17th Optatec in Frankfurt Serves as Hub for Light Science Experts Again in 2026

The optics and photonics industries will meet at the next Optatec international trade fair for optical technologies, components and systems at its traditional venue in Frankfurt from the 5th through the 7th of May, 2026. The highly specialised technical event brings together international experts, manufacturers and users of optotechnology, precision optics, photonics and image processing, and spans the gap between research and industry. Preparations for the 17th edition of this trade fair, including an attractive supplementary programme, are now running at full bore.

The next Optatec international trade fair for optical technologies, components and systems will once again bring together all optics fans from diverse industries and numerous countries from the 5th through the 7th of May, 2026. For three days, the leading trade fair provides a platform for communication and the transfer of knowledge in the field of optical technologies and photonics – no other trade fair location focuses on this highly specialised topic to the extent that Optatec does. “We’re looking forward to our renewed collaboration with optics.org/ SPIE, the international association for optics and photonics technologies,” reports Fabian Krüger, Optatec project manager at trade fair promoters P. E. Schall. “We’re currently planning content for the accompanying programme, as well as ancillary events, in order to create significant added value for everyone involved. Thanks to our partners, we’ll once again be able to implement a variety of highly attractive formats for information, communication and networking in 2026.”

Photonics is a key technology for Germany and supplies essential components and systems to other future-oriented industries such as medical technology, automotive engineering and the semiconductor sector. There’s a strong focus on research and innovation in the field of photonics. Photonics technologies make high-tech solutions for new recycling processes possible, as well as for reduced materials consumption, lower CO2 emissions and less power consumption, for example. Optatec presents important applications for the solution of current and future ecological, economic, social and technical challenges. This is why the optical technologies are among the most important future trends of the 21st century. The German photonics industry comprises roughly 1000 companies with a total of approximately 190,000 employees. Optical technologies are being driven by ever-stricter quality requirements, as well as by the expanding use of automation, digitalisation, autonomous systems and assistance systems in a variety of areas.

Optical technologies combine engineering sciences and natural sciences. They’re innovation drivers in fields such as machinery and systems manufacturing, production automation, automotive engineering, microelectronics and optoelectronics, lighting technology, the pharmaceuticals and medical products industry, laboratory automation and defence, as well as in general safety and security applications. Manufacturers of optical technologies are bridging the gap between fundamental physics research and technical applications. Jena and Berlin are major centres for photonics research and industry, and other photonics hubs are located in the German states of Hesse, Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. With its specific offerings for development, production, and the use of optical components, optomechanics, optoelectronics, fibre optics, fibre-optic cables, laser components and manufacturing systems, the topics addressed by Optatec are relevant across all industries – in keeping with the maxim “Excellent Optical Technologies”. Already today, all fans of light science and optical technologies are cordially invited to attend!”

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Schall has developed successful business platforms with internationally recognised trade fairs for quality assurance (Control), optical technologies, components and systems (Optatec), stamping technology (Stanztec), automation in production and assembly (Motek), bonding technology (Bondexpo), plastics processing (Fakuma), sheet metal working (Blechexpo) and joining technology (Schweisstec). This has given rise to entirely new markets in various sectors, whose protagonists are distinguished by tremendous innovative strength, comprehensive systems competence and practical application solutions.