LASER World of PHOTONICS, the world’s leading Trade Fair with Congress for Photonics Components, Systems and Applications, sets standards since 1973—in size, diversity and relevance. And that with a first-rate portfolio. This is the only place that features the combination of research, technology and applications. This is the only place that depicts the entire value chain for photonics. And this is the only place where all key players come to network at the international level and gives you outstanding opportunities to make new contacts and initiate business. This is the place to experience innovation and the cutting edge live. Very close to the market—and even closer to your business.

ACTPHAST 4.0 supports and accelerates the innovation capacity of European companies by providing them with direct access to the expertise and state-of-the-art facilities of Europe's leading photonics research centres (the ACTPHAST 4.0 Partners), enabling companies to exploit the tremendous commercial potential of applied photonics. There are 24 research institutes who together make up the ACTPHAST 4.0 Partners. Together the ACTPHAST 4.0 Partners provide a full spectrum of photonics technology platforms ranging from fibre optics and micro optics, to highly integrated photonic platforms (7 technology platforms in all), with capabilities extending from design through to full system prototyping. ACTPHAST 4.0 operates as an open call to all European companies (big and small, but particularly targeted at SMEs) so they can avail of timely, cost-effective, and low risk photonics innovation support, and that the extensive range of capabilities within the consortium can impact across a wide range of industrial sectors and application domains, from communications to consumer-related products, and life sciences to industrial manufacturing.

The European Technology Platform Photonics21 unites the majority of the leading photonics industries and relevant R&D stakeholders along the whole economic value chain throughout Europe. Today Photonics21 has more than 2500 members. Photonics21 aims to establish Europe as a leader in the development and deployment of photonics technologies wihtin the various applications fields such as ICT, lighting, industrial manufacturing, life science, safety as well as in education and training.The ETP Photonics21 coordinates photonics research and innovation priorities and provides input to the European research framework programme Horizon 2020.

EPIC is the industry association that promotes the sustainable development of organizations working in the field of photonics in Europe. We foster a vibrant photonics ecosystem by maintaining a strong network and acting as a catalyst and facilitator for technological and commercial advancement. EPIC publishes market and technology reports, organizes technical workshops and B2B roundtables, supports EU funding proposals, advocacy and lobbying, education and training activities, standards and roadmaps, pavilions at exhibitions.

Photonics BW e.V. – the innovation cluster for optical technologies in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg – was founded in July 2000 as a non-profit organization, aiming at promoting optical technologies in Baden-Wuerttemberg. In the years from 2001 to 2009, Photonics BW evolved to be the competence network for optical technologies in Baden-Wuerttemberg, being funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). Today, Photonics BW counts about 80 members from industry, SME, start-ups, research, as well as banking and consulting institutions. Photonics BW offers services in the areas of systematic networking and installing of innovation supporting structures, technology transfer, innovation support, working groups, marketing and public relations, promotion of young talents, primary and continuing education, project supervision, consulting and the support of international activities such as delegation journeys or market research studies. With these activities, Photonics BW aims to promote the advancement of optical technologies through research, development and application and as well to promote the communication between industry, science, government and society. Further objectives are to strengthen international competitiveness and the region Baden-Wuerttemberg as leading location for photonics. Photonics BW is a member of OptecNet Deutschland e.V., the nationwide umbrella association of the eight innovation networks for optical technologies in Germany. With over 500 members from economy, science, education, consulting and finance, OptecNet Deutschland unites strong partners for the promotion of the key technology photonics. www.photonicsbw.de