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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.