Please note, preferably register only one person per company for best possible networking.
Industrial applications of lasers have been continuously growing in the last years. Their advantages in terms of speed, accuracy or repeatability allowed them to replace the traditional technologies, and several efforts have been focused in reducing the thermal effects in the materials, minimizing the defects and improve the efficiency of the final process. We have seen amazing developments to obtain lasers with higher powers and new wavelengths, which have allowed the implementation of novel processes and increased the number of materials (glass, plastics, silicon…) to be treated. The quality of the monitoring solutions has also experienced an impressive growth, allowing to increase the control of the industrial processes and ensure the quality of the final product.
In this meeting, we will discuss with the whole supply chain about the laser processes used in different industries and markets (automotive & e-mobility, jewelry, glass, aerospace, energy, semiconductor & consumer electronics), discover the latest developments in sources, components and monitoring systems and define the remaining challenges and needs.
Participants biographies and company descriptions are available HERE
Marco Abbarchi (CSO) holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Florence and LENS Laboratory (European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy). He was in a JSPS (Japan Society for the Promotion of Science) Postdoctoral Fellowship in Japan, between 2009 and 2010, and in 2010 was a Marie Curie Fellow at École Normal Supérieure in Paris. Marco was an Associate Professor at Aix-Marseille University from 2013 to 2023. He is currently Chief Scientific Officer at SOLNIL.
Andrea Lovera (Chief Technology Officer) earned an MS in Micro- and Nanotechnologies for Integrated Systems in 2009. From 2010 to 2014, he pursued a PhD in Photonics at EPFL, where he specialized in laser–matter interaction and nanofabrication. In 2014, Andrea joined the newly incorporated startup FEMTOprint as a Field Engineer, contributing to the development of its microfabrication platform and processes. Since 2017, as CTO, Andrea has led FEMTOprint’s R&D department, guiding product and process development. He has been instrumental in defining the company’s technical roadmap and aligning it with strategic business objectives, fostering both growth and innovation. In 2023, he co-founded the startup AxCellerate, where he also serves as CTO. The following year, he earned certification as a Board Member from the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, gaining advanced expertise in governance, strategy, and decision-making. This qualification complements his experience in leading multidisciplinary teams, coordinating international projects, and managing intellectual property portfolios.
Marco Galiazzo (R&D Director) is R&D Director at Applied Materials Italia, specializing in printed electronics, solar cell manufacturing and advanced optics developments, with deep expertise in material deposition technologies and process innovation. Marco holds a Master’s degree in Applied Optics and an M.Sc. in Telecommunications Engineering from the University of Padua, and completed an Executive Program in International Management at CIMBA.
Anika Langebeck (Industrial Applications) has a Bachelor's degree in Biomimicry and a Master's degree in Production Engineering. She started her career at BIAS in 2018 as a research assistant in the field of surface technology and additive manufacturing of metals. Since 2023, she is responsible for Industry and Networks at BIAS. In this position, she is focussing on transferring the latest research results into industrial applications.
Dag Fischer (Product Manager) studied physics at the universities of Karlsruhe and Tübingen, receiving his PhD in quantum optics in 2016. He worked for more than seven years at MenloSystems as a product manager for optical frequency combs. In 2024 he joined SCANLAB’s product management team, being responsible for the high-end laser scanner solutions excelliSCAN and XL SCAN, as well as for the advanced control software SCANmotionControl.
Sergii Denega (Industrial Strategy Manager) obtained his PhD in physics at the University of Groningen and joined ASML in 2011. Since then, developed optical modules and light sources for all ASML business lines and worked closely with vast supplier network across photonic industries. In the period 2018-2021 gained field knowledge by running three node introduction projects with leading memory customer. As of 2021, joined industrial strategy team and is currently responsible for photonics and sensors segment.
Thierry Robin (CTO) has over 20 years of experience in both technical innovation and marketing in the Photonics industry, running more than fifty projects in Optics and Photonics with prominent players in Defence and Security, Biomedical optics, and Industry. As Founder and Partner of TEMATYS, he is an expert in optical devices, components and systems (optronics, lasers, sensors, LED…) for various applications. Thierry graduated from the Ecole Polytechnique, Paris (France). Thierry holds a master’s degree from Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris (France) and a PhD from the Physics Center of Ecole Polytechnique.
David Bruneel (Group Research Coordinator) joined LASEA in 2015. He has more than 15 years of experience in the research and development of innovative laser processes for all types of applications and also in the development of laser systems with different types of lasers (fibre lasers, ns, ps and fs, using different wavelengths) and optical systems for beam management or instrumentation. His experience includes several years at the Laboratoire Hubert Curien and the Fraunhofer IBMT research centre, as well as in industry in the manufacture of laser machines and the development and optimisation of USP micromachining processes. David is responsible for organising European and regional R&D projects that have led to cutting-edge developments/results/patents: AI supported laser parameters prediction, femtosecond kW laser demonstration, beam shaping, GHz cold ablation, simulation and prediction of laser-matter interaction, high-speed surface texturing, etc …. Among the projects, most are collaborative EU funded projects, he led we can cite: SLIDE, HIPERDIAS, LAMPAS, FUTURLAS 3D, POLAROLL, LASER4SURF, FEMTOTEXT, OPERATIC, GLASS, SYNTECS, NAVIC, etc...
Sabina Zaimovic (Engineer) graduated from Politecnico di Torino (Italy) with a degree in Electronic Engineering for Industrial Applications. During her academic career, she developed her thesis project at Alite, focusing on power upscaling of multi-emitter laser modules. Following her graduation, she joined Alite, where she has been working on high-power laser systems, with particular attention to multi-emitter based architectures. Her work mainly involves the optical and electronic integration of laser modules, contributing to the development and optimization of advanced laser technologies for industrial applications.
Andreas Koglbauer (Senior Expert Laser Metrology) studied laser physics in Mainz and graduated in the field of ultracold quantum gases. Afterwards, he joined the ATRAP collaboration, where, in 2014, he received his PhD in physics on the subject of vacuum-ultraviolet laser development for fundamental research on anti-hydrogen. After a short postdoc position, developing an UV laser system for the GBAR antigravitation experiment, he started with PRIMES in 2015 and since 2017 headed the research department for physical concepts, addressing novel beam diagnostic concepts for industrial high-power laser systems. He joined the corporate R&D of SCHOTT in 2018. Main fields of activity being laser-material processing of glass (USP, CO2) as well as topics concerning laser optics, photonics and fiber optics. Since 2021 he holds the position of Senior Expert on laser metrology, with almost 20 years of extensive experience in laser-related fields.
Pasquale Franciosa (Head of Laser Beam Welding Group) is Professor of Laser Beam Welding and Head of the Laser Beam Welding Group at WMG, University of Warwick, UK. He is an Associate Partner in the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network “Lasers4NetZero”, advancing laser material processing for electric vehicle manufacturing. He also serves as Project Coordinator of the Horizon Europe “Lasers4MaaS” initiative, which is pioneering the use of dynamic beam shaping and digital technologies to transform laser welding. With over 100 peer-reviewed publications, Prof. Franciosa has successfully secured major research grants and built strong partnerships across the industrial supply chain, driving innovation and accelerating the adoption of laser welding in industry.
Quentin Mocaër (Business Development Manager) is in charge of Battery and Semiconductors segments. He graduated in Photonics from Paris XI University. Since 2011, he is active in the ultrafast laser industry, focusing on finding and developing new applications for various high-tech markets. Back to France after several years in Asia with a strong focus on micro-electronics and semiconductors, he is currently strongly involved in cooperations between research institutions and industrial end users aiming at the development of femtosecond laser-based battery manufacturing processes.
Emma Verdier (Sales Engineer) has seen photonics—and laser technologies in particular—be a consistent driving force throughout her academic and professional journey. Her career began with seven years dedicated to developing high-power solid-state laser welding processes for the aeronautics sector, laying a strong foundation in manufacturing applications. She then spent six years specializing in multi-material laser processing, gaining expertise in nano-, pico-, and femtosecond pulsed lasers. This work served industries such as watchmaking, automotive, medical, and defense, significantly broadening her technical skill set. Today, as a technical sales representative at ALPhANOV, a Research and Technology Organization, she channels her passion for photonics into promoting collaboration and innovation across the industry, offering laser processing services and advanced laser systems.
Matteo Verdi (Researcher) holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Bologna with a focus on materials physics and nanoscience. He worked on the synthesis and growth of solution-processed semiconductors for the development of flexible sensors. He gained experience in nano-fabrication techniques and optoelectronic characterization publishing several articles in national and international journals. He is now a member of the R&D team of Kirana, where he manages research projects and seeks new high-value applications for femtosecond laser micromachining. He participated in various national and international research projects gaining experience on femtosecond laser interaction with materials and on morphological characterization of micro and nano structures fabricated with femtosecond laser technology.
Andreas Gaab (Head of TCC) gained his first hands on experiences with laser processing at SCANLAB with a focus on software and control. Tool building expertise was added during his work with Corning Laser Technologies on laser glass cutting. And finally merged with the metrology focus at Lessmüller Lasertechnik, to now work with Raylase on customer success as Head of the Technical Competence Center. He gained his PhD in Mineralogy and motivated by every type of light-matter interaction.
Pasquale Maglie (Managing Director), engineer and researcher trained at EPF Lausanne and ETH Zurich, is the managing director of TECprocess. With deep expertise in advanced manufacturing and a vision for sustainable innovation, he drives the company’s growth across the watchmaking, medical, microtech and industrial sectors, thriving on delivering performance, precision and technological excellence.
Thomas Umschlag (General Manager) has led the company since 2017. He has over two decades of experience in lasers, photonics, and industrial technology, with a strong background in international sales and business leadership. Before joining PRIMES, he served as Senior Director of Sales at Novanta Europe (SYNRAD), Head of Sales for the Thin Film Solar Business Unit at Manz AG, and Sales Manager for High Power Laser Diodes in Europe at Coherent. Earlier in his career, he was a Scientific Assistant at the University of Essen, where he also earned his PhD in Chemistry.
Giammarco Rossi (Principal Electro Optical Engineer) brings with him almost 30 years of experience in the field of lasers and electro-optics. After a Ph.D. at the University of Pavia and a post-doc at the University of California, Santa Barbara, he worked for some of the main tech players in the opto-electronic arena: Agilent Technologies, Pirelli Broadband Solutions, Ericsson Telecomunicazioni and Avago Technologies. In 2014 he joined OPI Photonics where he lead the development of high power multi-emitter modules for fibre laser pumping. After the acquisition of OPI Photonics by nLIGHT Inc. in 2020, he focused his activity on high power beam delivery systems for industrial and defense applications. Giammarco is author of several papers and holds 10 patents in the field of lasers and opto-electronics.
Andreas Russ (Senior Manager Laser Technology) studied mechanical engineering with the specialization in laser technology at the University of Stuttgart. Followed by a PhD thesis with focus on laser welding with disk lasers and the advantage of good focusability at the Institut für Strahlwerkzeuge (IFSW) of University of Stuttgart. He joined Bosch Manufacturing Solutions in 2005 as a expert for laser technology. Since 2008 he is responsible for laser technology at Bosch Manufacturing.
Daniele Grosso (Marketing Manager) graduated in international relations and with a post-degree master in business internationalization, Daniele Grosso has been involved in the launch and growth of the Prima Additive brand since the company was founded in 2018. In these six years he has supervised the correct positioning of Prima Additive products within the market, identifying strategic partnerships for business growth, and creating the company's communication strategy. In addition to his experience in the company, since 2021 Daniele Grosso has been adjunct professor of Digital Marketing at the University of Turin, where he combines practical and theoretical activity and carries out research in the field of B2B marketing.
Daniele Colombo (R&D) joined the R&D Area of Adige BLM Group in April 2015. He holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Politecnico di Milano (2004) and a PhD in “Manufacturing and Production Systems” (2009). Daniele’s early career included research fellowships at SITEC and Politecnico di Milano, focusing on industrial laser applications such as laser welding, cutting, micromachining, heat treatment, and cladding. He also served as Assistant Professor at Politecnico di Milano, supporting courses in mechanical manufacturing and unconventional manufacturing. His research has centered on high-brightness laser processes, including characterization, optimization, and monitoring using optical emission spectroscopy, visual sensing, and optical device design for process control. Daniele is a member of the Italian Association of Mechanical Technology (A.I.Te.M.) and has extensive experience bridging academic research with industrial laser applications.
Hansjörg Rohde (Product Manager) studied mechanical engineering at the University of Stuttgart, specializing in production engineering and laser technology. He completed his doctorate at LASAG in Switzerland in cooperation with the University of Stuttgart. From 2000 to 2015, he worked at Carl BAASEL Lasertechnik GmbH & Co KG in Starnberg, a subsidiary of the ROFIN Group, as Technology and Application Manager for CO2 systems in the Micro division. From 2016, he was Product Line Manager at Coherent with global responsibility for the CO2 system products. After working at Messer Cutting Systems as a product manager for laser cutting machines, he has been product manager for optics and fiber optic assemblies at Laser Components since 2023.
Lukas Rimgaila (Head of OEM Program) leads EKSPLA’s OEM laser initiatives, overseeing strategic partnerships and customized laser solutions since January 2022. He joined EKSPLA in 2017, progressing from Laser Engineer to Sales Manager and Senior Sales Manager, gaining extensive experience in laser technologies and client-focused solutions. Lukas holds a Master’s degree in Laser Physics and Optical Technologies from Vilnius University and a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from Kaunas University of Technology.
Naveen Balla (Technical Marketing Engineer) has been with Hamamatsu Photonics Europe for the last 5 years. He is responsible for management of laser products and certain UV light sources. In addition, he is also involved in analysis and development of business in Europe, internal trainings and product promotion. Prior to working at Hamamatsu, Naveen worked briefly as an optical engineer at Valeo Vision Systems and has 12 years of research experience in microscopy and ultrafast spectroscopy.
Simas Butkus (Laser Applications Laboratory Manager) leads the Laser Applications Laboratory at Light Conversion, where he specializes in femtosecond micromachining feasibility testing, system design, and providing expert consultations. With over 8 years of experience at the company, Simas also contributes his knowledge as a Laser Application Engineer. Alongside his industry role, Simas is a Researcher at Vilnius University, focusing on femtosecond laser micromachining and microfabrication. He earned his PhD in Laser and Optical Engineering from Vilnius University.
Markus Kogel-Hollacher (Head of R&D Department) began his activities in the laser industry working for his MS degree at the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology in 1994. Since then, the focus of his work is on the field of monitoring and control of laser processes. After earning his MS degree in physics in 1996 from the RWTH Aachen University in Germany, he joined Precitec Optronik GmbH continuing the work with the emphasis on transferring R&D results to industrial solutions. This work has been discussed extensively in several technical journals and presented in various conferences. In his position as head of the department R&D projects in the Precitec Group, he oversees national and international governmentally funded projects. Working together with RTD performers and end users, his guiding principle is to continuously increase the reliability and the use of process monitoring and process control devices in laser materials processing. In 2008, he obtained his PhD at the Technical University of Berlin, Germany. Markus is founding member of Photinics21, member of the LIA since 2002, member of the SPIE since 2010. In 2012 and 2014, he was finalist of the European Innovation Award Laser Technology. In 2023 Markus received the PRISM Award at Photonics West and was awarded to be one of the 100 industry’s most innovative people in photonics.
Loïc Brachet (General Manager of Industrial Laser Systems (ILS)) has a strong engineering background and a passion for applied laser technologies. He leads ILS in delivering advanced laser solutions tailored for industrial manufacturing, from feasibility to integration, and brings a strategic vision to the lab’s development, driving both technical excellence and customer-oriented innovation.
