The 2025 Munich Laser Exhibition has come to a successful conclusion

Around 1,400 exhibitors and 44,000 visitors created “optimistic atmosphere”, says Messe München.

Laser World of Photonics 2025 in Munich, Germany, came to a close on Friday, having set a new record for number of exhibitors and new innovations, said the organizer Messe München. Last week, 1,398 exhibitors from 41 countries presented the full spectrum of photonic technologies to around 44,000 visitors at the world’s leading trade fair.

Trending topics in the supporting program and in the discussions included secondary sources, integrated photonics, biophotonics and the role of artificial intelligence in the industry. The World of Photonics Congress brought together top international researchers for six days, including two Nobel Prize winners, Prof. Anne L’Huillier and Prof. Ferenc Krausz.

“The trade fair trio, including World of Quantum and automatica, has proven once again that Munich is a hotspot for innovation,” said Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer, CEO of Messe München. Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs Huber Aiwanger added, during his visit to the fairs: “Photonics is a key technology without which many other high-tech industries would not be conceivable.”

“A traditionally strongly-growing industry sees an upwards trend again for its business, driven by customer interest and technological innovation at the largest LASER ever,” said Dr. Wilhelm Kaenders, Chairman of the Exhibitor Advisory Board and CEO of Toptica. A view that Exhibition Director Anke Odouli confirmed, after talking with exhibitors: “We’ve spoken with companies from all corners of the world. They have all shared that they’re leaving Munich with a positive outlook and a fresh drive.”

Optimistic outlook
Despite a challenging economic landscape, experts predict the global photonics market will grow a rate of at least six percent annually over the coming years. “While companies are navigating through tough economic conditions, the clear expectation that the trade fair can help drive business growth is almost tangible. A trade fair experience at its best,” said Spectaris Managing Director Jörg Mayer, summarizing the industry sentiment.

“The co-location of Laser World of Photonics, World of Quantum and automatica has impressively demonstrated how photonics, quantum technologies and automation complement each other in practice,” said Dr. Sven Breitung, Managing Director of the VDMA Working Group on Lasers and Laser Systems for Material Processing. “Cross-trade fair formats such as showcases, guided tours, and a special show ensured a powerful experience—with high added value for exhibitors and visitors alike,” he added.

The World of Photonics congress, said by Messe München to be Europe’s largest, ran alongside the trade fair, providing a quality scientific program. Among the distinguished scientists present were the two Nobel Prize winners, Prof. Anne L'Huillier and Prof. Ferenc Krausz, Herbert Walther Award winner Prof. Michael Fleischhauer and Prof. Christine Silberhorn.

“With its diverse program and renowned speakers, the Congress brought together international experts from science and industry, encouraged networking and provided inspiring insights,” said Prof. Carlo Holly from Fraunhofer ILT and TOS RWTH Aachen University, in his function as Chairperson of the World of Photonics Congress Steering Committee.

Over the course of six days, five specialist conferences featured approximately 3,000 scientific presentations and poster sessions, covering the full spectrum of photonics – from fundamental research to application-driven development.

The next Laser World of Photonics will take place together with World of Quantum and automatica from June 22 to 25, 2027, in Munich. The next World of Photonics Congress will run from June 20 to 25, 2027.

Source: optics.org