For experts in the fields of optics and photonics it is one of the annual highlights: the trip to San Francisco’s Moscone Center. This is where industry representatives meet at the leading international photonics trade fair, SPIE Photonics West, to present the latest developments, meet cooperation partners and network. This year, 21 companies from Jena will be there to show the world the exciting innovations that come from here.
Among other things, you can see and experience
- a mini Mars Rover from Jenoptik
- underwater lenses from ZEISS, which are used, among other things, by diving drones to explore the deep sea
- Near Infrared and UV applications from SCHOTT, which are mainly used for fast, non-destructive and low-energy measurements
- BeamTuning from asphericon, with which laser beams can be adjusted quickly and easily.
We are proud of the combined expertise from our city of light and its global appeal!
As an optics location, Jena enjoys international renown for over 175 years and is well positioned for the future thanks to excellent networking between science and business. Did you know that over 100 companies, numerous research institutes, two universities and the Thuringian photonics network OptoNet e. V. are located in Jena? Of course, they offer interesting job opportunities for specialists and managers as well as first-class training and study programmes. With a focus on optics and mechanics, metrology, sensor technology, micro and fibre optics, lasers and optoelectronics, the door is wide open for a fulfilling, future-proof career in Jena.
At this year’s Photonics West, JenaWirtschaft Managing Director Wilfried Röpke will be joined by Dr Katja Böhler, Thuringia’s State Secretary for Research, Innovation and Economic Development, and Jena’s Mayor Dr Thomas Nitzsche. “It is always impressive to experience how highly esteemed the companies and developments from Jena are worldwide,” reports Wilfried Röpke. And that applies to smaller “hidden champions” in their fields as well as to medium-sized and large companies. They are all by no means unknown in San Francisco; their products and services are in demand worldwide and the competence of their employees is appreciated.
Of course, a visit to Photonics West means not only professional exchange but also a lot of team-building for the participating company representatives – both at the fair itself and in their free time. For example, the team from asphericon GmbH, which has already travelled to Photonics West more than ten times, reports that in some years the fair coincides with the Super Bowl and provides a real “American feeling”. San Francisco is also particularly enchanting from the pier or the Coit Tower and invites visitors to go for a morning run.
We wish all exhibitors and visitors of Photonics West eventful days in San Francisco! And to all those interested in a career in Jena’s optics and photonics industry, we recommend searching for a new job or training opportunity in our job portal.
