Next‑2Digits Engaged the Global Photonics Community at SPIE Photonics West 2026
January 30, 2026Strong Engagement with the International Photonics Community
Next‑2Digits successfully showcased its latest progress at SPIE Photonics West 2026 in San Francisco. The event gathered leading experts in optics, materials science, and integrated photonics. As a result, it offered an excellent opportunity for the project to highlight its work on Graphene and 2D materials for advanced Photonic Integrated Circuits. Throughout the exhibition, the team met researchers, developers, and companies interested in next‑generation technologies, which strengthened the project’s visibility in the global SPIE Photonics community.
Representatives from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) actively contributed to the programme. Prof. Ioanna Zergioti and Dr. Filimon Zacharatos delivered presentations that introduced the project’s scientific vision and outlined recent experimental milestones. Their talks attracted strong interest, since many visitors follow the development of 2D‑material‑enhanced PICs. Moreover, the presentations helped position Next‑2Digits within the broader discussions on innovation trends at SPIE Photonics West.
SPIE Photonics West: On‑Site Dissemination Activities and Community Interactions
AMIRES supported the project through intensive dissemination at Booth 5536. Marco Messina and Marika Kůrová engaged with visitors and introduced the project’s objectives, progress, and expected impacts. Additionally, they explained the importance of achieving wafer‑scale, defect‑free transfer of 2D materials into photonic platforms. This capability represents a crucial step toward reliable industrial integration, and many visitors recognised its relevance for future device performance. Furthermore, the AMIRES team provided insights into related European R&I initiatives, which encouraged new discussions and broadened the project’s network within the SPIE Photonics exhibition environment.
Throughout the event, many participants expressed strong interest in the project’s technologies and future results. Consequently, the interactions facilitated potential collaborations and increased awareness of the solutions Next‑2Digits aims to bring to integrated photonics. Overall, the participation at SPIE Photonics West 2026 significantly supported the project’s outreach objectives and strengthened its presence in the global photonics community.