OPIE 2026: Showcasing Czech Photonics and LASER-PRO on the Global Stage
From April 22 to 24, 2026, the international trade fair OPIE (Optics & Photonics International Exhibition) took place in Yokohama, Japan - an event that has long been considered one of the most important gatherings in the field of optics and photonics. Held annually in April, OPIE brings together experts from across the globe and consistently demonstrates where cutting-edge technology, industrial application, and advanced research intersect.
OPIE serves as a unique platform covering a broad spectrum of fields - from optical components and laser systems to infrared and ultraviolet technologies, optical design, and advanced applications. An integral part of the event is its rich accompanying programme of specialized seminars, alongside the international scientific conference OPIC, which presents the latest research results and technological developments. This combination makes OPIE not only an exhibition, but also a space for knowledge exchange, inspiration, and the formation of strategic partnerships between academia and industry.
A key part of the exhibition is dedicated to laser technologies, reflecting their rapidly growing importance across industries - from telecommunications and materials processing to precision measurement and advanced manufacturing. Here, lasers are not just tools, but drivers of innovation with the potential to shape future industrial and technological directions.
Czech participation: bridging research and industry
The Czech Republic was represented at the exhibition through a joint national booth organized by Czech Optical Cluster. Alongside the cluster, its members - including HiLASE Centre, CRYTUR, IQS nano, Narran, and SQS Vláknová optika - presented their technologies and expertise.
This joint presence clearly demonstrated the strength of the Czech photonics ecosystem - particularly its ability to connect cutting-edge research with real industrial applications and deliver solutions with global relevance.
Building on a highly successful participation in 2025, which resulted in new contacts and tangible collaboration opportunities in the Japanese market, this year’s edition once again proved fruitful. The Czech booth became a space for intensive discussions, knowledge exchange, and the exploration of new partnerships. A notable moment was the visit of the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Japan, Martin Klucar, who expressed his support for Czech innovation and technologies showcased at the event.
LASER-PRO: European collaboration in a global context
The LASER-PRO project was also presented at OPIE 2026, introducing visitors to an initiative focused on strengthening the European innovation ecosystem in laser technologies. Within the international setting of the exhibition, this created a valuable opportunity to position European collaboration as part of the global photonics landscape.
The LASER-PRO consortium includes both HiLASE Centre and Czech Optical Cluster, who were actively present at the event. Their participation naturally linked the presentation of specific technological solutions with a broader framework of European cooperation and innovation development.
Presenting LASER-PRO in this context highlighted its ambition to strengthen connections between research organizations, industry partners, and innovation ecosystems across Europe - while also confirming that European initiatives play a meaningful role in the global dialogue on advanced technologies.
Photonics as the language of the future
OPIE 2026 once again demonstrated that photonics is no longer a niche field, but a dynamic and rapidly evolving ecosystem connecting science, industry, and international collaboration. It is a space where ideas emerge, partnerships are formed, and technologies are translated into real-world impact.
