Optatec 2026 with Emphasis on Outstanding Communication

The 17^th Optatec, held from 5 to 7 May 2026, was marked by three intensive days of top-tier professional content – featuring numerous technological innovations, a well-founded exchange of information with a total of 3407 highly qualified visitors and valuable insights for the industry. 265 exhibitors from 25 countries showcased impressive products, solutions and applications covering all aspects of the technical use of light.

This year’s international trade fair for optical technologies, components and systems in Frankfurt focused on the transfer of knowledge and professional communication on an equal footing. “Right from the very start, the significant importance of face-to-face dialogue was apparent, in order to discuss new developments and challenges directly with customers,” concludes project manager Fabian Krüger. “The trade fair was characterised by targeted questions, practical answers, and thought-provoking discussions. There’s no doubt that the quality of communication has become a key focus,” emphasises Krüger. Many exhibitors explicitly stressed the importance of the trade fair as a communication platform: “For us, Optatec is always a special opportunity – not only to showcase our technologies, but above all to engage with customers, partners and new contacts.” Precisely this type of exchange is crucial today, because demands in the field of optics are continuously increasing,” stresses Dalibor Mikulic, technical director at Schneider. For Dr. Torsten Diehl as well, head of field of business at Carl Zeiss Spectroscopy, primary focus was on the discussions: “Optatec is an important platform for us in order to engage directly with international expert visitors.” “A very good place to be and so nice to meet the entire optical community,” says Rens Heselmans enthusiastically, director of technology at QED Technology International.

“Optatec was a tremendous opportunity for bringing industry and research together in order to discuss specific issues,” says Robert Fisher, head of sales and marketing at optics.org, in summing up the results of the “Photonics Talks.” For the first time, trade fair promoters P. E. Schall organised the “Photonics Talks” in cooperation with industry portal optics.org (SPIE), a platform for discussing current developments and applications in photonics. The new format, with technical presentations and panel discussions at the core of the event, was very well received by expert visitors. Topics covered by the trade fair included photonics in the security and defence sectors, optical technologies in semiconductor manufacturing and quality assurance, automotive sensors and sensors for autonomous vehicles, as well as life sciences and biophotonics with insights into optical technologies for medical diagnostics, imaging, and life science applications.

“We had a truly fascinating Optatec in 2026,” concludes Bettina Schall, managing director of trade fair promoters P. E. Schall. “National and international industry players created a vibrant trade fair with exciting new products, world-class presentations and valuable contributions to important discussions. I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to everyone involved,” says the managing director. “Milestones for further developments across a wide range of applications have once again been set for the community at this exclusive business platform. Science and industry come together here to explore the exciting and fascinating field of photonics. The in-depth exchange of expert know-how confirms the importance of acquiring knowledge, communication and networking. Optatec 2026 fulfilled this need to a great extent.”

The inaugural presentation of the prestigious 2026 Photonics Frontiers Award at Optatec also served as an excellent thematic supplement to the trade fair programme. Applications-oriented photonics projects that address real-world challenges were recognised on the second day of the event in six categories including biophotonics and medical applications, industrial imaging, industrial laser systems, optical communication and data transmission, quantum technologies and optical computing, sensor and measuring applications, as well as defence, aviation and aerospace. Not least of all, talented young people and individuals with an interest in the field visited Optatec on the third day of the trade fair within the framework of the Technology Park to find out about various areas of application, as well as study and career opportunities.

Manufacturers and users meet at Optatec once every two years to swap ideas on the latest developments in optics and photonics. The technical event, held at its traditional venue in Frankfurt, is the place to experience cutting-edge innovations in the fields of optics and photonics. Save the dates – we extend our cordial invitation already today: The next Optatec will take place from the 9th through the 11th of May, 2028.

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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.