Optics and Photonics Fans Meet at Optatec 2026

Preparations for the exclusive optotechnology industry meet are now running at full bore: Trade fair promoters P. E. Schall extend their invitation to the 17^th Optatec international trade fair for optical technologies, components and systems, to be held at its traditional venue in Frankfurt, Germany, from the 14^th through the 16^th of May, 2026. Manufacturers and users of optics and image processing meet at this highly specialised, top international event every two years. Optical technologies belong to the future, because they bridge the gap between fundamental physics research and modern technical applications in many industry sectors. Optatec 2026 will offer a world-class supplementary programme including the “Photonics Talks” panel discussions and the presentation of the Photonics Frontiers Award.

Just over three months before the Optatec international trade fair for optical technologies, components and systems opens its doors, preparations for the event programme are in full swing. Optics enthusiasts from a variety of industries and countries will gather at the Frankfurt Exhibition Centre in order to exchange information about innovations in the field of optical technologies from the 5^th through the 7^th of May, 2026. The range of topics covers optical components, optomechanics, optoelectronics, fibre optics, laser components and digital microscopy, as well as processing machines and manufacturing systems for the production of optics.

“Optatec is known around the world as the leading trade fair in the field of optical manufacturing technologies,” emphasises project manager Fabian Krüger at trade fair promoters P. E. Schall. “Nowhere else do international experts, manufacturers and users meet in such a focused manner,” stresses Krüger. Optical technologies are among the most important future-oriented industries of the 21^st century. Numerous innovations wouldn’t be possible at all without photonics. Photonics plays a central role in digitalisation because it enables the transmission and processing of data via light. The miniaturisation of photonic components is an important trend, which makes it possible to produce more compact and efficient devices – thanks to new materials and manufacturing processes. Developments in the field of photonics are also being driven by ever-stricter quality requirements and increasing degrees of automation in general, as well as autonomous systems and assistance technologies in various areas.

Optical technologies are key disciplines because they combine engineering sciences with the natural sciences. They promote further development in numerous 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 general safety and security solutions. Manufacturers of optical technologies are bridging the gap between fundamental physics research and technical applications.

This relationship will also be rendered evident at this year’s “Photonics Talks”, which are being prepared by the trade fair promoters in collaboration with optics.org as part of a strategic partnership. Experts will spend two days discussing developments in optical manufacturing, the state of global markets and technological and manufacturing challenges. Industry leaders, including representatives from the VDI Technology Centre, Trioptics, I-Photonics, Optotune and the European Photonics21 Technology Platform, will share insights into new manufacturing processes, market trends and strategic innovations for next-generation technology.

Following its successful launch in 2025, the Photonics Frontiers Award will be presented again at Optatec 2026. Award ceremony organiser Electrooptics honours application-oriented projects that solve real-world problems with photonics technology. The award draws attention to the capabilities of photonics and its role in solving urgent problems. It’s conferred in the categories of industrial imaging, biophotonics and medical applications, industrial laser systems, optical communication and data transmission, sensor technology and measuring applications, quantum technologies and optical computing, as well as defence, aviation and aerospace. The award ceremony is scheduled for the second day of the trade fair on the 6th of May.

“We’re very pleased to offer a world-class, engaging supplementary programme including the Photonics Talks, as well as the presentation of the Photonics Frontiers Award,” says project manager Krüger. “With its highly appealing combination of exhibition, panel discussions and award ceremony, the 17^th edition of Optatec, taking place from 5 to 7 May 2026, will be an inspiring platform for gathering information, exchanging expertise and networking,” emphasises Fabian Krüger. Exhibitors and visitors benefit from its thematic exclusivity, its high degree of technical orientation and its precise targeting of specific groups.

Visiting the trade fair is convenient at the Frankfurt Exhibition Centre, which is located at ground level and easily accessible via direct rapid-transit railway connections.

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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.