Photonics, the science and technology of light, underpins many of the critical systems we rely on every day, from the internet and medical imaging to advanced manufacturing and consumer electronics. As innovation accelerates, photonics is increasingly central to the UK’s ambitions in fields like AI, quantum, defence and green technologies. 

With a market worth £18.5 billion and employing over 84,000 people, the UK photonics industry is the second largest in Europe and ninth globally, projected to nearly triple to £50 billion by 2035. This strength is built on a powerful foundation: world-leading research across more than 40 universities and a dynamic ecosystem of over 1,200 companies. 

For the UK to lead the next wave of photonics innovation, greater collaboration is essential — across disciplines, sectors and technologies. 

This event is your opportunity to: 

  • Connect with peers from across the UK’s thriving photonics landscape 
  • Hear from expert speakers about emerging trends and technologies shaping the future 
  • Discover new avenues for collaboration, innovation and commercial growth 

A key highlight of the evening will be the launch of the Photonics Sprint Campaign — a focused four-month initiative designed to accelerate innovation, spark cross-sector partnerships and identify scalable opportunities in photonics. Attendees will gain early insight into how to get involved and help shape its outcomes. 

Join us for an evening of ideas, networking and good conversation, along with pizza and refreshments, as we shine a spotlight on one of the UK’s most critical and fast-growing technology sectors. 

Speakers to be announced soon ! 


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

Rory Daniels

Rory Daniels

Senior Programme Manager, Emerging Technologies, techUK

Ella Shuter

Ella Shuter

Junior Programme Manager, Emerging Technologies, techUK

Technology and Innovation programme activities

techUK bring members, industry stakeholders, and UK Government together to champion emerging technologies as an integral part of the UK economy. We help to create an environment where innovation can flourish, helping our members to build relationships, showcase their technology, and grow their business. Visit the programme page here.

 

Upcoming events

5 September 2025

Photonics Sector Meetup

10 St Bride Street, London Panel discussion
5 November 2025

Tech and Innovation Summit 2025

Central London Conference

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Meet the team 

Sue Daley OBE

Sue Daley OBE

Director, Technology and Innovation

Laura Foster

Laura Foster

Associate Director - Technology and Innovation, techUK

Rory Daniels

Rory Daniels

Senior Programme Manager, Emerging Technologies, techUK

Chris Hazell

Chris Hazell

Programme Manager - Cloud, Tech and Innovation, techUK

Usman Ikhlaq

Usman Ikhlaq

Programme Manager - Artificial Intelligence, techUK

Tess Buckley

Tess Buckley

Programme Manager - Digital Ethics and AI Safety, techUK

Elis Thomas

Elis Thomas

Programme Manager, Tech and Innovation, techUK

Harriet Allen

Harriet Allen

Programme Assistant, Technology and Innovation, techUK