On September 25, 2024, SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, will host its third annual Photonics Industry Summit in Washington, DC. This day-long event aims to gather industry leaders, policymakers, and representatives from US government agencies to discuss the pivotal role of optics and photonics in emerging technologies. The summit will feature a program that includes discussions on federal policies and funding related to key areas such as directed energy, quantum technology, fusion ignition, and updates on significant initiatives like the CHIPS for America program and the EDA Tech Hubs.
Notable speakers at the event will include Cristina Killingsworth from the US Economic Development Administration, Olga Blum Spahn from the US Department of Energy, and Kent Rochford, CEO of SPIE. The event will also introduce a Congressional Reception on September 24, providing attendees with an invaluable opportunity to network with congressional representatives and advocate for the photonics industry.
SPIE’s Director of Government Affairs, Jennifer O’Bryan, expressed enthusiasm about this year’s program, highlighting the broad participation from senior government officials with budget authority and the unique opportunity for attendees to engage with elected representatives in a convenient setting. The summit is sponsored by various organizations, including AmeriCOM, Hamamatsu, and Teledyne. For further details and registration, interested parties are encouraged to visit the SPIE website before the registration deadline of September 13.