Interactive session:
European photonics is at a turning point – and it will have impact across Finland and the Nordics
Tuesday 26 May | 12:15–14:30
Event Hall, Paviljonki (1st Floor)
Together with EPIC – European Photonics Industry Consortium, Photonics Sweden, and Photonics Finland, OPD2026 opens with a timely session featuring:
- Carlos Lee (EPIC)
- Lennart Svensson (Photonics Sweden)
- Juha Purmonen (Photonics Finland)
Europe is entering a major transition in photonics and its consequences will be felt strongly also in Finland.Changes in EU programmes, evolving industrial priorities, and the transformation of key structures such as Photonics21 are reshaping how photonics is positioned, funded and embedded into different sectors. The rules of the game are not yet fixed and this creates both uncertainty and opportunity.
This session is built to address exactly this moment: a space for sharing insights, exploring collaboration opportunities, and influencing future directions.
Nordic developments – building stronger collaboration
A key part of the session focuses on the emerging Swedish photonics initiative, a coordinated national effort to strengthen Sweden’s position through a structured ecosystem, shared roadmap and closer industry–academia collaboration.
This is highly relevant for Finland and the wider Nordic-Baltic region. Our ecosystems are complementary and increasingly interconnected, with clear potential to strengthen cooperation and create a more aligned regional approach.
The session offers an opportunity to:
- share the latest developments across the Nordic region
- identify concrete collaboration opportunities
- explore joint activities and future initiatives
- strengthen connections between ecosystems
The focus is practical: how to turn shared strengths into real impact.
Europe is changing – what does it mean in practice?
The ongoing European transition raises critical questions also for Finland:
- What will be the role of photonics in the next EU programme period?
- How will funding be structured and allocated?
- Will photonics remain a clearly defined field or become increasingly integrated into broader application domains?
- What does this mean for national priorities and funding decisions in Finland?
· What mechanisms will be used to better support translation from photonics research into real-world applications?
· How will future EU programmes address the gap between technology development and end-user adoption?
Nordic developments – building stronger collaboration
· How can Nordic countries influence EU priorities more effectively to ensure alignment with regional strengths and industry needs?
Decisions made at the European level will directly shape national opportunities. The session will also highlight two important cascade funding (FSTP) initiatives supporting photonics SMEs: PhotonQboost and the upcoming PIONEER project.
Session structure
Framing perspectives
The session begins with short introductory perspectives:
- Lennart Svensson, presenting the Swedish initiative and its ambitions
- Carlos Lee (EPIC), offering a European industry perspective on current developments and future directions
These inputs set the stage for a broader exchange of views.
A space to engage and influence
Following the introductions, the session opens into an interactive discussion focused on:
- sharing knowledge and perspectives
- identifying common interests
- exploring collaboration opportunities
- discussing how to influence future European priorities
At this moment of change, being passive is not an option.
Join the discussion
This session is designed for those who want to understand what is happening – and to take part in shaping what comes next.
Whether you represent industry, academia or public organisations, this is your opportunity to:
- stay ahead of key European developments
- connect with Nordic and European actors
- contribute to discussions that may influence future funding and priorities