SPIE Photonics West 2026 has officially opened Registration for , the world’s largest conference and exhibition dedicated to optics and photonics. This highly anticipated global event will run from 17 to 22 January 2026 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California.
Each year, Photonics West brings together tens of thousands of participants — including researchers, scientists, engineers, innovators, and business leaders — for a week filled with groundbreaking research presentations, technical exchanges, industry showcases, and networking opportunities. Known for being the heartbeat of the photonics community, the conference provides a unique platform where academic discovery meets industry innovation, creating opportunities for collaboration and commercialization.
In 2026, the event will once again demonstrate its unmatched scale and impact: more than 100 technical conferences, over 150 special events, and an exhibition featuring more than 1,200 companies are on the program. Attendees can expect a dynamic and energizing experience that highlights the very best of optics and photonics across multiple sectors.
Six Application Areas Driving Innovation
SPIE Photonics West is structured around six major application areas, each showcasing the latest breakthroughs in technologies that touch nearly every aspect of science and society.
- BiOS: The world’s largest biomedical optics and biophotonics conference. BiOS presents cutting-edge advances in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, biomedical imaging, and optical techniques that are transforming healthcare. From imaging systems that detect disease earlier, to optical tools that guide surgeries with greater precision, BiOS highlights how photonics is saving lives.
- LASE: This track focuses on the global laser industry, spanning industrial, medical, scientific, and defense applications. Sessions will cover everything from high-power lasers for manufacturing to ultrafast lasers for advanced research.
- OPTO: Dedicated to optoelectronics, photonic materials, and optical devices, OPTO covers the innovations enabling the next generation of communications, sensors, displays, and computing systems.
- Quantum West: A central hub for quantum 2.0 technologies, Quantum West explores the rapidly expanding world of quantum sensing, secure communications, quantum-enabled devices, and quantum biology. The track emphasizes the transition of quantum research into practical, market-ready applications.
- AR | VR | MR: This conference examines the photonics technologies driving augmented, virtual, and mixed reality systems. From new headsets and optical components to immersive display technologies, this track reflects how photonics underpins the XR revolution.
- Vision Tech (new in 2026): Making its debut this year, the Vision Tech conference highlights breakthroughs in AI-driven vision systems, 3D sensing, hyperspectral and multispectral imaging, and embedded vision applications. It underscores how imaging innovations are advancing everything from autonomous vehicles to industrial automation and medical diagnostics.
Together, these six tracks capture the breadth and depth of optics and photonics research and development, while also pointing toward the future directions of the field.
Five Exhibitions Highlight Industry Strength
Photonics West is also home to five major exhibitions, which together form the largest trade show in the photonics industry. These expos showcase the diversity and vitality of the market, highlighting everything from startups unveiling disruptive ideas to established companies demonstrating next-generation technologies.
- BiOS Expo (17–18 January): The world’s largest biomedical optics exhibition, featuring transformative imaging systems, diagnostic tools, and biophotonics technologies for healthcare.
- AR | VR | MR Expo (20–22 January): A dedicated showcase for XR technologies, featuring headsets, waveguides, display systems, and optical hardware powering immersive applications.
- Quantum West Expo (20–22 January): Highlighting international providers of quantum-enabling technologies, from sensors and secure communications systems to advanced quantum materials.
- Vision Tech Expo (20–22 January): The newest addition, emphasizing AI-powered imaging and sensing, embedded vision, and advanced camera technologies.
- Photonics West Exhibition (20–22 January): The flagship show floor featuring more than 1,200 exhibitors across lasers, optical components, photonic devices, systems, and services.
Across these exhibitions, attendees can expect live demonstrations, product launches, technical discussions, and networking opportunities. It is not only a chance to see technology in action but also to explore its market applications and commercial potential.
Industry Programs and Business Events
Beyond research and product showcases, Photonics West is a critical venue for industry strategy. Its industry program delivers actionable insights into global markets, emerging technologies, and new opportunities.
Key business events include:
- Quantum West Business Summit: A forum for exploring the commercialization of quantum technologies and the challenges of bringing them to market.
- SPIE Prism Awards: Often referred to as the “Oscars of Photonics,” this black-tie gala celebrates the most innovative new products in optics and photonics.
- SPIE Startup Challenge: A fast-paced competition where entrepreneurs pitch emerging photonics ventures to investors, industry leaders, and potential collaborators.
These programs reinforce the role of Photonics West as a unique intersection of science, technology, and business, where ideas move from the lab into real-world solutions.
Plenary Speakers
An outstanding lineup of plenary speakers will headline the 2026 event, representing world-leading institutions, innovative companies, and government agencies. Confirmed speakers include:
- Scott Diddams (University of Colorado, Boulder)
- Helen Feltovich (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai)
- Debdeep Jena (Cornell University)
- Ralf Jungmann (Max-Planck-Institut für Biochemie)
- Frank Koppens (ICFO)
- Heli Koskimäki (Oura)
- Sergio Leon-Saval (University of Sydney)
- Odile Liboiron-Ladouceur (McGill University)
- Irina Larina (Baylor College of Medicine)
- Jonathan T.C. Liu (Stanford University)
- Igor Meglinski (Aston University)
- Bo Mu (OmniVision Technologies)
- Ronald Mueller (Vision Markets)
- Prineha Narang (UCLA)
- Paul Reid (U.S. Army DEVCOM, Strategic Partnerships Office)
- Michelle Sander (Boston University)
- Stephen Se (Teledyne FLIR)
- Melissa Skala (Morgridge Institute for Research)
- Zoran Sodnik (European Space Agency)
- Masao Takamoto (RIKEN Institute)
- Zeke Topolosky (U.S. Army SBIR|STTR Program)
- Meng Wang (HHMI Janelia Research Campus)
- Andrew White (University of Queensland)
- Junjie Yao (Duke University)
- Robert Zawadzki (University of California, Davis)
This list reflects the global and interdisciplinary nature of photonics, bringing together voices from academia, industry, healthcare, defense, and space exploration.
Education, Training, and Courses
Photonics West also emphasizes education and professional development. For 2026, attendees will have access to 60 technical courses, including 13 new offerings. Subjects include:
- Optical imaging signals analyzed with machine learning
- 2D-to-3D integrated circuit technologies
- Fourier optics and its practical applications
- Applied optics training for technicians
- Noise sources in camera systems (aligned with the new Vision Tech track)
These courses are taught by recognized experts and provide hands-on training for both early-career researchers and experienced professionals.
New in 2026: SPIE Career Hub
For the first time, SPIE will introduce the Career Hub, a resource-rich environment designed to support professionals at all stages of their careers. Features include:
- A job fair and online job board connecting employers with talent
- Career speed mentoring sessions with industry veterans
- Mock interviews and resumé reviews
- Professional headshots for attendees
- Thematic networking sessions tailored to specific career levels and industries
This initiative reflects SPIE’s dedication to strengthening the professional pipeline in photonics, ensuring that talent development keeps pace with the rapid expansion of the industry.
The Global Business Forum
On 19 January 2026, SPIE will host the third Global Business Forum, co-located with Photonics West. This one-day executive-level event will focus on market intelligence, geopolitical and economic factors, and emerging industry trends. A highlight of the forum will be the release of the annual SPIE Optics and Photonics Industry Report, providing data-driven insights and forecasts that inform strategic decision-making across the sector.
Leadership Perspectives
Organizers emphasize that Photonics West is more than just a conference — it is a global hub for innovation.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the global photonics community back to San Francisco for SPIE Photonics West 2026,” said Jenifer Dodds, SPIE Senior Director of Events and Exhibition Services. “This is where the future of photonics takes center stage. From biomedical optics to quantum breakthroughs, attendees will walk away energized, inspired, and equipped with new opportunities to accelerate their work.”
“Photonics West remains the premier event for presenting research, hearing the latest innovations, and networking with peers,” added Bob Hainsey, SPIE Senior Director of Science, Technology & Industry Programs. “With an insightful industry program, the addition of Vision Tech, and a world-class slate of speakers, Photonics West 2026 is the must-attend event of the year.”
Why Photonics West Matters
The importance of Photonics West extends far beyond the conference halls. Photonics — the science of light — underpins critical advances in healthcare, communications, defense, manufacturing, energy, quantum science, consumer electronics, and space exploration.
At Photonics West, the global community not only shares the latest research but also forges collaborations that accelerate the journey from discovery to real-world impact. It is this blend of science, industry, and community that makes Photonics West the premier global event for optics and photonics.
Looking Ahead
As the countdown to January begins, anticipation for SPIE Photonics West 2026 is building across academia, industry, and government. The combination of world-class research, cutting-edge industry showcases, expanded education, and new professional development opportunities promises to make this edition one of the most impactful in the event’s history.
For more information and to register, please visit https://spie.org/pw.
About SPIE
SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, brings engineers, scientists, students, and business professionals together to advance light-based science and technology. The Society, founded in 1955, connects and engages with our global constituency through industry-leading conferences and exhibitions; publications of conference proceedings, books, and journals in the SPIE Digital Library; and career-building opportunities. Over the past five years, we have invested more than $25 million in the international optics community through our advocacy and support, including scholarships, educational resources, travel grants, endowed gifts, and public-policy development. www.spie.org.
