The IEEE Photonics Conference (IPC), the flagship annual event of the IEEE Photonics Society that took place in November 2024, covered a wide array of topics relevant to both the academic and industrial sectors of the photonics community. With themes ranging from cutting-edge research in universities to the latest trends in the photonics industry, the conference provided a comprehensive overview of the state of the field. The event included six business-focused panel discussions under the theme “Photonics Industry Focus,” organized by Daniel Renner, IEEE Photonics Industry Engagement Chair. These sessions provided valuable insights into key areas of the photonics market.
Each morning of the conference was dedicated to two panel sessions, creating an engaging platform for experts to delve into topics that shape the future of the photonics industry. One of the key sessions, Photonic Opportunities – European Government Organizations, addressed funding strategies from European institutions. The panel, organized by Silvia Pietralunga, Past President of the IEEE Photonics Italy Chapter and a researcher at CNR’s Istituto di Fotonica e Nanotecnologie, featured various speakers. These included Jason Jung from the European Commission, Valerio Pruneri from ICFO in Barcelona, Spain, Hugo Thienpont from Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium, and Roberta Ramponi from AEIT-CORIFI in Italy. The discussion provided a detailed overview of how companies in the photonics sector can access financial support from the European Commission and other European organizations, a crucial topic for any company looking to expand in the European market.
In a similar vein, the Photonic Opportunities – US Government Organizations panel, organized by James Cahill from the Army Research Laboratory, explored the significant photonics research portfolio within the US government. Panelists from the US Army Research Office, James Joseph, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Franklyn Quinlan, and University of California, John Bowers, discussed the intricacies of engaging with government entities as a potential partner or customer. What is it like to work with or for the government research and development community? The session offered practical insights into how photonics companies can navigate the complex landscape of government funding and collaboration opportunities.
The education sector was also a focal point during the Industry Focus sessions, with discussions aimed at bridging gaps between academia, industry, and the workforce. The Photonic Technician Education – Bridging the Gap panel, organized by Natalia Cañas-Estrada of Mynaric Lasercom GmbH, emphasized the importance of technician training in photonics. Panelists Christoph Ibron, Antonio d’Alessandro, and Daniel Renner from Germany, Italy, and the USA discussed the varying educational approaches across regions and emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between academia and industry to ensure the hands-on workforce is equipped with the right skills. They highlighted the importance of practical training, with industry-driven apprenticeship programs and technical institutes offering practical experience that aligns with real-world needs. The session also addressed disparities in access to training, especially in underrepresented regions, and called for more investment in educational infrastructure globally. By developing closer ties between universities and companies, and ensuring continuing education for technicians, the photonics sector can better prepare its workforce for the rapid technological advancements driving the industry.
A complementary session, Photonic Engineer Continuing Education – Bridging the Gap, emphasized the critical need for ongoing professional development to keep photonic engineers’ skills current in an era of rapid technological evolution. Organized by Newton Frateschi from the University of Campinas, the panel brought together experts including Waguih Ishak from Stanford University, Christian Hinke from RWTH Aachen University, and Juan Hernandez Cordero from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico. The discussion focused on the challenges posed by the fast pace of innovation in photonics and the growing importance of lifelong learning to help engineers stay at the forefront of the field. Panelists explored the necessity of continuing education programs that address not only technical advancements but also the emerging demand for entrepreneurial skills. With the photonics industry rapidly evolving, there is an increasing need for engineers to broaden their expertise beyond traditional engineering skills, especially in areas like business management, leadership, and innovation. The session underscored the value of fostering a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability, ensuring that engineers can contribute to the industry’s growth and success, and also lead the development of new photonics startups and technologies.
Product development in the photonics industry was a key topic as well, with the Photonic Product Development Cycle panel offering insights into the process of bringing photonic products to market. Organized by Guido Chiaretti from Moresense, Italy, the panel featured experts Sara Pellegrini and Mark Shaw from STMicroelectronics, and Victor Guja and Antonio Fincato from Nokia. They shared real-world examples, such as the development of photonic sensors for smartphones, highlighting the complexities of designing and scaling photonic technologies. The session provided valuable guidance on best practices in product development, focusing on the challenges of commercialization, technical hurdles, and the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration between engineering, design, and marketing teams. This discussion offered practical advice for professionals looking to navigate the complexities of bringing innovative photonic solutions to market.
Finally, the Photonic Standards – Drivers and Needs panel explored the role of standards in addressing the challenges faced by the photonics industry. Organized by John Kulick, Past Chair of the IEEE Photonics Society Standards Committee, the session highlighted how standardization can drive growth in photonics applications. The panelists, Steven Alleston of Openlight Photonics, USA and Andre Richter of VPIphotonics, Germany, discussed the importance of developing industry standards to overcome obstacles and unlock new opportunities. The IEEE Photonics Society also emphasized its commitment to increasing participation in the standards conversation, encouraging individuals and organizations to contribute new ideas.
Overall, the IEEE Photonics Conference 2024 in Rome served as an essential gathering for professionals in the photonics community. It provided not only a platform for sharing the latest research and technological advancements but also an invaluable opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. From government funding and education to product development and standardization, the panels offered practical insights that will help guide the photonics sector in the years to come. To learn more about the Society’s Industry Engagement efforts and how it seeks to upskill careers in industry, manufacturing, and commercialization, visit: https://ieeephotonics.org/community/industry-engagement
