A dynamic programme of events, editorial campaigns and strategic partnerships – all aiming to raise the visibility of photonics as a pillar of the UK’s advanced technology ecosystem – is planned for this autumn. Electro Optics will have a presence at three major industry gatherings: the Photonics UK area of Microelectronics UK in London, Photonics Means... in Glasgow and ECOC 2025 in Copenhagen.
2026 Photonics100 to be launched at Microelectronics UK
The first major touchpoint will be the exclusive launch of the 2026 Photonics100 on 24 September on the Photonics UK stage of the Microelectronics UK show at the ExCeL exhibition centre in London’s Docklands.
This new show, created by global events company IQPC and supported by the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade and Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, will also serve as the launch event for UK Photonics Uncovered, a special content channel, newsletter and print supplement devoted to connecting UK photonics distributors, manufacturers and customers.
As part of a strategic partnership with the event, Electro Optics’ CEO Warren Clark and COO Mark Elliott will chair the Photonics UK stage, introducing a stellar speaker line-up including the PLG’s (and Photonics100’s) John Lincoln; Henny Sands, Head of Telecommunications at the UK Space Agency; Alison McLeod, Director of Photonics Scotland; Francesca Alessandri, a Space Systems Engineer with Thales Alenia Space; among many others. The event’s opening keynote will be delivered by Lord Patrick Vallance, Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation and former Government Chief Scientific Adviser. With contributions from organisations such as the European Space Agency, Airbus, Jaguar Land Rover, Intel, Rolls-Royce and Leonardo, Microelectronics UK promises to be a landmark event for UK tech and engineering. You can view the full agenda at microelectronicsuk.com/photonics-uk.
Supporting industry development at Photonics Means...
Following the launch of the Photonics100, Electro Optics will also support the upcoming Photonics Means... event on 10 October 2025, part of the Photonics UK initiative’s mission to connect innovation with impact.
Delivered by Fraunhofer UK, the event at the Technology and Innovation Centre (TIC), Glasgow, will feature a table-top exhibition, talks, posters and more, showcasing real-world case studies of how photonics is being leveraged to boost productivity, create jobs, and meet UK-wide challenges in areas such as manufacturing, healthcare, defence and climate monitoring.
Showcasing cutting-edge optical communications at ECOC 2025
Capping off a packed season of industry engagement, Electro Optics will also be represented at ECOC 2025 – the European Conference on Optical Communication – returning to Copenhagen this year. With high-level participation from leading photonics companies, policymakers and academic institutions, ECOC will further strengthen the UK’s ties to the broader European and international photonics community.
Driving visibility, connection, and innovation
These campaigns show Electro Optics’ commitment to helping the UK photonics sector thrive.
Warren Clark said: “By providing a national platform for thought leadership, celebrating individual excellence with the Photonics100, and strengthening connections across the value chain, Electro Optics aims to ensure that UK photonics continues to grow in influence, investment and innovation.”
Come see Electro Optics at Stand C35 at the Photonics UK show or register at electrooptics.com/register and be alerted as soon as the Photonics100 is announced
