Photonics Germany is the alliance of Spectaris and OptecNet Germany. Photonik Deutschland, as it is called in German, was launched in 2020 to jointly represent the interests of the high-tech industry at a national and international level and to support the competitiveness of companies and research institutions in Germany through co-ordinated activities and initiatives.

The alliance is working toward an improved business environment for photonics and quantum technologies, which also includes better and well-targeted research funding. Photonics Germany is available as a representative contact for politics – especially on topics such as funding policy, legislation and securing skilled workers. In addition, Photonics Germany will interact with international associations as a central dialogue partner.

The photonics industry in Germany generated total sales of around 40 billion euros in 2019 and employed over 140,000 people. With an average annual growth rate of 6 – 8 %, the photonics industry is well above the German GDP. The R&D quota is about 9 % and the export quota is some 70 %. This makes photonics one of the top technologies in Germany and an essential driver of innovation in almost all technology fields, such as automotive, ICT, mechanical engineering, medicine and biotechnology, environmental protection and energy technology, lighting and display technology, as well as aerospace.

As one of its first activities in 2020, Photonics Germany carried out three surveys to systematically examine the effects of the corona pandemic on the photonics industry. It showed that the companies are predominantly very robustly positioned and were able to cope with the crisis much better compared with other industries – either through innovations or through solutions to current challenges. The results of the surveys are being used to develop efficient aid measures.

Photonics is the enabler for one of the big technology trends of this decade: quantum technologies. Completely new product solutions in this area enable significant increases in dynamics, resolution and security in numerous technical fields of application. For Photonics Germany, quantum technologies are a focus of special activity. A Germany-­wide group of experts was established in 2020 to promote the networking of research institutions with companies, technical use and commercialization. After a successful start, there are now regular meetings with up-to-date topics.

Photonics Germany is the alliance of OptecNet Germany and Spectaris and represents more than 600 photonics companies and research institutes. PhotonicsViews is its official publishing medium since April 2021.