SPIE just kicked off registration for Photonics West 2026, the world’s biggest annual optics and photonics conference. It’s happening from 17–22 January 2026 at San Francisco’s Moscone Center.
This event draws researchers, engineers, innovators, and industry leaders from all over. Folks come to dig into the latest in photonics, optics, imaging, quantum tech, and plenty more.
The program packs in technical conferences, exhibitions, special events, and career development sessions. Photonics West 2026 is shaping up to be a huge deal for anyone in science and tech.
A Global Hub for Optics and Photonics Innovation
Photonics West stands out as the top international stage for showing off new breakthroughs in optics and photonics. The 2026 event will host over 100 technical conferences, 150 special events, and more than 1,200 exhibiting companies.
With so much on offer, attendees get to see both the latest research and real-world commercial tech. It’s honestly hard to imagine a more packed lineup in this field.
Six Major Application Areas to Explore
The conference program centers around six big tracks, each spotlighting a different slice of modern photonics:
- BiOS – Biomedical optics and biophotonics innovations
- LASE – Laser sources and applications
- OPTO – Optoelectronic devices and materials
- Quantum West – Quantum technologies and applications
- AR | VR | MR – Augmented, virtual, and mixed reality advancements
- Vision Tech – AI, 3D sensing, and advanced imaging technologies
Five Exhibitions with Specialized Focus
Throughout the week, five major exhibitions will run, each zeroing in on a specific industry segment. You’ll get hands-on with the newest equipment, software, and solutions.
Here’s the exhibition schedule:
- BiOS Expo: 17–18 January
- AR | VR | MR Expo: 20–22 January
- Quantum West Expo: 20–22 January
- Vision Tech Expo: 20–22 January
- Photonics West Exhibition: 20–22 January
High-Profile Industry Events
Alongside the exhibitions, you’ll find some of the industry’s most recognized business and innovation events. There’s the Quantum West Business Summit, the well-known SPIE Prism Awards for photonics innovation, and the SPIE Startup Challenge where new companies pitch ideas to investors and experts.
World-Class Plenary Speakers
The plenary sessions will feature top researchers and industry leaders from places like the University of Colorado Boulder, Cornell University, Stanford University, the Max Planck Institute, ICFO, UCLA, and the European Space Agency.
Expect some genuine insight into what’s happening at the leading edge of photonics research. These talks are always a highlight—don’t miss them if you’re there.
Expansive Technical Education
Photonics West 2026 will offer 60 technical courses, including 13 new topics that tackle what’s next in the industry. Sessions will cover things like machine learning for optical imaging, 2D-to-3D integrated circuits, and camera noise sources.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, there’s something here to help you level up.
Career Development Opportunities
For the first time, the SPIE Career Hub will roll out a full suite of support for photonics professionals. There’ll be networking, mentoring, resumé reviews, mock interviews, and a dedicated job fair.
It’s a solid chance to strengthen your network and figure out your next career move.
Global Business Insights
The third Global Business Forum lands on 19 January, running alongside the main conference. Experts will break down global photonics markets and unveil SPIE’s annual industry report.
If you’re a business leader or investor, this is where you’ll want to be for the latest market intelligence and strategy talk.
Shaping the Future of Photonics
Photonics technologies keep changing the game in healthcare, communications, manufacturing, and defense. Photonics West 2026 brings people together to spark collaboration and speed up both commercialization and discovery.
This conference draws on fresh research, industry know-how, and plenty of entrepreneurial spirit. It’s honestly a can’t-miss event for anyone working in photonics.
Registration is now open — and with so many chances to learn, connect, and maybe even shake up your thinking, it makes sense to sign up early. Spots fill up fast if you want access to the top-tier program and all those networking perks.
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