The photonics industry gathers for Optatec 2026 in Frankfurt am Main

The optotechnology and photonics industry gathered in Frankfurt am Main for the 17th Optatec, the international trade fair for optical technologies, components, and systems. Over three days, from May 5 to 7, 2026, 265 exhibitors from 25 countries are showcasing new products and solutions related to the technical use of light. No other trade fair venue brings together international experts, manufacturers and users in such a focused and specialized manner as Optatec. Over the course of three days, the focus will be on professional networking, knowledge transfer and personal exchange.

At Optatec, the international trade fair for optical technologies, components, and systems, manufacturers and users gather every two years to discuss the latest developments in optics and photonics. This trade event, held at the traditional venue in Frankfurt am Main, is THE place where cutting-edge innovations in the fields of optics and photonics are showcased. “Optical technologies are among the most important future-oriented industries of the 21st century,” affirms project manager Fabian Krüger. “Photonics is a central key technology and drives further developments in fields such as industry, security, semiconductor manufacturing, mobility, as well as medicine and the life sciences.” Consequently, the technical presentations within the forum and the talks at the two-day “Photonics Talks” attracted great interest from the very start.

Trade show organizer P. E. Schall is hosting the “Photonics Talks” in cooperation with the industry portal optics.org (SPIE), a platform for discussing current developments and applications in photonics. On the first and second days of the trade show, experts will provide insights into key future topics. The opening session on the first day of the trade show focused on defense, addressing new developments and applications of photonics in the security and defense sectors. The afternoon session focused on topics related to optical technologies in semiconductor manufacturing and quality assurance. Panel discussions following each block of presentations rounded out the topics.

“We are delighted that national and international industry players are once again bringing this exclusive trade fair to life with many highly interesting innovations this year,” emphasizes Bettina Schall, Managing Director of the trade fair company P. E. Schall. “Above all, we are pleased to see such lively professional exchange right from the start. This confirms that knowledge acquisition, communication and networking have taken center stage. Users are looking for specifically answers to their questions and, above all, personal points of contact. This makes the trade show an indispensable communication platform,” says Bettina Schall. “We are pleased that Optatec 2026, in addition to the exhibition, is addressing this need with its attractive supporting program.”

The lecture program in the Forum will continue on the second day, as will the “Photonics Talks.” On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, the focus will be on “automotive sensors/sensors for autonomous vehicles” as well as the field of life sciences/biophotonics, featuring insights into optical technologies for medical diagnostics, imaging, and life science applications. Another highlight on the second day of the trade show is the presentation of the Photonics Frontiers Award 2026—an award for application-oriented photonics projects that solve real-world challenges. “All industry participants and those interested in optical technology are cordially invited to visit the second and third days of Optatec 2026 as well,” emphasizes Bettina Schall. The venue, Hall 3 at the Frankfurt/M exhibition grounds, is easily accessible; as a central transportation hub with Germany’s largest commercial airport, direct highway access, and immediate S-Bahn connections, optimal accessibility to the trade fair is ensured.

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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.