Photonics UK Stage

OPTICAL
ENGINEERING &
THE NEXT FRONTIER

Where Photonics Meets Space, Defence & Next-Generation Communications

For optical engineers, systems designers, photonic integration specialists and those working at the intersection of photonics with space, defence and next-generation communications — a technically rigorous programme built around the sectors where optical systems are having the greatest real-world impact.

Pre-Register Your Ticket Book a Stand

29–30 September 2026

Microelectronics UK

Excel London

Built for

Photonics Engineers
Optical Systems Engineers
Silicon Photonics Engineers
Photonic Integration Specialists
Laser Engineers
Fibre Optic Engineers
Electro-Optical Systems Engineers
PIC Engineers
Optoelectronics Engineers
Optical Scientists
Imaging Systems Engineers
Photonics Leaders & Directors

Why Attend

The Essential Stage for UK
Photonics & Optical Engineering

Space & Defence Applications

Explore photonics for orbital infrastructure, free-space optical communications, and defence systems across air, land and sea — from sensing to directed energy and electro-optical integration.

Deep Technical Depth

Silicon photonics, hollow core fibre, PIC design, co-packaged optics and fibre sensing — sessions engineered for specialists who want rigorous technical content, not surface-level surveys.

Next-Generation Connectivity

6G and optical network convergence, the evolution from 800G to 1.6T, and what optical computing genuinely requires to move from research to practical deployment at scale.

AI, AR/VR & Emerging Frontiers

The impact of AI on photonic processes, next-generation AR/VR optical systems, and the growing role of photonics in quantum technologies and advanced imaging applications.

Photonics UK 2026 Exhibitors

Programme Preview

Two Days of
Photonics Intelligence

Full programme to be announced. Register your interest to be the first to know.

Day 1 — Sovereignty, Space & Defence

Day one opens with the UK photonics market outlook before moving through silicon photonics and tech sovereignty, free-space optical communications, and photonics for space-based systems and orbital infrastructure. The afternoon shifts to defence — enhancing airborne operations with photonic technologies, fibre sensing in urban environments, and optical systems for ground and naval security, closing with earth-based sensing for environmental monitoring.

2027 predictions for the UK photonics market
Silicon photonics & UK tech sovereignty
Free-space optical communications
Photonics for space-based systems & orbital infrastructure
Enhancing airborne operations with photonic technologies
Fibre sensing in urban environments
Optical systems for ground & naval security

Day 2 — Integration, Computing & Connectivity

Day two focuses on advanced integration and next-generation connectivity. Sessions cover compact photonic integration — including silicon photonics for co-packaged optics and III-V on silicon — modern fibre optic technologies, and a panel on harnessing optical computing from 800G to 1.6T moderated by Andrew Lord of BT. The afternoon addresses AI's impact on photonic processes, 6G and optical network convergence, next-generation AR/VR, and the long-term impact of quantum computing on the microelectronics landscape.

Advances in compact photonic integration
Modern fibre optic tech & hollow core fibre
Harnessing the potential of optical computing: 800G to 1.6T
Impact of AI on photonic processes
6G and optical network convergence
Creating next-generation AR/VR
Quantum computing & the microelectronics landscape

Advisory Board

Shaped by Industry Leaders

The Photonics UK programme is shaped by an advisory board drawn from across the UK photonics and optical engineering ecosystem — ensuring the content reflects the real technical challenges and strategic priorities facing the sector.

BAE Systems

Hassan Zaidi

Head of Technology for Strategy and Integration

Andrew Lord

Senior Manager, Optics & Quantum Research

MBDA

Shaun Viola

Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman

Robert Atchison

NGUK Operations Manager

ClearSpace UK

Robert Atchison

UK Managing Director

Leonardo UK

Karen Jane Gordon

Systems Engineering People and Capability Lead

Photonics Leadership Group

John Lincoln

CEO

Technology Scotland

Alison McLeod

Director — Photonics Scotland

What You'll Gain

Technical insight into silicon photonics, co-packaged optics and hollow core fibre at a depth appropriate for practising engineers
Understanding of how free-space optical communications and fibre sensing are being deployed across space and defence programmes
Clarity on the engineering requirements for optical computing to transition from research to practical deployment at scale
Knowledge of how AI is reshaping photonic design, simulation and manufacturing processes
Insight into 6G optical network convergence and the AR/VR optical systems now moving from lab to product
Connections with technical peers, systems engineers and decision-makers across the UK photonics ecosystem

Why You Can't Miss It

Stay ahead as photonics moves from specialist component to enabling technology across defence, space, quantum and communications
Engage with the UK's leading photonics researchers, engineers and strategists under one roof
Understand the national sovereign capability agenda and how it creates real opportunity for UK photonics companies
Access frank, technically honest discussions on the barriers to photonic integration at scale — and how the industry is responding
Build relationships with the advisory board members and speakers shaping the direction of UK photonics for the next decade

Photonics UK | Microelectronics UK 2025