This article takes a look at Syntec Optics Holdings and their upcoming role at the Optica Industry Summit on Advanced Optics. The focus? How Syntec and the broader photonics world are trying to connect traditional macro-scale optics manufacturing with the new wave of nano-scale, wave-based tech.
Syntec Optics at the Optica Industry Summit
Syntec Optics Holdings (Nasdaq: OPTX) is based in Rochester and has built a reputation as a leader in optics and photonics manufacturing. Their Chairman and CEO will be speaking at the Optica Industry Summit on Advanced Optics.
Optica and Corning Inc. are co-hosting the event, which happens March 24–25, 2026, at the Corning Museum of Glass. They’re hoping to bring together industry leaders, manufacturers, and researchers from around the world.
The summit’s all about how optical technologies are shifting—from big, chunky components to ultra-small, wave-based solutions. That’s a pretty big change, not just for design, but for how things actually get made.
Manufacturing Across Scales: A Critical Session
Syntec’s CEO will be on stage for Session 2, called “Manufacturing Across Scales”, on March 24 at 11:15 AM. This session digs into a tough question: How do you build advanced optical systems, reliably and at scale, when the pieces range from millimeters down to nanometers?
He’ll share Syntec’s take on mixing tried-and-true production methods with new wafer-level processes. It’s a topic that’s getting a lot of attention in fast-moving markets right now.
Bridging Macro-Optics and Nano-Scale Precision
Syntec says the big manufacturing challenge today is connecting old-school macro-optics methods—like molding, replication, and laser processing—with the crazy precision needed for next-gen optical devices.
In the past, these methods lived in totally separate worlds. Macro-optics was all about ruggedness and volume. Nano-fabrication? Precision and crazy small features.
Horizontal and Vertical Integration
Syntec executives argue that solving this isn’t just about new tech. They believe you need horizontal integration (linking different fabrication technologies) and vertical integration (lining up design, prototyping, and production).
Joel Lawther, Senior Program Engineer at Syntec, says getting this convergence right is key if advanced optics are going to take off in the mainstream.
Enabling Mass Adoption Across Key Sectors
The summit’s also going to look at what’s holding back new optical tech like:
These could change the game—smaller, lighter, more functional. But only if companies figure out how to make them cheaply and at scale.
Applications Driving Demand
Lawther points out that scaling up manufacturing isn’t just nice to have. It’s absolutely necessary for big markets like:
These industries want reliability, consistency, and low costs. That’s forcing manufacturers to rethink how they make optics—no easy task.
Syntec’s Experience in Advanced Photonics
Syntec Optics has been at it for over twenty years. They say they run one of the largest custom optics manufacturing operations in the U.S., and they’ve kept growing to support everything from classic optical systems to cutting-edge photonics work.
Diverse and High-Growth Product Lines
Their current product lineup covers a lot of ground, including:
Syntec’s leadership shows in more than just products. Their CEO gave a keynote in Malaga in 2024, talking about photonics as a backbone for quantum computing and artificial intelligence. It’s a space that’s only getting more interesting.
Looking Ahead
The Optica Industry Summit on Advanced Optics lands at just the right time. It’s a place where people can really dig into what it takes to manufacture the next wave of photonics tech.
Syntec Optics is right in the thick of it. They’re showing how seasoned manufacturers tweak their methods to handle nano-scale challenges, all while making sure what they build can actually be used out in the world.
Curious about what Syntec Optics does? You can check out more at www.syntecoptics.com.
Here is the source article for this story: Syntec Optics (Nasdaq: OPTX) CEO to Speak to Global Leaders about Future of Advanced Optics