Upcoming Trade Shows in France for Optics

The Provence region forms the beating heart of the optics and photonics industry in France, and as such is populated by research institutions, powerful industrial giants, incubators and exciting new advanced technological platforms. One of the defining strengths of the optics industry in Provence is the presence of globally recognized research institutions. Organizations such as CEA, CNRS, INRIA, IRSTEA, IFREMER, and ONERA are at the forefront of optical advancements and actively contribute to major international programs like ITER, E-ELT, Virgo, and Antares. These projects reinforce France’s reputation as a leader in cutting-edge optical and photonic research. A key driver of growth in Provence is the OPTITEC competitiveness cluster, a collaborative community of nearly 200 members, which include over 130 companies and 10,000 employees. OPTITEC has successfully funded over 300 projects valued at €550 million, with €130 million in subsidies supporting companies and research labs. Beyond the national landscape, OPTITEC also facilitates the participation of its members in European R&D programs, such as Horizon Europe. The success of OPTITEC reflects France’s ambition to be a dominant force in the global optics and photonics industry. Provence is home to an extensive network of high-end optical technology platforms, featuring more than 150 advanced tools. We’re going to highlight only a few of these such as the Space AIT/AIV Center and POLARIS Mirror Manufacturing Facility at the Laboratoire d'Astrophysique de Marseille, which support astrophysical research and satellite technology. Then there’s the Femtosecond Laser Micromachining Platform (PMU) at the Lasers, Plasmas, and Photonic Processes Laboratory (LP3), which enables ultra-precise material processing. The Hôtel Technoptic in Château Gombert, Marseille, serves as a dedicated incubator and accelerator for optics and photonics startups. This business hub provides access to specialized technology platforms and collaborative spaces, where innovation meets entrepreneurship in connected objects, imaging, and advanced photonic technologies.