Optics and photonics continue to drive growth in Jena

Important trade fair presence for the regional optics and photonics industry despite coronavirus

On Tuesday, 25.01.2022, one of the most important photonics trade fairs in the world, Photonics West, kicked off in San Francisco. This year, 14 companies from Jena and Thuringia are taking part - fewer than usual due to the current coronavirus situation. After the leading trade fair had to be completely canceled last year, the Jena-based companies are taking the opportunity to present their services and products to an international trade audience until 27.01.2022.

Against the backdrop of the global infection situation, companies are making very sensitive decisions when it comes to participating in trade fairs, says Wilfried Röpke, Head of Jena's Economic Development Agency.

Even in times of a pandemic, Jena's exhibitors are important ambassadors for Jena as a technology location. The local optics and photonics industry in particular remains one of the most important growth drivers for Jena, says Röpke.

After almost two years of the pandemic, it is important for companies to maintain personal contact with customers, suppliers and cooperation partners again - under strict hygiene regulations, of course,

says Anke Siegmeier, one of the two new managing directors of the photonics network OptoNet e.V..

The network manager is also in California and is representing the Thuringian cluster at the German joint stand.

It is of course a little quieter than usual, but the mood on site among the Jena and Thuringian companies is very good and really optimistic,

says Siegmeier.

The companies are telling me about very intensive and targeted discussions that they can finally hold directly with their business partners again.

Since the beginning of the year, Siegmeier and Nora Kirsten have formed the new dual management team of OptoNet e.V. Together, they bring more than 25 years of industry experience to this task and have big plans for 2022.

Thuringia and Jena are known worldwide for high-tech in the field of photonics. We want to further strengthen and expand what makes the location special - innovative industry, top-class research and first-class training - with our activities,

says Nora Kirsten about the vision of the new management duo. The network sees itself as a mouthpiece and service provider for its more than 100 members.

Despite the pandemic, most of the member companies have continued to grow in the last two years. Thanks to international demand and good supplier relationships, many of the companies have come through the critical time well, have increased turnover and have often taken on new staff. All companies share the hope that the pandemic situation will ease.

The next industry highlight is the LASER World of PHOTONICS in Munich at the end of April, followed by technology events in Jena and the 13th Jena Laser Conference in November,

says Kirsten.

Of course, we are planning on a multi-track approach, but like everyone else, we would like to see a return to personal interaction.