From world-class university spinouts to thriving regional hubs, light-based technologies are acting as critical enablers for the UK’s technological and economic ambitions. However, navigating the path from world-leading research to scaled-up industrial success requires visibility, strategy and collaboration.
Electro Optics is pleased to announce the launch of this year's UK Photonics Uncovered, our comprehensive online channel and print supplement exploring the UK's rapidly expanding photonics sector. While the official launch takes place at the Photonics UK event, part of Microelectronics UK taking place at London's ExCel on 29-30 Sept, we're pleased to give you a sneak peek of some of what you can expect from us at the show.
Our editorial team has curated an exclusive series of in-depth articles, interviews, and market analyses that capture the current state - and future trajectory - of the British photonics ecosystem.
Here is what you will find in our coverage:
Strategic leadership and government policy
As the sector undergoes a changing of the guard, we hear from outgoing Photonics Leadership Group (PLG) chief John Lincoln on the comprehensive roadmap for industrial growth and his insights on how government policy must evolve to support it. We also introduce Lewis Hill, the new PLG General Manager, who shares his vision for leading the next era of UK photonics.
The power of regional clusters
Photonics in the UK is a nationwide success story driven by powerful regional clusters. We explore how the Scottish Photonics Cluster is targeting an ambitious £10bn growth plan, solidifying its status as a critical technologies supercluster. We also cross the Irish Sea to examine how the Smart Nano NI consortium is driving world-class photonics and nanotech innovation in Northern Ireland. Further south, we visit Torbay's Electronics and Photonics Innovation Centre (EPIC), which is actively expanding its facility footprint to bridge the regional skills gap and support local enterprise in the South-West.
Commercialisation and the scale-up gap
While the UK boasts a spinout-based photonics ecosystem that currently leads Europe, transitioning from research to scaled manufacturing remains a hurdle. We hear directly from top UK photonics academics about the systemic barriers they believe are holding the sector back. Also addressing these challenges head-on, Andy McLean, CEO of the new UK Semiconductor Centre, discusses actionable strategies to close the UK's scale-up gap. Furthermore, we dive into the quantum economy, exploring what it will take for Britain to successfully commercialise its distinct technological advantage in quantum science.
Stay connected
Finally, networking and collaboration are the lifeblood of this industry. Make sure you don't miss a beat with our essential calendar of the UK photonics and optical events you need to mark in your diary for the year ahead -- including our presence at this year's Photonics UK, which opens on Tuesday, 29 September, 2026 in London's ExCel. Come visit us at Booth B50 and stick around for our panel discussion "UK Photonics Distribution: What Manufacturers, Startups & OEMs Need to Know" -- it's at 13.05 on Tuesday, 29 September.
Whether you are an academic, a startup founder, an engineer, or a policymaker, UK Photonics Uncovered is your home for understanding the policies, people, and breakthroughs shaping the market.
Explore the full channel and read the launch stories today at: electrooptics.com/uk-photonics.
The Electro Optics team will be at the Photonics UK / Microelectronics UK event on Tues, 29 Sept, and Wed, 30 Sept, 2026, at London's ExCel. Come say hello at Stand B50.
