Optatec 2026 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Optatec 2026 is an international trade fair for optical technologies, components, and systems at Messe Frankfurt (Frankfurt am Main, Germany).

This is where developers and manufacturers of precision optics, photonics, metrology solutions, and equipment meet the companies that implement these technologies in industry, medical technology, automation, security, and emerging R&D fields.

Video about the Optatec trade fair

Live footage from the stands and the atmosphere of a “smart” industry in motion — all in the official video.

Who will benefit most from visiting Optatec 2026

If your business is built around precision, light, sensors, and the micro-world, Optatec 2026 feels like a high-density industry hub: in three days you can build connections that normally take months to find.

• engineers and technologists in precision optics, photonics, and optoelectronics;
• R&D teams and labs looking for new components and development partners;
• manufacturers of optics, coatings, optomechanics, metrology systems, and laser modules;
• integrators and OEM/ODM projects (mechanical engineering, medtech, automation, security);
• procurement specialists who value reliable supply and fast technical consultation;
• startups and research groups ready to “show real hardware” to the market and win first customers.

History of Optatec: how it started and why the show became a benchmark

The first Optatec took place in 1992. It was created as an international platform where manufacturers, scientists, and engineers could share practical know-how and showcase the current “state of the art”.

In 2018, the show reached its 14th edition and strengthened the business program, including partner conference formats designed to connect science with industry.

In 2024, the 16th Optatec was held — and once again the event confirmed its reputation as a “highly focused, business-first meeting” where face-to-face contact is worth more than any emails or calls.

Optatec highlights in numbers: a scale that improves lead quality

The strength of Optatec lies in its tight focus and a high concentration of the right audience. According to the results of Optatec 2024:

• 422 exhibitors from 24 countries;
• 18,000 m² of exhibition space (gross);
• 3,962 trade visitors from 37 countries;
• around 64% of exhibitors came from outside Germany.

This is not “a fair for everything” — it’s a place where stands are visited by people with specific tasks: sourcing optical components, metrology systems, laser modules, manufacturing technologies, and solutions for industrial applications.

What you’ll see at Optatec 2026 : key segments and product scope

The organizers structure the trade fair into clear technology blocks so visitors can quickly find the solutions they need.

• Optical components — optical components, materials, coatings, modules;
• Optomechanics / Optoelectronics — optomechanics and optoelectronics;
• Fiber optics / light guides — fiber optics and light guides;
• Laser components — laser components and related technologies;
• Manufacturing Systems — manufacturing systems and equipment.

If you want to “walk the product value chain”, Optatec makes it easy: from components and materials to metrology, machines, and production processes.

Well-known companies at Optatec: who to see and why

The show consistently features strong industry players — from materials and glass to metrology and machinery. Below are six companies that appear in official materials and/or the Optatec 2026 exhibitor catalogue.

• SCHOTT
  A manufacturer of specialized glass and materials for optics, attending to meet the “right” audience: existing customers and new projects. Optatec 2026 is a great place to discuss material requirements and select solutions for specific applications.
• Satisloh
  A notable player in processes and equipment for optical manufacturing. For visitors, it’s a chance to talk about new process chains, efficiency, and surface quality in a direct, practical conversation.
• TRIOPTICS
  Well known in optical metrology. The company typically runs hands-on demos at the show and helps compare approaches to quality control and measurement in real production use cases.
• ZEISS
  The Optatec catalogue includes ZEISS solutions (including spectroscopy). For professionals, it’s a magnet when you need confidence in accuracy, repeatability, and production-grade measurement and optical solutions.
• Edmund Optics
  One of the most recognizable global suppliers of optical components and solutions. A convenient stop because it covers many tasks from prototyping to serial supply, and at the show you can quickly discuss selection and lead times for your project.
• POG Präzisionsoptik Gera
  An exhibitor that has emphasized it has participated since the very first Optatec. Worth meeting if you’re looking for custom lenses and optical systems where “standard” simply doesn’t exist.

Visitor tips for Optatec: how to get maximum value

Three days fly by fast, especially when every stand is highly relevant. Here’s an approach that helps you leave with real agreements, not just brochures.

• Build your route by product scope in advance.
  Pick 2–3 priority blocks (for example, optical components + manufacturing systems) and schedule meetings in “waves” so you don’t zigzag across the halls.
• Don’t skip the forum and exhibitor talks.
  The organizer explicitly encourages exhibitors to speak on the exhibitor forum or run webcasts — for visitors, it’s a fast way to spot trends and “test” expertise.
• Hunt for live demos.
  Metrology, machines, processing — these are the areas where a live demo beats a slide deck. Ask about tolerances, stability, service, and repeatability.
• Reserve time to connect research with production.
  Optatec 2026 positions itself as a bridge between research and industry — use that: ask about readiness for deployment and real-world reference cases.
• Capture contacts immediately.
  After each conversation, note: the task, deadline, owner, next step. That’s how a “nice chat” turns into a deal.

How to become an Optatec 2026 exhibitor : what you need to participate

To participate, choose your stand format, submit the application, and plan what you will demonstrate on site — samples, measurements, live demos, case studies. The organizers also describe exhibitor service packages and marketing tools included in participation.

• submit your stand application and define the format (space and configuration);
• prepare your company profile and products for the catalogue and the show’s online tools;
• use exhibitor forum options and video formats to expand reach;
• plan logistics, power, demos, and meeting areas in advance.

We at ESBAU build exhibition stands in Europe that sell. Want to showcase at Optatec 2026 in a bold, professional way? Order from ESBAU a custom exhibition stand build or a ready-to-go stand rental solution: we’ll design it around your technology, deliver it without stress, and create a space where visitors walk in “like they already know you”.