07:30-08:30             Breakfast

08:30-09:00             Welcome and Introductions

Adrian Mahlkow

Managing Director, OptecBB

09:00-10:00              Power of Networking: Essential Skills

Speaker: Coming soon

This talk will equip you with the fundamentals of effective networking, from building meaningful professional relationships to leveraging connections for research collaborations and career opportunities. Learn practical strategies to navigate industry events, communicate your research effectively, and expand your professional network, setting the foundation for a thriving career in the dynamic field of optics.

10:00-10:30               Coffee Break

10:30-11:30              Explore Career Opportunities in the German Photonics Sector

                                     Speaker: Coming soon

11:30-12:30                A Day in the Life of a Systems Engineer: Behind the Scenes at OHB

Bettina Heim

Senior Systems Engineer, OHB Systems AG

Ever wondered what it's like to be at the forefront of space and technology innovation? This session will offer an exclusive look into a systems engineer's life within a leading aerospace industry player. This talk will demystify a systems engineer's daily responsibilities, challenges, and achievements at OHB. Bettina will share insights from her extensive experience, highlighting the technical and interpersonal skills essential for success, the nature of cross-disciplinary projects she leads, and the impact of her work on advancing OHB's mission in space exploration and satellite technology. From concept to launch, discover the critical role systems engineers play in integrating complex subsystems into cohesive, functioning entities that push the boundaries of what's possible in space technology. This is an invaluable opportunity for aspiring engineers to understand what a career at OHB entails and learn what it takes to excel in this exciting and evolving field.

12:30-14:00                Lunch

14:00-15:00               Crafting Your Path: Innovative Leadership and Personal Brand Building

Sven Kiontke

CEO, asphericon

This transformative session is designed for optics innovators. This talk charts the journey from being a computer science student to becoming the CEO of asphericon, highlighting the pivotal role of leveraging academic expertise and personal passion in identifying and fulfilling market needs. Discover how visionary leadership and a commitment to technological innovation can catalyze growth into a global industry leader, offering invaluable lessons on integrating vision and innovation into your personal branding and career advancement.

15:00-16:00               The Entrepreneur’s Experience: Thriving in the Startup Ecosystem

MakSym Sich

CEO and Founder, Aegiq

This talk sheds some light on the vibrant startup world with insights from Aegiq Ltd.'s journey. Learn the essential traits for success in this fast-paced start-up environment. Discover the importance of adaptability, broad skill sets, and resilience through the stages of a startup's life cycle. This talk delves into building and leading a high-performing team, navigating setbacks, and the invaluable lessons from failures. Perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs and those curious about startup culture, the session concludes with practical tips and a Q&A segment to address your queries.

16:00-17:00                Corporate Strategy in Photonics: Driving Sustainable Growth and Competitive Advantage

Håkan Karlsson

CEO,  HÜBNER Photonics 

Dr. Karlsson will lead an exploration into corporate strategy within the photonics industry. This session will highlight how strategic frameworks guide long-term organizational direction, resource distribution, and adaptation within competitive markets. We will discuss the essential elements of corporate strategy, including the development of vision, mission, and tactical planning tailored to the unique demands of the photonics sector.

17:00-18:00               Break

18:00-19:30              Dinner

07:30-08:30              Breakfast

8:30-09:30               The Language of Business: Insights into Managerial Reporting and Accounting

Renata Greenwood

Head of Controlling and Finance (Europe), Thorlabs

This session will demystify the critical differences between managerial and financial accounting. This session provides a practical overview of essential financial statements and key terms. Explore the dynamics of fixed versus variable costs, the critical role of budgeting and forecasting, and the significance of key performance indicators (KPIs) like ROI and gross margin. The talk also highlights creating and interpreting managerial reports for a non-financial audience, emphasizing the vital collaboration between technical and financial professionals to fuel innovation.

09:30-10:00              Coffee Break

10:00-11:00                Identifying Emerging Technology Trends: Innovation and Product Development

                                      Ulrike Fuchs

Vice President, Strategy and Innovation, aspericon

Embark on a journey to uncover the art of identifying emerging technology trends and seamlessly integrating them into research, development, and product strategies. Gain insights into how a visionary company like asphericon thrives on innovation, and discover the specific skills and attributes sought after in employees with an entrepreneurial spirit. You will have a window into the skills and qualities needed to start a career in the dynamic world of corporate innovation and emerging technology.

11:00-12:00               Agile Project Management in the Laser Industry

Christoph Simon

Senior Research and Development Manager, Coherent

Dive into how agile methodologies revolutionize project management within the laser industry, focusing on seamlessly integrating practices for complex product development. This session will highlight the role of key agile components—SCRUM roles, daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives—in navigating innovation challenges. Discover the balance between flexibility and structure necessary to keep projects on target. Ideal for professionals eager to understand agile principles tailored to the laser industry's unique demands. 

12:00-14:00                 Lunch

14:00-15:00               Navigating Project Leadership

Mariia Stepanova

Project Leader, Menlo Systems

Following our session on agile project management in the laser industry, Mariia will share her journey and the realities of managing EU-funded projects on the cutting-edge development of optical clocks. Her talk will offer invaluable insights into the expectations, challenges, and successes of directly stepping into a project management role from university. She will highlight the skills and mindset needed to thrive as a new project lead in the dynamic landscape of the laser industry.

15:00-15:30                 Coffee Break

15:30-16:30                 From Academy to Industry: My Journey as a Laser Development Engineer

Neda Baktash

Laser Development Engineer, Coherent

Dr. Baktash will share her career journey and delve into the crucial skills and knowledge that have propelled her career in the high-tech industry of laser development. She will discuss the unique challenges and rewards of transitioning internationally, including navigating cultural differences and leveraging diverse work environments in two European countries. Attendees will gain insights into the daily responsibilities of a laser engineer, the continuous learning required to stay at the forefront of technological advancements, and practical advice for new engineers interested in following a similar path. This talk will provide valuable perspectives on building a successful career in engineering, the significance of adaptability in international careers, and the ever-evolving landscape of laser technology.

16:30-17:30               Leadership Styles and Teams in the Corporate Environment

Speaker: Coming soon

17:30                          Dinner and Evening Activity

07:30-08:30              Breakfast

08:30-09:30             Marketing in Photonics: Shaping Perceptions and Demand

Matthias Hoeh

Vice President, Global Marketing, TOPTICA, Germany  

This session explores the pivotal role of marketing in the photonics industry. Learn about strategy development, product positioning, and market penetration for advanced optical technologies. Discover career paths from product marketing manager to director, emphasizing marketing's impact on product development and market expansion. Key skills discussed include market analysis, strategic planning, digital marketing, and understanding customer psychology. The talk will also highlight how PhDs can use their deep technical knowledge to devise effective marketing strategies that engage technically savvy customers.

09:30-10:30             Sales in Photonics: Bridging Technology and Solutions

                                    Boris Lange

                                          Manager Imaging Europe, Edmund Optics

Gain insight into the pivotal role of sales professionals in photonics, focusing on connecting innovative optical solutions with customer needs across industries. Explore career paths from technical sales engineer to sales management, emphasizing the importance of understanding photonics products and their markets. Learn the essential skills needed, including technical expertise, communication, and negotiation. Discover the growing demand for sales professionals leveraging their technical background in optics to sell sophisticated photonics solutions effectively.

10:30-11:00                 Coffee Break

11:00-12:00                Intellectual Property in the Photonics Sector

 Robert Harrison

Technology Licensing and Intellectual Property Attorney, Sonnenberg Harrison Partnergesellschaft mbB

This session delves into the crucial world of IP rights, focusing on patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, especially within photonics and high-tech fields. The talk emphasizes IP's role as a key asset driving innovation, competitive advantage, and revenue in the photonics industry. It covers patenting, international protection, and collaboration with patent attorneys. Participants are encouraged to engage with questions on careers in IP law for scientists. The talk also offers guidance for photonics graduates on navigating IP in their careers and tips for transitioning from academic to corporate environments, highlighting the importance of IP knowledge for commercial success.

12:00-13:30                Lunch

13:30-14:30               From Resume Review to Final Offer

                                      Julie Brown

Human Resources Director, ASML

Inside HR and the Hiring: Get an insider's look at the hiring journey, from resume submission to the coveted job offer. Gain valuable insights on optimizing your resume for attention, acing interviews with do's and don'ts, and more. Explore the pivotal role HR plays in shaping corporate culture and providing valuable resources to staff.

14:30-15:30                State of the Optics and Photonics Market

 Jose Pozo

Chief Technology Officer, Optica,

Jose Pozo, CTO of Optica, will share his vision for the need for a global photonics industry network. In addition, Pozo will provide a vision of what he expects in the next decade in 3D imaging and sensing, laser-based manufacturing, integrated photonics, medical devices, and quantum technologies; alongside with examples of current photonics trends.

15:30-16:30              Closing Remarks

16:30-18:00                Break

18:00-19:30                Closing Reception

07:00-09:00              Breakfast and Room Check-out

09:00                         Program Adjournment