【Post Show Report】micro photonics 2016

Oct 26, 2016

Successful debut for micro photonics: New trade fair and congress highlights research and applications in biophotonics, microphotonics and nanophotonics

Over 1,000 participants from 15 countries from all parts of the world attended the first edition of the new trade fair and congress micro photonics in Berlin. From 11 to 13 October a high-level congress took place alongside the displays of some 80 national and international exhibitors representing micro-optics, microsystem technology and optoelectronics, who showcased their innovative products and services. The next edition of this business and networking event is scheduled for autumn 2017.

“The concept of this new trade fair and congress was well received by exhibitors and congress delegates alike“, is how Gérald Lamusse, director of Products & New Business at Messe Berlin GmbH , summarised the event. “The focus of the first edition was on biophotonics, microphotonics and nanophotonics. We are now in talks with the relative industry representatives about which areas offer the best medium-term prospects. The results of these talks will be taken into account to develop the concept of the event.”

In a survey more than eight out of ten exhibitors were satisfied with their participation in the first micro photonics event. Around 78 per cent expected good follow-up business and over 75 per cent of those polled said they would be back for the next event.

The international congress was divided into two tracks: Biophotonics and Microphotonics & Nanophotonics. Prof. Dr. Jürgen Popp of the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT) , who chaired the Biophotonics track, said: “The technological solutions provided by biophotonics, as well as the topics of the Biophotonics track at micro photonics, are of huge importance for society and the industry. In order to successfully carry out research, exchange knowledge and create products close cooperation among the various disciplines is required. Scientists and technology developers must take the needs of users into account, medical professionals fore example, and keep in close touch with the providers of end products in the industry. micro photonics can make an important contribution towards strengthening this cooperation.”

Hennig Schröder, Berlin Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration (IZM) , who chaired the Microphotonics & Nanophotonics track, said: “Photonics combines many technologies, which is why it is important for many sectors. The Microphotonics & Nanophotonics track placed a spotlight on new manufacturing methods using laser technology, new components and micro-optical connections in data communications based on silicon photonics and integrated optical microsystems for sensors. Topics included everything from biomedical applications to Industry 4.0. Both the lectures and ensuing discussions were outstanding. The many opportunities for networking were well received and the level of participation was good.”

Large number of international exhibitors
The national and international exhibitors at micro photonics represented the entire value chain. They included manufacturers of special materials, laser technology and components as well as system providers. The joint displays of startups and institutes from Hamamatsu, Japan, and the participation of the CERTI Technology and Research Group from Brazil reflected the international dimension of this event. There was also a wide-ranging programme of events which included an executive breakfast, joint venture exchanges, conferences and excursions to Potsdam and Berlin-Adlershof.

At the exhibition, under the heading of ’Tech Watch’, the European Photonics Industry Consortium (EPIC) had organised a programme featuring around 50 lectures. Carlos Lee, the director general of EPIC : “micro photonics is a great platform to meet with the industry in one of the cities in the world that is most committed to photonics. Berlin is very rich with young and innovative photonics companies, which attracts stakeholders along the entire value chain: from component manufacturers to application developers and integrators. The technology presentations from key integrators such as Airbus, Thales, Diehl Defence, Philips Innovation Services were clearly very attractive.“

Final of the European Photonics Start-up Challenge
Attracting young professionals was an important topic at micro photonics. Job seekers, whether students of all ages or trainees, benefited from a wide-ranging programme, including a Speed Dating event, a job wall and a Career Lounge as well as a lecture series under the heading of ’Working in photonics’. The high point of the last day was the final of the European Photonics Start-up Challenge. As part of Photonics4All, an EU-funded development project, each of the eight finalists from Germany, France and Austria had an opportunity to give a three-minute introduction on their particular business model. The first prize went to Sicoya GmbH. Based in Berlin, this startup designs, manufactures and markets application-specific integrated circuits (ASPICs) for use in photonics using silicon photonics technology for optical communications in data centres.

Next event planned for autumn 2017: www.micro-photonics.de