The statutory Spring Meeting of Photonics Finland was held on 27 May 2026 in Jyväskylä during the OPD2026 event.
Key decisions and highlights from the meeting include:
Board for 2026–2027
Sanna Aikio (VTT) and Niklas Saxen (Optikos) are in the middle of their two-year term and will therefore continue in their roles as Chair and Vice Chair, respectively.
Additional Board members and their deputies were elected as follows:
• Kim Grundström (Kimmy Photonics) – Deputy: Heidi Piili (University of Turku)
• Birgit Päivänranta (imec) – Deputy: Samuli Siitonen (Nanocomp)
• Paul Verrinder (Aalto University) – Deputy: Jouko Korppi-Tommola (University of Jyväskylä)
• Polina Kuzhir (University of Eastern Finland) – Deputy: Antti Isomäki (University of Helsinki)
• Regina Gumenyuk (Tampere University) – Deputy: Göery Genty (Tampere University)
• Tapio Kallonen (Specim Spectral Imaging Oy) – Deputy: Timo Vuorenpää (Peak PC)
Formalization of the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) and the Industry Advisory Board (IAB)
The General Meeting approved the establishment and formalization of the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) and the Industry Advisory Board (IAB) as advisory bodies of Photonics Finland.
The SAB is intended to support the Board by providing expert insight into scientific quality, research activities, and academic development, as well as contributing to key activities such as the OPD scientific program and evaluation processes.
The IAB is intended to act as an advisory body representing industry, providing insights into industry needs, trends, and strategic priorities, and supporting the development of services and activities relevant to corporate members.
Photonics Finland key activities in 2025
The Executive Director Juha Purmonen presented the Annual Report for 2025, providing a comprehensive overview of the Association’s activities during the year. The report covered all core areas of Photonics Finland’s activities, including:
• photonics business development in Finland
• photonics research and education activities
• membership development and services
• communication and publication activities
• national activities, including Optics & Photonics Days (OPD 2025), the national photonics survey, and the Photonics Company of the Year award (Specim)
• international cooperation and participation in European and global photonics initiatives
Key highlights from 2025 were presented. The Finnish photonics industry continued strong growth, reaching an estimated annual revenue of over EUR 2.5 billion, employing more than 7,500 people, and comprising approximately 340 companies. The sector demonstrated approximately 25% growth over the period 2023–2025. Photonics Finland continues to play a key role as a national network, bridging academia and industry and strengthening international collaboration.
The main activities of the Association in 2025 included OPD 2025 in Oulu, which gathered approximately 380 participants, 41 exhibitors, and representatives from 20 countries, as well as a wide range of national and international events, communication activities, and member services such as the job board and Fotoni magazine.
Amendment to the Association’s rules approved
The General Meeting approved the proposed amendments (second approval phase). The following amendments will enter into force in accordance with the applicable regulations:
- the composition of the Board (removal of the requirement for an even number of members)
- clarification of terminology related to the annual report
The meeting also approved the 2025 financial statements and granted discharge from liability to the Board.