07:30 – 08:30

Breakfast, Hotel Restaurant

Programming

Bellevue 1 and 2

08:30 – 09:00

Introduction of the Day

Adrian Mahlkow

Managing Director, OpTecBB

09:00 – 10:00

Corporate Networking

Jose Pozo

Chief Technology Officer, Optica

Jose Pozo, CTO of Optica, will share perspectives on effective networking in the corporate realm: why does it matter, what skills are required, and how do you implement them to impact your career trajectory successfully.

10:00 – 10:30

Break

10:30 – 11:30

Funding Opportunities for Industrial Technologies

Stephan Schulze

Investment Director, IBB Ventures

Explore the value of industrial technologies from the perspective of a seed investor. Discover how innovative ideas could attract the funding of a venture capitalist as well as the landscape for technology companies in Europe.

11:30 – 12:30

Industry insights
Adrian Mahlkow
Managing Director, OpTecBB

12:30 – 14:00

14:00 – 15:00

Lunch, Hotel Restaurant

Crafting Your Path: Innovative Leadership and Personal Brand Building

Sven Kiontke

Chief Executive Officer, 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

Chief Executive Officer 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

Håkan Karlsson

Chief Executive Office, 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 – 17:15

Daily Wrap-Up & Announcements

18:00 – 19:30

Dinner, Hotel Restaurant

07:30 – 08:30

Programming

Breakfast, Hotel Restaurant

Bellevue 1 and 2

08:30 - 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

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 Corp.

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, Hotel Restaurant

14:00 – 15:00

15:00 – 15:30

An Aerial View of Project Management

Richard Zeltner

Group Leader R&D - Future and Emerging Technologies, Menlo Systems

What does it take to navigate a project successfully? In this session we will discuss the various phases of a project, the related tasks, and the challenges project leaders may have to face and overcome during each phase. Elaborating on standard methodological frameworks we will explore the various responsibilities and roles of a project leader, as well as the required skills. The talk will offer participants interested in project management a valuable perspective on the holistic nature of this position and what is needed to excel in it.

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

17:00 – 21:00

To Go Dinner, Hotel Restaurant

Potsdam Christmas Market

17:00 - Shuttle to Christmas Market

20:30 – Shuttle leaving Christmas Market

07:30 – 08:30

Programming

Breakfast, Hotel Restaurant

Bellevue 1 and 2

08:30 – 09:30

Marketing in Photonics: Shaping Perceptions and Demand

Matthias Hoeh

Vice President, Global Marketing, TOPTICA

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

Break

11:00 – 12:00

12:00 – 13:30

Intellectual Property in the Photonics Sector

Robert Harrison

Technology Licensing and Intellectual Property Attorney, Sonnenberg Harrison Partnergesellschaft mbB

Discover the key skills and attributes that companies prioritize when hiring for sales positions. Explore why young scientists and engineers should be interested in sales, leveraging their technical knowledge to bridge gaps and drive innovation. Uncover how sales seamlessly integrates with other company functions, such as marketing, product development, and research and development, to maximize organizational success.

Lunch, Hotel Restaurant

13:30 – 14:30

From Resume Review to Final Offer

Julie Brown

Head of Talent Acquisition, 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

Insights from a Career Accelerator Alumni

Jelena Pesic

Director of Optical Strategy and Network Infrastructure, NOKIA

15:30 -16:00

Closing Remarks

Adrian Mahlkow

Managing Director, OpTecBB

John Taylor

Deputy Senior Director, Development & Fundraising, Optica Foundation

16:00 – 18:00

Break

18:00 – 20:00

Closing Reception, Hotel Restaurant

07:00 – 11:00

Hotel Check-Out

INSELHOTEL Potsdam-Hermannswerder