Zeiss, Philips, Samsung Execs to Speak at Invest in Photonics 2012

Top executives from Carl Zeiss France, Philips Lighting and Samsung Ventures Europe will address several fast-growing photonics markets next month at Invest in Photonics — an event that has helped to raise €37 million ($47 million) to date.

The international business convention, being held Dec. 12-13 in Bordeaux, will host 12 presentations by industry leaders experts on health care, clean tech, consumer goods and finance, with the goal of giving investors a five- and 10-year perspective on those areas as they relate to the photonics industry.

“It is a good time to explore the photonics industry because of the huge opportunities this market presents,” said Giorgio Anania, chairman of Invest in Photonics 2012. “This technology underpins the value chain in so many markets, including medical, clean tech and consumer products. We are very pleased that global brands Zeiss, Philips and Samsung Ventures will take a lead role in this year’s program. These players at the top end of the value chain will give the event an even bigger business focus.”

The biennial event attracts investors searching for the most innovative, credible and profitable ventures in photonics, an industry estimated at $338 billion, according to the European Commission Framework Program for Research and Innovation: Horizon 2020.

Pierre Billardon, president of Carl Zeiss France and conference leader on health care, will speak on “Trends in photonics in cataract and refractive surgery. Disruptive or up-market strategies?” The health care event will also include speakers from Amplitude Systèmes, nLight, Merieux Developpement and Adam Capital Management.

The conference on clean tech, which will focus on growing sectors such as smart lighting, will be led by Hans Nikol, vice president of LED innovation and strategy at Philips Lighting. Representatives from First Solar and Sofinnova Partners will also speak.

Leading the consumer goods conference is Michael Jeon, head of Samsung Ventures Europe, who looks for investment opportunities in the consumer IT, mobile/wireless and digital media markets. Other presentations will be made by Eolite, SPI Lasers, Intune and ESI.

Aloe Private Equity founder Vivek Tandon will lead a fourth session covering competitive developments and trends in Asia.

Invest in Photonics will also include elevator pitches and one-to-one business meetings.

“Invest in Photonics is a great opportunity for attendees to strike deals," Anania said. "It is the only high-level investor partnering conference of its kind for the photonics industry."

For more information, visit: www.invest-in-photonics.com