LASER-PRO Annual Conference 2026

Laser Technologies as a Strategic Asset for Europe

1 October 2026
ELI Beamlines Facility, Dolní Břežany, Czechia

How can Europe transform its scientific excellence in laser and photonics technologies into stronger industries, successful companies and resilient innovation ecosystems?

The LASER-PRO Annual Conference 2026 will bring together representatives of research organisations, industry, start-ups, innovation agencies, public authorities and the wider photonics community to discuss the strategic role of laser technologies in Europe’s future competitiveness.

The conference will focus on building internationally connected innovation ecosystems, scaling industrial collaboration and supporting the next generation of European deep-tech companies.

From Capability to Competitiveness

Europe possesses world-class scientific expertise and strong technological capabilities in lasers and photonics. The next challenge is to translate this potential into industrial growth, successful innovation ecosystems and greater economic resilience.

The opening conference block, From Capability to Competitiveness: The Czech Laser Opportunity, will explore how strong national and regional ecosystems can connect research, industry, public institutions and innovation organisations.

Speakers will present European strategic priorities in photonics, data-driven insights into the Czech laser ecosystem and lessons from Lithuania’s development into an internationally recognised laser technology hub.

The session will also introduce how LASER-PRO is turning a shared ecosystem vision into concrete actions across Czechia, Lithuania and Ukraine.

From Projects to Ecosystems: Scaling Industrial Impact

Successful research-industry cooperation requires more than individual projects. It depends on trust, long-term partnerships, shared engineering challenges and the ability to scale collaboration across organisations and sectors.

The second conference block will focus on practical examples of industrial cooperation involving the HiLASE Centre and its partners.

Technology case studies will demonstrate how advanced laser expertise is applied in cooperation with companies and research-driven organisations, including:

• onsemi and HiLASE
• IQS and HiLASE
• Crytur and HiLASE
• CARDAM and HiLASE

The programme will also feature an international perspective on building a global semiconductor ecosystem, presented by Dr Christine Chou from the ITRI Europe Office.

The block will conclude with the panel discussion:

Engineering Collaboration: What Makes It Work?

Panellists will discuss the conditions needed for successful engineering partnerships and consider what can realistically be implemented in the Czech innovation environment over the next three to five years.

Building the Next Generation of Laser Companies

Transforming a scientific idea into a successful deep-tech company means stepping into the unknown. Founders must combine technological expertise with business development, investment, team building and access to international markets.

During Meet the Laser Innovators: Start-ups on Stage, selected European start-ups will introduce their technologies, ambitions and business journeys:

• High Devices, Czechia
• Celestia Energy, Czechia
• RayVen Laser, Germany
• Optoman, Lithuania

The following panel discussion, From Scientist to Founder: What It Takes to Build a Deep-Tech Company, will explore the realities of commercialising advanced technologies and building companies in the laser and photonics sector.

From Vision to Action

The main conference programme will conclude with reflections on the next steps required to strengthen the Czech and European laser innovation ecosystems.

The closing session will focus on moving from strategic discussions towards practical cooperation, stronger international connections and measurable industrial impact.

Practical Technology Transfer Workshop

Following the main conference programme, participants will be invited to join an optional interactive workshop:

From Research to Market: A Practical Workshop on Technology Transfer

The workshop will be designed for researchers, innovators and start-ups interested in transforming scientific results and technological expertise into market-ready solutions.

Through practical activities and discussion, participants will explore key aspects of technology transfer, commercialisation and cooperation with industry.

Who Should Attend?

The LASER-PRO Annual Conference is designed for:

• laser, photonics and high-tech companies
• researchers, engineers and technology developers
• technology transfer and innovation professionals
• start-ups, spin-offs and aspiring deep-tech founders
• innovation agencies, clusters and business support organisations
• investors and public authorities
• organisations interested in research-industry collaboration
• students and young professionals interested in laser technologies and entrepreneurship

Venue

The conference will take place at:

ELI Beamlines Facility
Dolní Břežany
Czechia

Registration and Practical Information

Participation in the conference requires prior registration.

Practical information for participants will be available on this page, including:

• online registration
• the detailed conference programme
• accommodation recommendations
• transport from Václav Havel Airport Prague
• public transport and taxi options from Prague
• information about the conference venue
• organisational contacts

Join the LASER-PRO Annual Conference 2026 and take part in the discussion on how laser technologies can strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, innovation capacity and economic resilience.