Top Innovations for the Future at Optatec 2026

An international expert audience will gather for the 17^th Optatec international trade fair for optical technologies, components and systems at its traditional venue in Frankfurt from the 5^th through the 7^th of May, 2026. Nowhere else do international experts, manufacturers and users meet in such a focused manner as at Optatec. Some of the highlights of this year’s supplementary programme include expert presentations and panel discussions as part of the “Photonics Talks” series, as well as the conferral of the Photonics Frontiers Award.

The Optatec trade fair for optical technologies, components and systems, covering the technical utilisation of light in its many different facets, will take place in Frankfurt from the 5^th through the 7^th of May, 2026. The event deals with innovations in the fields of optical components, optomechanics, optoelectronics, fibre optics, laser components and digital microscopy, as well as processing machines and manufacturing systems for optics production. The highly specialised platform for optics and photonics is recognised as a leading trade fair with high levels of internationalism and showcases optical technologies, components and systems at their best. Optics is one of the key technologies which is shaping the future, because it bridges the gap between fundamental physics research and modern technical applications in many industries. Examples of photonics applications can be found in many disciplines and industries, and they have a significant impact on our everyday lives. For example, optical elements and applied photonics play an important role in the pharmaceutical and medical devices industries, in machinery and systems manufacturing, in industrial production, in automotive engineering, in laboratory automation and in traffic safety, as well as in astronomy, microscopy, and safety and security applications.

Trade fair promoters P. E. Schall are promising a special supplementary programme for this year’s event, including the “Photonics Talks”: The talks will examine the connection between optical technologies on the one hand, and engineering, the natural sciences and industry on the other. The morning of the first day of the trade fair will focus on the topic of defence: 30-minute expert presentations will highlight current developments and applications of photonics in the security and defence sectors. This will be followed by a discussion with the speakers at midday. The afternoon’s thematic focus will centre on “Semiconductor Manufacturing and Inspection” – the 30-minute technical presentations will address the role of optical technologies in semiconductor manufacturing and quality assurance. Another panel discussion with the speakers will round out the first day of the trade fair in the afternoon.

On the second day of the event, the Photonics Talks will focus on the field of automotive sensors and sensors for autonomous vehicles. Once again, speakers will address this topic in 30-minute presentations and discuss their findings at midday in a moderated panel discussion. The expert presentations in the afternoon will deal with the life sciences and biophotonics, and will offer insights into optical technologies for medical diagnostics, imaging and bioscience applications. The speakers will conclude the second day of the trade fair with another moderated panel discussion. The Photonics Talks at Optatec 2026 will provide a concise overview of current developments in key areas of applied photonics and create space for a professional exchange of ideas, discussion and networking within the international community.

“Another highlight we’re very much looking forward to is the presentation of the Photonics Frontiers Award, which ideally complements the exciting, world-class supplementary programme at Optatec 2026,” emphasises Bettina Schall, managing director of trade fair promoters P. E. Schall. “Award organiser Electro Optics honours application-oriented projects that solve real-world problems thanks to photonics technology with this prize. The award will thus highlight the impressive capabilities afforded by photonics,” says the managing director. The award recognises ground-breaking developments that inspire enthusiasm for technological innovation and shape the future of photonics. Awards will be presented in the categories of 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. An outstanding expert jury will evaluate the submissions. The award ceremony will take place on the second day of the trade fair, 6 May 2026, at 3:30 p.m. in the exhibitor forum at Optatec 2026. Expert visitors and interested parties will be provided with the opportunity of experiencing cutting-edge photonics innovations and engaging in direct dialogue with the project managers.

With its unique and highly compelling combination of exhibition, presentations, discussions and an awards ceremony, the 17th edition of Optatec, taking place from 5 to 7 May 2026, will be an inspiring platform for information, an exchange of ideas amongst experts and networking at all levels. Exhibitors and visitors will enjoy significant added value by participating at Optatec, not least of all because Frankfurt offers ideal travel and accommodation opportunities. As a central transportation hub with Germany’s largest commercial airport and direct access to the motorway, the traditional exhibition venue provides expert visitors and exhibitors from all over the world with optimum accessibility. The Rhine-Main region, with Frankfurt at its centre, is a thriving hub for business, industry and research, offering easy access to photonics users and potential customers. The region has strong links to the optical industry – optics and photonics are well-established fields of research at regional and other nearby universities, with their own specialised laboratories. Its location on the ground floor of the exhibition centre makes visiting the event a convenient experience, and its favourable access to public transport, including direct rapid-transit railway connections, makes it easy to get to there.

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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.