Making the Most of the UK's Photonics Clusters

This event will form part of techUK’s Photonics sprint campaign, which will take place from September to January 2026. Please visit the link or email ella.shuter@techuk.org for more information. 

In this webinar, techUK will explore the significance of the UK's network of Photonics clusters and examine how companies from all sectors can effectively engage and collaborate with them by showcasing examples of best practice and highlighting the common characteristics, opportunities, and challenges of these clusters. There will also be an opportunity for audience Q&A. 

Agenda & Discussion Topics 

The UK has a strong network of clusters focused on Photonics technologies, with individual clusters often located around universities and research centres of excellence. These employ hundreds of highly skilled researchers, technicians, and policymakers across the UK, playing a vital role in regional innovation and national capability. 

Examples include:  

The “Photonics Valley” in the Southampton area, which comprises over 10 photonics manufacturing and design companies, many have their with roots in the world renowned Optoelectronics Research Centre, based at the University of Southampton. 

Northern Ireland, which offers specialised capabilities in photonics, with world-class capability in areas such as advanced sensors, key academic and industrial assets and a growing focal point for entrepreneurship in Belfast, enabling cross-sector innovation. In March 2025 Invest Northern Ireland approved support for the establishment of a photonics Cluster Acceleration Programme to establish a self-sustaining photonics cluster in Northern Ireland. 

The Glasgow City Region, which is developing a photonics cluster as part of Scotland’s wider Critical Technologies Supercluster, to provide an opportunity for the photonics sector to leverage Scotland’s wider value proposition across the critical technologies. Positioned correctly, and supported by Scotland's leading universities, the supercluster will be a magnet for future investment and a platform to boost Scotland’s photonics profile on the world stage. 

But how does UK industry best engage with these clusters? And what support do they offer for companies who are new or tangential to the Photonics sector?

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into how to engage and collaborate with the UK's Photonics clusters, pose questions to our expert speakers, and connect with key stakeholders across the UK's thriving Photonics ecosystem. 

For more information about this event or techUK's Photonics sprint campaign, please contact: 

techUK – Unleashing UK Tech and Innovation 

The UK is home to emerging technologies that have the power to revolutionise entire industries. From quantum to semiconductors; from gaming to the New Space Economy, they all have the unique opportunity to help prepare for what comes next.

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