The 2025 edition of Optica’s Global Photonics Economic Forum (GPEF) gathered some of the top voices in photonics. They dove into how the field might navigate economic uncertainty, geopolitical tension, and the relentless demand for advanced tech.
Set in Málaga, Spain, the forum leaned into candid dialogue and cross-sector collaboration. Folks kept coming back to the strategic role photonics could play in shaping AI and global tech infrastructure.
An intentionally intimate forum for strategic dialogue
GPEF 2025 wasn’t your typical massive trade show or academic congress. Organizers capped attendance at about 300 senior executives, investors, and policymakers, keeping things intentionally small.
This setup let leaders speak honestly about the tough issues facing photonics, often behind closed doors. Representatives from organizations like imec, Edmund Optics, nLIGHT, IPG Photonics, Coherent, and Thorlabs all joined in.
The focus wasn’t on flashy product launches. Instead, everyone aimed to share insights and find some real strategic alignment across the value chain.
Why candid conversations matter
Attendees kept saying the industry’s biggest headaches—fragile supply chains, energy bottlenecks, and geopolitical risks—can’t be solved alone. Smaller, trust-based forums give decision-makers space to brainstorm together, not just defend their turf.
Málaga and Europe’s growing photonics ambitions
Spanish regional leaders took the chance to spotlight Málaga’s growing tech scene. They announced a €500 million Center for Photonic Integrated Circuits, which imec will run.
It’s a major bet on Europe’s advanced manufacturing future. The move also shows Europe’s broader push for technological sovereignty and resilience, especially in photonics.
Photonic integrated circuits as a cornerstone
The new center aims to speed up research, prototyping, and industrialization of photonic integrated circuits (PICs). Europe wants to compete globally in high-performance computing, communications, and sensing, and this is a step toward that.
Photonics and the AI energy challenge
AI’s growing energy appetite kept coming up at the forum. Speakers pointed out that standard electronic approaches might not keep up with AI’s demands—economically or environmentally.
Photonics, especially through photonic integrated circuits and co-packaged optics, kept surfacing as a promising way to tackle bandwidth, latency, and power issues.
Barriers to scaling photonic solutions
Even with all the optimism, panelists didn’t shy away from the hard stuff. Scaling photonic tech isn’t easy. Some of the hurdles:
Geopolitics, capital, and supply chains
Several panels dug into how geopolitics is shaking up tech development. People talked about supply chain security, regional diversification, and where technology roadmaps might lead.
McKinsey’s Abhijit Mahindroo said AI infrastructure alone could pull in up to $7 trillion in private capital investment over the next five to seven years. That’s massive—both as an opportunity and a risk.
Strategic decoupling and organizational shifts
Industry leaders described how they’re adapting, like moving away from China in some areas and shifting from founder-driven models to stronger, team-based leadership.
Embedding AI and building trust across the value chain
Veteran technologists pushed for embedding AI throughout the photonics innovation pipeline, from materials discovery to manufacturing. This could cut development time, cost, and waste in a big way.
Trust came up again and again. Optica leaders and panelists insisted that deliberate, transparent, and resilient trust is critical for real collaboration—especially when things feel uncertain.
Recognizing excellence through Optica’s i4 Prizes
The forum wrapped up with a nod to leadership and integrity. Optica handed out its i4 Prizes to Corning for corporate achievement.
John T. C. Lee of MKS Instruments earned recognition for individual impact. The awards highlighted innovation as not just technical, but also ethical—something that feels pretty important these days.
Here is the source article for this story: Global Photonics Economic Forum 2025: Building Trust in Uncertain Times