonics

William Oppermann (CEO) has extensive experience in the ICT industry and in particular the enterprise data storage industry. William holds a B.E as well as a Msc. Eng. masters degree in Engineering. He leads the company’s strategic vision and commercialization of innovative integrated laser and comb source solutions. Prior to Pilot Photonics, Oppermann founded the tech company MPSTOR, which was successfully acquired by Sanmina Inc. in 2016. Pilot Photonics is a spin-out from Dublin City University and has secured significant venture and innovation funding under his leadership.

William Oppermann

CEO at Pilotphotonics

Wladick Hartmann (Co-Founder & CTO) received his PhD from the University of Muenster in 2020 on the topic of “On-Chip Integrated Broadband Spectrometers Based on Tailored Disorder” with Prof. Wolfram Pernice. During the course of his PhD, Wladick was directly involved in developing the technology, which he and his co-founders are leveraging now at Pixel Photonics. Prior to his PhD, Wladick was already working as a Master student on superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors with Wolfram Pernice at KIT, where he was instrumental in the development of this technology. Together with his colleagues he co-founded Pixel Photonics in 2020.

Wladick Hartmann

CTO at Pixel Photonics

Wolfgang Ebert (CEO) is the owner and CEO of Laseroptik. Starting work for the company in 1997, he learned the skills of a thin film engineer from scratch. After other positions in industry, he took over the general management from his father, Dr Johannes Ebert, in 2007. As CEO, he pushes new programs like the development of IBS, innovative coating concepts and other strategic and pragmatic advances. Technology management was the subject of his doctorate at the Leibniz University in Hanover, where he graduated from the faculty of economics.

Wolfgang Ebert

CEO at LASEROPTIK

Xiao Tang (CEO & Co-Founder) received BSc in Applied Physics from Chongqing University in China, MSc in semiconductor surfaces from Technical University of Eindhoven and PhD in making GaAs solar cells from Radboud Universitiy Nijmegen in The Netherlands. Worked for Chongqing University (teaching assistant), ASM International (CVD Al metallization for Si wafers), Drukker International and Element Six (various diamond related process and product development) before establishing Mintres in 2008. Especially interested in doing new product and process development work in the area of Thermal Management for high power Electronics and Opto-electronics.

Xiao Tang

Director at Mintres

Yuri Sikorski (VP & General Manager, Semiconductor Equipment Division) is responsible for strategy, operations, and growth of semiconductor‑focused photonic and optical solutions. He has held leadership roles within Excelitas since at least 2022, including VP of the Semiconductor and Laser Technology business units prior to his current position. Sikorski brings over 30 years of experience in optical engineering, product development, and business leadership across semiconductor equipment and photonics markets. Before joining Excelitas, he held senior technical and management roles at companies including Photon Control Inc., MKS Inc., Newport Corporation, and Beckman Coulter Diagnostics, and has experience in academic research as a physics and photonics professor. He holds graduate degrees including an MBA from Colorado State University and advanced degrees in Physics and Materials Sciences, reflecting a strong technical foundation combined with business leadership expertise.

Yuri Sikorski

VP & GM, Semiconductor Equipment Division at EXCELITAS TECHNOLOGIES

Zdenek Zach (Vice President of Business Development) is responsible for driving strategic growth and identifying new business opportunities at SQS Vlaknová optika a.s. Based in the Czech Republic, he brings nearly three decades of experience within the company. Since joining SQS in 1996, he has held key leadership roles including Business Director and R&D Manager, contributing significantly to the company's innovation in fiber optics and precision components. He holds an Ing. degree in Technical Cybernetics from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the Czech Technical University in Prague.

Zdenek Zach

Business Development Manager at SQS Vlaknova optika

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE EPIC SUMMIT IS ON INVITATION ONLY – PLEASE DO NOT REGISTER UNLESS YOU HAVE RECEIVED AN INVITATION OR PRIOR CONFIRMATION. THANK YOU.

Related
Past Events

epic_photonics

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE EPIC SUMMIT IS ON INVITATION ONLY – PLEASE DO NOT REGISTER UNLESS YOU HAVE RECEIVED AN INVITATION OR PRIOR CONFIRMATION. THANK YOU.

Related Past Events

epic_photonics

Related
Past Events