The trade fair SPIE Photonics West in San Francisco from January 28 to 30, 2025 was once again a highlight for the international photonics industry. The ‘German Pavilion’ united the German umbrella organization with 64 exhibitors, and representing a total of more than 700 member companies and research institutions.

“Photonics West is an important marketplace for presenting products and services as well as building business relationships. We are very pleased about the great response from German exhibitors, who are very satisfied with the trade fair business. It became clear that there is a huge demand for ‘Photonics made in Germany’ on the American market,” says Dr Andreas Ehrhardt, board member of OptecNet Deutschland.

The popular German Evening for the members and partners of Spectaris and OptecNet Deutschland took place this year at SAP Labs San Francisco and offered 160 participants plenty of opportunity for networking and personal exchange in a relaxed atmosphere. Consul General Oliver Schramm once again gave the keynote speech and addressed the latest developments in the US. We would like to thank all sponsors who made this event possible!

As part of the trade fair, the Prism Awards were presented again and three companies from Germany received an award: OptoNet member FlulDect GmbH in the Sensors category, Photonics BW member Scantinel Photonics GmbH in the Lasers category, and Spectaris member Schott AG in the Catalyst category.

The German Pavilion is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) and supported by AUMA – Association of the German Trade Fair Industry. The inclusion in the national trade fair program was initiated by Spectaris and supported by OptecNet Deutschland. It is planned again for next year – more information will follow.

The next SPIE Photonics West exhibition will take place 20 – 22 January 2026. Photonics Germany continuously works to strengthen the national photonics industry and to promote international business relations.

Further reading: Prism Awards presented for new products in the photonics industry, wileyindustrynews.com, 31 January 2025 • 24,000 registered attendees filled the SPIE Photonics West halls, wileyindustrynews.com, 11 February 2025