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Structure 2026
AKL’26 – Expanded Program
More Business Insights. Broader Range of Technologies.
The AKL – International Laser Technology Congress returns in 2026 with an even more colorful program – designed to offer technological relevance and business orientation for professionals across industries.
Wednesday: Technology Business Day
The first day of AKL’26 is traditionally dedicated to the Technology Business Day, offering a deep dive into Photonic and Laser Markets.
Market data, strategic insights, and application-specific sessions in target markets of laser technology are the key points. Laser users report on their experiences and findings with innovative solutions in markets like Automotive, Aerospace, Energy, Microelectronics, Quantum Technology and Medical Technology.
With one all-access ticket participants can dive into various parallel sessions of interest as desired.
Thursday & Friday: AKL – Laser Technology Conference
The technological centered program has also evolved. Each conference day now includes four parallel sessions, expanding both the depth and breadth of content. All aspects of Laser Material Processing, Laser Source Development, System Technology and Digitalization are covered. New actual topics at the frontline of application oriented research like High Energy Lasers for Fusion and Secondary Sources and AI in Photonics are the cherries on the cake.
From market strategies to cutting-edge laser applications, AKL’26 offers a future-focused platform tailored to industry needs—designed to inform, connect, and inspire.
Day Overview
Day 1 – Wednesday | Technology Business Day
- Photonic and Laser Markets – Market Data and Insights
- Target Markets for Photonic Solutions
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Energy
- Microelectronics
- Quantum Technology
- Medical Technology
- Accompanying Exhibition
- Dinner with Presentation of the “Innovation Award Laser Technology”
Day 2 – Thursday | AKL – Laser Technology Conference
- Accompanying Exhibition
- Gerd Herziger Session
- 4 Parallel Sessions
- “Laser Technology Live” at Fraunhofer ILT
- Market Place and Business Exchange within the Eurogress Aachen
Day 3 – Friday | AKL – Laser Technology Conference
- Accompanying Exhibition
- 4 Parallel Sessions
Topics - April 22-24, 2026 Laser Technology Conference
Thursday
Additive Manufacturing
- Laser Powder Bed Fusion LPBF
Optical Systems
- Beam Shaping and Guiding
Laser Beam Sources I
- Solid State and Fiber Lasers
Laser Beam Sources II
- High Energy Lasers for Fusion and Secondary Sources
Friday
Surface Technology
- Laser Material Deposition
- Microstructuring
- Polishing & Thin Film Processing
Cutting & Joining
- Cutting
- Welding
- Joining of Plastics & Transparent Materials
Laser Beam Sources III
- Ultrafast Lasers
- Lasers with Tailormade Wavelengths
- Diode Lasers
AI in Photonics
- Design and Modelling of Laser Processes and Optics
- Process Monitoring
- Process Control & Optimization
Expected topics. Subject to change without notice.
Laser Technology Live – only on Thursday
Various Live Presentations and Exhibits at the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT and Companies in the Institute´s Application Center.
Access to ‘Laser Technology Live’ will only be granted if Check-In has been done in the Eurogress Conference Center before and the corresponding day ticket has been purchased.
Exhibition
Laser, Component and System Manufacturers showcase their products at the accompanying conference Exhibition.
Congress
Organizer
Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT
Steinbachstraße 15
52074 Aachen
Germany
Phone +49 241 8906-420
akl@lasercongress.org
www.ilt.fraunhofer.de