Photonics applied to space, defence and communications marks the technical agenda in London at the end of September. With sessions ranging from integrated photonics to optical convergence with next‑generation networks, this edition concentrates on topics with direct impact on the design, manufacture and deployment of optical systems.
Dates and venue for Photonics UK 2026 in London
Photonics UK 2026 takes place from 29 to 30 September at ExCeL London. The event layout combines an exhibition area with a technical conference programme featuring rooms specialised by verticals such as space and defence, and another dedicated to integration, optical computing and connectivity.
Profile of exhibitors and audience at Photonics UK 2026
The exhibitors list includes component manufacturers, instrumentation suppliers and universities. Names present include Hamamatsu Photonics UK Limited, Kelvin Nanotechnology, Luceda Photonics, Ocean Optics and the University of Manchester. The target audience shown in the agenda mentions photonics engineers, specialists in photonic integration, optical system designers, laser engineers and R&D teams, making the event a mix of technology developers and technical buyers.
Technical programme and focus areas of the edition
The programme divides its sessions into two main blocks. The first day groups market and technological sovereignty, free‑space optical communications and applications in space and defence systems. That block features panel sessions with speakers such as Mark Elliott and panels that include representatives from industry and academia.
The second day emphasises compact integration, advances in modern fibre and the relationship between optics and computing from 800G to 1.6T. There are also sessions on the impact of artificial intelligence on photonic processes, optical‑6G convergence and next‑generation AR/VR. The programme includes technical moderations and case studies aimed at transferring developments from the laboratory to industrial systems.
How to prepare your prospecting for Photonics UK 2026
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Map objectives. Select stands and sessions aligned with your technical requirements: look for companies listed in the exhibitors section and prioritise those that show solutions complementary to your offering.
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Technical datasheets ready. Bring one‑page technical summaries with key specifications and integration examples to facilitate conversations with engineers and product managers.
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Request demos in advance. Use the contact channels of the companies that will appear in the exhibitors list to book on‑stand demonstrations or follow‑up calls.
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Prepare use cases. Present 2 or 3 concrete projects where your product or service provides cost reduction, performance improvement or simplification of integration; technical teams value applicable examples.
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Schedule sessions. Prioritise talks on silicon photonics, co‑packaged optics and free‑space optical communications if your goal is to position yourself in connectivity and space systems.
Final recommendation and registration
If your commercial objective targets system integrators, network operators or photonics R&D groups, structure your visit around the technical agenda and the exhibitors list. Focusing meetings on the event’s two main axes — space and defence, and optical integration and connectivity — makes it easier to identify interlocutors with decision‑making capacity.
Check the agenda and register your attendance at https://microelectronicsuk.com/photonics-uk to plan meetings and access information on stands and sessions.
