Post by Faisal Kamran

Laser World of Photonics was a Let down! A senior engineer claimed after saying, “Laser Tech is plateauing”. However, what I saw in 2 days is different: -> Breakthroughs in compact, high-power lasers are opening new doors in medical and industrial fields. -> The focus on sustainability and energy efficiency is shaping future laser development and -> A key trend is the integration of AI with laser systems for smarter, more precise applications Everyone talks about AI and quantum, but the real game-changer? Integrated photonics is quietly rewriting the industry's rules—and most are still underestimating its impact. Today is my last day here to explore, but so far what I have seen is: ● Integrated photonics is expected to disrupt everything from telecom to manufacturing, with a projected $97B+ market in the next decade. ● AI is no longer just a buzzword—laser systems are now leveraging machine learning for smarter, more efficient processes. ● Quantum technologies are moving from theory to real-world applications, with major players like IBM and TRUMPF leading the charge. ● Biophotonics is booming, driving breakthroughs in medical diagnostics and healthcare innovation. ● Innovation in laser manufacturing and additive processes is accelerating, especially with new ultrafast and green laser solutions. On top of that, listening, evaluating, and guiding the companies pitching in Tech Tour (thanks Iliana Kostadinova) on Tuesday, showing impressive developments from the likes of Alcyon Photonics, Lightium, Polariton Technologies Ltd. Quside, Sparrow Quantum, Aircision , CCRAFT, Iloomina AB, Pilot Photonics and Wooptix was extremely interesting. My caution: ● There is a singular focus on hyperscalers, equating to putting all eggs in one basket. ● Telecom/Datacom seems like a gold rush, but also drives hugely speculative chip demands outside this market. ● Customer focus is missing, with regional demand not discussed enough compared to supply. Thanks to experts from Tech & VC segments for engaging, valuable and insightful discussions. Erhan K., Isaac Mendoza, Premek Starovesky Ph.D., Andrey Voloshin, Gernot Berger, Vishal Nayar (PhD., Fellow Inst. of Physics, AMP), Thomas Hessler, Amitesh Singh, PhD MBA, Richard Clarke, Andreas Unseld, James Wilson, Andreas Umbach, Christopher Leburn, Jonas Flueckiger, Vishal Nayar (PhD., Fellow Inst. of Physics, AMP), Andrea Rossi, Silviu Apostu, Qurein Biewenga, Nils G. and Robin Neff And below is the fun discovery from the event yesterday. Thanks to Stijn van den Broek PhotonDelta, my keynote speech picture turned out on PIC Summit Europe’s promotion for 2025 :D Photonics is at a turning point. Those who adapt now will shape the future. #LaserWorldofPhotonics #IntegratedPhotonics #AI #QuantumTech #Biophotonics #sustainability