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The World of Quantum and Laser World of Photonics Shows

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WCP Industry Events: 
 
The World of Quantum and Laser World of Photonics Shows
 
When Worlds Collide
Photonics and Quantum are closely connected, so it's not surprising to see a trade show highlighting both. The World of Quantum and Laser World of Photonics took place at the end of June 2025 in Munich, Germany. Both sectors set new records for exhibitors, with nearly 1,400 on the Photonics side and over 150 on the Quantum side. Some companies had booths in both halls. Key focus areas included defense, medical, industrial, and security applications.
 
This show was a refreshing change. Despite its size, the layout was designed so that you could walk from one end to the other in ten minutes. Exhibitors were generally calm and focused—the chaos usually seen at most trade shows was missing. Anecdotally, the average attendee age was about half that of OFC. If this is an indication, we have a future. The spirit of hope was clear in a rapidly growing industry of great importance.
 
Exhibitors felt they were on the verge of something great, especially in quantum science. Most were relaxed and open to genuine conversations. This was a sharp contrast to many trade shows, where you would often hear, “You can view our latest product in our booth, but first let me scan your badge.” There were no hawkers or placard-waving promoters. The check-in process was quick and smooth. Despite the show's larger size, the aisles were wide, and exhibits were spaced far enough apart to prevent claustrophobia. The convention complex, Messe München, is enormous, with ten large exhibition halls in use. It was arranged in a way that was easy to navigate, allowing plenty of “breathing room” for exhibitors and attendees.

There were clear country-specific clusters of emerging companies. With a home-court advantage, German companies outnumbered those from all other nations. The Netherlands, China, and Finland also stood out. Within these groups, a mix of optimism, hope, and uncertainty persisted about the growth prospects for 2025 and 2026.
 
The Worlds of Quantum and Laser Photonics Shows had the feel of enormous promise during a breakout year.
 

Show Summary 
The year 2025 is a landmark for the quantum community, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Werner Heisenberg's development of quantum mechanics. To mark this milestone, the United Nations has named 2025 the "International Year of Quantum Science and Technology." This global campaign aims to increase public understanding of quantum science and its potential to revolutionize various fields. Industry leaders like Toptica and TRUMPF display their latest innovations alongside numerous innovative startups. The involvement of major research institutions, such as the Fraunhofer Institutes, and partnerships like the Munich Quantum Valley (MQV) and SPECTARIS highlights the collaborative effort propelling the field forward.
 
Running alongside the World of Quantum is its larger, older sibling: the Laser World of Photonics. As the world's leading trade fair for photonics components, systems, and applications since 1973, this event transforms Munich into a comprehensive hub for light-based technologies.
 
Key themes this year include Biophotonics and Medical Technology, where light enables less invasive surgeries and more precise diagnostics, as well as a significant focus on Integrated Photonics.
 
On the networking side, Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) are driving breakthroughs in everything from LiDAR for autonomous vehicles to new forms of optical computing for AI. A dedicated forum explored the significant supply-chain challenges and opportunities in developing the large laser systems needed for commercial nuclear fusion. The connection between these areas is clear: the lasers, optics, and sensors showcased at the World of Photonics are the fundamental components of the quantum revolution happening nearby.
 
Key Themes and Technologies on Display
The World of Quantum was organized around the key pillars of the quantum ecosystem:
  • Quantum Computing: This is the most talked-about area of quantum technology, and the exhibition floor reflects that. Companies are showcasing a variety of approaches to building quantum computers, from superconducting circuits to trapped ions. The "Quantum Future Boulevard" provided a hands-on glimpse into the advancements of this complex technology, featuring exhibits that illustrate the principles of data encryption and quantum-based magnetometers for medical measurements. The real question is whether 2025 will be the year when quantum computers begin to transition from the lab to real-world applications in data centers and other commercial settings.
  • Quantum Communication: With the constant threat of cyberattacks, the potential of unconditionally secure communication based on quantum mechanics is a major driver of innovation. Exhibitors are showcasing the latest in quantum cryptography and quantum key distribution (QKD), technologies that could soon become essential for safeguarding sensitive data in government, finance, and other critical sectors. Leading exhibitors included ID Quantique, KEEQuant, ThinkQuantum, and Aurea. Although QKD was a highly discussed topic, exhibitors admit there is currently only one satellite in orbit supporting QKD, and it belongs to China. European companies are hoping for a 2026 launch by the EU Space Agency.
  • Quantum Sensing and Imaging: Quantum sensors are set to transform various industries, including healthcare, defense, automotive, and mining. These highly sensitive devices can detect tiny changes in magnetic fields, gravity, and other physical properties, creating new possibilities for medical imaging, GPS-free navigation, and geophysical surveys.
  • Enabling Technologies: The development of quantum technologies depends on a variety of advanced components and systems, such as high-powered lasers, cryogenic equipment, specialized software, and control systems. The trade show floor highlights the significance of this "enabling" ecosystem, with companies like nVent displaying their MicroTCA-based solutions for quantum computer control systems.

Trends
A key trend emerging at the World of Quantum is the increasing synergy between quantum technology and artificial intelligence (AI). As one expert from The Quantum Insider pointed out, "Quantum technology is emerging as a critical tool for enhancing AI's efficiency, while AI plays a key role in integrating quantum solutions into practical applications." This powerful combination is expected to open new frontiers in drug discovery, materials science, and financial modeling.
 
Munich Quantum Valley (MQV) is a consortium of universities, research institutions, and industry partners dedicated to making Bavaria a leading global hub for quantum science and technology. MQV highlighted the scope of the local quantum ecosystem, with many member startups—such as Alpine Quantum Technologies (AQT), planqc, and QuantumDiamonds— prominently featured at the trade show.
 
What’s Next?
The pieces of the quantum and photonics puzzles are coming together. However, the industry remains fragmented despite significant growth. As financial markets continue to heat up, M&A activity is expected to increase. Many small to medium-sized companies, especially in the photonics sector, are ready for consolidation. The same is true in quantum, but many companies are not as advanced. In both photonics and quantum, many companies will not reach their goals alone—they need a larger balance sheet, channels, marketing, and manufacturing capacity. An acquirer could provide support in all these areas. Acquisitions can bring technology and growth to the buyer and, in return, offer stability and liquidity to the acquired company.

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The World of Quantum and Laser World of Photonics Shows