The AKL'26 program is setting new priorities: For the first time, there will be four parallel sessions on both days of the technology conference, offering a wider range of topics than ever before. New to the program are topics of the future such as high-energy lasers for fusion and secondary sources, as well as artificial intelligence in photonics. By making these changes, the organizers are responding to the industry's growing need for strategic orientation.
Technology Business Day: Market insights and industry trends
The congress begins on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, with Technology Business Day, which features expanded content. In the morning, participants will gain in-depth insight into the global photonics and laser markets and be presented with analyses of the sales markets in Europe, China, and the USA, as well as other regions. In the afternoon, laser users from relevant companies in six core industries – automotive engineering, aerospace, energy, microelectronics, quantum technology, and medical technology – will report on how they are successfully using laser technologies in their products and processes to strengthen their ability to compete in international markets. Several presentations will also address industry trends on the potential applications of lasers. At the end of the first day, the Arbeitskreis Lasertechnik e.V. will bestow the "Innovation Award Laser Technology 2026" in the Coronation Hall of Aachen City Hall.
Technological conference: Broader spectrum thanks to four parallel sessions
The technological conference will come to the fore on Thursday, April 23, 2026, and Friday, April 24, 2026. In four parallel sessions, experts will offer deep dives into their research and innovations, covering the entire field of laser material processing, beam source development, system and optics technology, and digitalization. Particularly noteworthy are the new focal topics: high-energy lasers for fusion applications and AI-supported photonic processes. This structure allows participants to target specific areas of specialization while also gathering information relevant across various industrial sectors.
A key element of the first day of the conference is the Gerd Herziger Session. Many prominent decision-makers will talk about new perspectives for lasers in science and industry, including Damien Buet, President and CEO of Amplitude Laser Group (France), Trevor D. Ness, Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) of IPG Photonics Corporation (USA), Dr. Christopher Dorman, Executive Vice President of Coherent Corp. (USA), Dr. Hagen Zimer, Chief Executive Officer for Laser Technology and Member of the Executive Board of TRUMPF SE + Co. KG (Germany), and Prof. Constantin Häfner, Executive Board Member for Research and Transfer at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft e.V. (Germany). They will then discuss the role of these laser beam sources for future production environments in the panel discussion "High-Power and High-Energy Lasers – Quo Vadis?"
At the sold-out exhibition accompanying the conference, more than 50 international companies specializing in laser technology and photonics will present innovative products and processes to interested participants. Between sessions and during breaks, conference visitors will have the opportunity to discuss specific issues.
On April 23, 2026, the evening event "30 Years of AKL" will take place in the exhibition area of AKL'26 and offer participants ample opportunity for networking and professional exchange in a relaxed atmosphere.
Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT
