The Future of Photonics - Materials Matter

Executive networking conference for leaders shaping integrated photonics, materials, and deployment at scale – hosted by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.

Type of Event

In-Person

Our Participation

Owner

16 Apr 2026 - 17 Apr 2026

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Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany Conf. Center

Frankfurter Str. 250

Darmstadt, Germany 64293

Electronics
About the conference

Join us for the inaugural conference hosted by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, focusing on Silicon Photonics. With rising interest from key industry players, this is a prime opportunity to engage with leaders in integrated photonics, materials, and large-scale deployment. Over 2 days, participate in dynamic forums and networking sessions designed to foster collaboration, innovation and partnership with the company. Don`t miss your chance to connect and shape the future of photonics!

Application to Attend

 

 

Presenters

Global Foundries/ NewPhotonics/ IBM/ Siemens/ Polarition/ Polaris/ NVIDIA/ Trumpf/ EVG/ EMD Electronics/ STMicron/ Schott/ Heraeus/ DustPhotonics, …

  • Andrea Kronawitter
    BD Manager at EV Group (EVG)

    LinkedIn

  • Arno Nennemann
    Schott

  • Bert Offrein
    Principal Research Scientist / Professor

    LinkedIn

  • N.N.
    Trumpf

  • Chia-Ju (Joyce) Yu
    Head of Marketing Semiconductor

  • Claudia Hoessbacher
    CEO of Polariton

    LinkedIn

  • Damien Tuleu
    EVP Electronics - Optronics

    LinkedIn

  • Elad Mentovich
    Nvidia

  • N.N.
    STMicron

  • Rob Murano
    Sr Director Product Development & Commercialization

    LinkedIn

  • Roel Baets
    Emeritus Prof. at Ghent University & imec

    LinkedIn

  • Yakov Roizin
    Chief Scientist and Fellow at Tower Semiconductor

    LinkedIn

  • Ronnen Lovinger
    CEO of DustPhotonics

  • Roy Rubenstein
    Consultant at LightCounting

  • Yaniv Ben-Haim
    CEO and Co-Founder

    LinkedIn

  • Tomas Bäcklund
    Director Integrated Photonics

    LinkedIn

  • Jean-Baptiste Laloë
    Director of Tech. & Strategic Partnerships in the Silicon Photonics

    LinkedIn

  • Morten Nissov
    CEO at Polaris Electro-Optics

    LinkedIn

  • Thomas Heurung
    Technical Director

    LinkedIn

Topics & Exploration Area

• How will integrated Photonics reshape computing and the industry landscape?
• What will be required - and what role will advanced material solutions play?
• How can Europe position itself successfully in this transition?

  • High-speed optical interconnects

  • Photonic/Electronic integration

  • Advanced modulators and materials

  • Metrology & Inspection

  • Packaging

  • Real-world deployments in data centers and telecom

Conference format
Conference Format

 
  • Knowledge and insights: Keynotes, roundtables and expert presentations with cutting-edge content on trends, technologies, and challenges.
  • Networking opportunities: meaningful connections with peers and pathways for collaboration.
  • Visibility and recognition: platforms to present your work plus press coverage to extend your reach.
  • Fun and engagement: a relaxed networking dinner and interactive experiences that make the event enjoyable and memorable.

Agenda

Day 1
FromToWhatWho
08:3011:00Site Tour & Registration 
11:0011:15Opening RemarksBenjamin Hein
11:1511:45The Materials Dilemma in Integrated PhotonicsRoel Baets
11:4512:05Opportunities for Integrating Photonics deep into Computing SystemsBert Offrein
12:0513:05Lunch 
13:0513:35CPO Material Breakthroughs 
13:3513:55Heterogeneous Integration of Silicon Photonics and III–V Lasers for Optical Signal Processing PICsYaniv Ben-Haim
13:5514:15Integrated Photonics Design: Streamlining the Path to PIC InnovationThomas Heurung
14:1514:35Silicon Photonics – Revolutionizing Optical ConnectivityRonnen Lovinger
14:3515:35Netwroking Event 
15:3516:05Accelerating the Transition to OpticsJean‑Baptiste Laloë
16:0516:25Liquid Crystal Photonics: Enabling Next Gen Silicon PhotonicsMorten Nissov
16:2516:45Material Frontiers in Photonic Integration: Unlocking the Potential of Silicon, Organics, and MetalsClaudia Hoessbacher
16:4517:15Coffeebreak 
17:1517:35New modulator Material Development for Silicon PhotonicsTomas Bäcklund
17:3517:55Advanced Materials in Silicon Photonics FoundryYakov Roizin
17:5518:25Panel Discussion 
18:2518:35Closing RemarksMark Goebel
19:0522:05Networking Dinner (Mathildenhöhe) 

 

Day 2
FromToWhatWho
09:0009:15Opening RemarksDieter Schroth
09:1510:00Modulator Technologies: A Market PerspectiveRoy Rubenstein
10:0010:30Coffeebreak 
10:3011:00A Foundry Perspective: Breakthroughs Needed 
11:0011:20t.b.d. 
11:2011:50Advanced Thermal Management Materials Enable AIRob Murano
11:5012:10Substrates and InterposersArno Nennemann
12:1012:40Panel Discussion 
12:4013:40Lunch 
13:4014:00t.b.d. 
14:0014:20Enabling Scalable Photonic Packaging using Nanoimprint LithographyAndrea Kronawitter
14:2014:40Materials-Driven Interconnection for Advanced Packaging and Photonic TransceiversChia-Ju (Joyce) Yu
14:4015:00TGV & TSV Status and Challenges 
15:0015:30Coffeebreak 
15:3016:00t.b.d. 
16:0016:15Closing RemarksDamien Tuleu
16:15 End 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The event is supported by EPIC

 

 

 

 

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