Austria offers attractive growth prospects for companies in the laser and photonics industry. Investments in automation, digitalization, quality assurance, and sustainable production are creating a growing demand for innovative laser, sensor, and photonics solutions.
Together with the AHK Austria, VDMA Laser and Laser Systems for Material Processing and the VDMA Quantum Technologies and Photonics Forum are supporting a business development trip to Austria from November 9 to 13, 2026. The goal o...

The laser industry continues to operate in a dynamic environment shaped by growth opportunities, global competition and increasing regulatory demands. At the VDMA Laser spring meeting hosted by 4JET Technologies in Alsdorf, key market trends, international developments and emerging technologies were discussed.
The outlook shows stable to slightly positive growth overall. While domestic business remains largely stagnant, international markets offer significant growth potential. At the same time,...

 

At the recent Photonics21 meeting, a key shift became clear:

Photonics is no longer treated as a standalone field, but as part of industrial systems.
Key implications:

funding along full value chains
stronger alignment with Chips Act, AI Act, etc.
focus on applications and industrialization

For industry, this means:

The value of photonics lies in its integration into real production systems.

Read the full article: Link


 

Laser World of Photonics China 2026, held from March 18–20, reaffirmed its position as one of the world’s leading events for laser, optics and photonics technologies. With 8 percent more exhibition space, nearly 1,500 exhibitors from 22 countries and over 58,000 professional visitors, the show demonstrated impressive international growth.
Within this dynamic environment, the European Pavilion—jointly organized by VDMA Shanghai and VDMA Laser and Laser Systems for Material Proc...

Transparent ceramics are becoming key enablers for high‑power laser systems, beam delivery components, IR optics, and applications requiring extreme thermal and mechanical robustness.
The Fraunhofer IKTS workshop provides laser industry experts with insights into:

Material innovations for high‑power lasers and laser‑phosphor solutions
Advanced fabrication of transparent ceramics
Optical design options for demanding laser and IR applications

📅 March 17–18, 2026 📍 Fraunhofer IKT...

On November 6, 2025, the VDMA Working Group Laser and Laser Systems for Material Processing held its autumn meeting at the VDMA headquarters in Frankfurt. Members received a concise overview of current developments, strategic topics, and international market trends in laser technology.
VDMA Laser opened the meeting with updates on ongoing projects and activities. This was followed by analyses of market trends and industry perspectives based on data from Optech Consulting, VDMA, and VDW. Discuss...

From September 21–25, 2026, the 14th CIRP Conference on Photonic Technologies (LANE 2026) will take place at the Heinrich‑Lades‑Hall in Erlangen. It is organized by the Erlangen Graduate School in Advanced Optical Technologies and the Institute of Photonic Technologies at FAU Erlangen‑Nuremberg. The VDMA Working Group Laser and Laser Systems for Material Processing is a partner of the event.
LANE 2026 provides an international platform for exchanging scientific results and industrial deve...

From April 22–24, 2026, Aachen will once again become the hub of the international laser community: The Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT is hosting the 15th International Laser Technology Congress (AKL’26). The VDMA Working Group Laser and Laser Systems for Material Processing supports the congress as a conceptional sponsor.
With over 500 participants, more than 80 expert presentations, and around 50 exhibitors, AKL’26 provides a comprehensive platform for knowled...

On March 4, 2026, the VDMA Forum Quantum Technologies and Photonics invites you to an exclusive lab tour at PTB Braunschweig. Gain practical insights into quantum technologies and their industrial applications.
Quantum technologies – the key to the future
Quantum technologies are changing industry: They enable ultra-precise measurements, secure communication, and new computing methods. With the lab tour at the PTB, the VDMA is creating a platform to make these innovations tangible and pr...

Aluminum is one of the most important construction materials in many manufacturing sectors. At the same time, the material is very demanding when it comes to reliable welding results. A current customer project impressively demonstrates the difference that a clean, reproducible preparation process can make:
A manufacturer of extruded aluminum parts has used LASERVORM to add an upstream laser cleaning step to its existing laser welding process. This has reduced the scrap rate from 17 percent to...