This article dives into how the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) at the University of Southampton used its 2025 Industry Day to spotlight why advanced photonics sits at the heart of global innovation. From hollow-core fibres and AI-powered lasers to quantum tech and healthcare breakthroughs, the event brought together industry and academia to show off cutting-edge research, tackle real-world challenges, and build partnerships that could shape the next decade of photonics-enabled tech.
Showcasing Photonics Innovation at Scale
On 25 November 2025, the ORC’s annual Industry Day welcomed over 120 delegates from major industrial partners, SMEs, start-ups, and top universities. This diverse mix really shows something important: photonics isn’t just a niche anymore. It’s a foundational technology that touches communications, manufacturing, medicine, and quantum science.
The day moved fluidly from vision to application. High-level talks on future trends gave way to deep dives into specialised technologies. Attendees got hands-on exposure to facilities where these ideas become working systems.
Hollow-Core Fibres and the Future of Optical Communication
A standout was the ORC’s work on hollow-core optical fibres. This tech could totally reshape how we move data around. Unlike standard solid glass fibres, hollow-core designs guide light through an air-filled centre, which reduces latency and nonlinear distortions and means less light–matter interaction.
For industry, that means real benefits:
Delegates seemed especially curious about integrating hollow-core fibres into existing fibre infrastructure. That’s the tricky part—bridging lab demos and scalable deployment.
AI-Powered Smart Lasers: From Concept to Industrial Tools
Another hot topic: AI-enabled smart laser systems. By mixing advanced photonic hardware with machine learning, the ORC is building lasers that self-optimise in real time.
These smart lasers can:
Manufacturing and medical device companies are especially drawn to these systems. They want more robust processes, less downtime, and better quality control.
Photonics Across Quantum, Communications, Manufacturing, and Healthcare
The event went way beyond individual devices. Talks and discussions explored how light-based tech is driving big leaps in several key domains.
Enabling Quantum Technologies
Photonic platforms sit at the core of many quantum technologies, like quantum communication, sensing, and photonic quantum computing. ORC researchers showed off advances in integrated quantum photonics, where complex optical circuits get built on chips to generate, manipulate, and detect single photons.
These steps are crucial for building scalable quantum systems. Companies got to explore paths to commercialisation, from secure quantum key distribution networks to ultra-sensitive measurement tools.
Transforming Communications, Manufacturing, and Healthcare
Delegates also heard how photonics is shaking up established industries:
Cleanroom Access and Collaborative Opportunities
One thing that set Industry Day apart was exclusive access to the University of Southampton’s state-of-the-art cleanroom facilities. These labs house advanced tools for fabricating and characterising optical fibres, photonic integrated circuits, and micro- and nano-structured materials.
Guided tours let attendees see:
The ORC made it clear: these facilities aren’t just for academics. They support collaborative projects with industry, offering agile prototyping and pilot manufacturing that help derisk innovation and speed up time to market.
Building an Inclusive and Collaborative Research Community
Scientific excellence and industrial impact only last when they’re built on a strong, inclusive culture. The ORC’s update on Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) initiatives made that point loud and clear.
ED&I as a Driver of Better Science
The ORC shared ongoing efforts to create a research environment where diverse perspectives really matter. Initiatives include targeted support for under-represented groups, inclusive recruitment, and mentoring schemes that help with long-term career development.
For industry partners, this signals that collaborations with the ORC come with not just technical expertise but also ethical, responsible research practices that match modern expectations.
Posters, Networking, and the Power of Collaboration
Student and academic poster sessions gave everyone a lively space to explore new tech and fresh ideas—from novel fibre designs and integrated photonic platforms to sensing, imaging, and secure communications.
The day wrapped up with a networking and drinks reception. Participants sparked new partnerships and strengthened old ones. It really drove home the feeling that the best photonics solutions happen when industry’s real-world challenges meet academic creativity.
Reinforcing ORC’s Global Leadership in Photonics
In his closing remarks, ORC Director Prof Graham Reed highlighted how photonics shapes future technologies. He stressed how crucial collaboration is for speeding up innovation.
The 2025 Industry Day showed the ORC’s status as a global leader in photonics research and innovation. Their mission? Turn deep optical science into real-world tech that helps industry and society everywhere.
If you’re an organisation eyeing the power of light—maybe for faster networks, smarter factories, or even better healthcare—the ORC’s Industry Day drove home a simple point. The future’s photonic, and honestly, it’s happening right now.
Here is the source article for this story: Optoelectronics Research Centre hosts successful Industry Day at Southampton