Global Photonics Summit Set for India

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad is preparing to host the 17th edition of the International Conference on Fibre Optics and Photonics, known as Photonics 2026. The prestigious event aims to bring together leading researchers, industry pioneers, and young scientists from around the globe to discuss groundbreaking developments in optics and laser technologies.

Designed to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application, the conference program will feature a mix of plenary sessions, keynote addresses, tutorials, invited talks, and specialized interactive tracks.

Distinguished Global Speakers

The academic lineup features prominent figures in physics and photonics. Plenary speakers include Nobel laureate Professor Donna Strickland from the University of Waterloo, Canada; Professor Ursula Keller of ETH Zurich; and Professor Chennupati Jagadish from the Australian National University in Canberra.

Additionally, the keynote address roster features esteemed researchers such as David Payne from the University of Southampton, UK, and Professor Ranjan Singh of the University of Notre Dame.

Specialized Forums and Collaborative Events

Beyond traditional paper presentations, Photonics 2026 will host four dedicated special events aimed at fostering collaboration, supporting entrepreneurship, and guiding early-career researchers:

* PhotonBridge: A networking platform connecting academic researchers with industry leaders to explore real-world technological applications and emerging market trends. * SheShines: A dedicated women-in-optics forum designed to highlight female leadership, mentorship, and scientific achievements. * LaunchLight: An innovation-focused startup panel addressing funding pathways, commercialization, and emerging photonics-based technologies. * InsightLab: A specialized PhD clinic and research lounge providing doctoral candidates with direct feedback from senior scientists on their ongoing research challenges.

Collaborative Institutional Effort

The conference is a joint initiative organized by IIT Hyderabad in strategic association with the University of Hyderabad, the Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Hyderabad.