2025-04-09 - 2025-04-10
Location: KTH Campus, Stockholm
Sponsors: 360Carla, KTH
PhotonicSweden, in cooperation with the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), organised a symposium for students for Bachelor, Master, PhD and Post Doc level on April 9 & 10 2025 at KTH campus.
Along the workshop and symposium there was a job fair with numerous companies who were eager to discuss jobs in the photonics field!
On April 9th and 10th 2025, PhotonicSweden, in cooperation with the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), organized the 360CARLA Career Symposium for Photonics in Energy, Environment and Sustainability, at KTH campus in Stockholm in a hybrid format. The symposium was attended by 94 students and early career researchers and accompanied by a job fair with 14 exhibitors. Attendees were listening to inspiring talks by young minds and experienced entrepreneurs and researchers.
The event was well rated by both speakers and participants with an overall rating of 4.92 out of 5. 73,6% stated that their interest in pursuing a career in photonics increased and 73,9% stated that their interest in innovation and entrepreneurship increased.
The day kicked off with a compelling keynote by Professor Fredrik Laurell, a leading voice in laser physics at KTH. His address, “What Can Photonics Do for Society?”, set the tone for the event by emphasizing the role of photonics in tackling global challenges in energy, environment, and job creation. He reminded students and professionals alike that choosing a career in photonics isn’t just a technical decision—it’s a commitment to building a more sustainable and interconnected world. “To work in photonics,” he said, “is to work with the future.” His words set the stage for two days charged with innovation, purpose, and the promise of what light can achieve.
Urban Konradsson Botes, General Sales Manager at Hamamatsu Photonics, delivered a business-centric keynote on transitioning from engineering to leadership in the photonics industry with a deeply personal and motivating keynote. His message resonated strongly with students and early-career professionals, reminding them that success in photonics—or any field—is as much about curiosity and courage as it is about titles and plans.
Attendees heard from Adrian Vågberg, a KTH Ph.D. student, who shared his personal journey in choosing a research path in photonics, while Gemma Vall Llosera from Ericsson presented a futuristic view on the convergence of blockchain, quantum, and light technologies.
In a highlight of entrepreneurial spirit, Max Widarsson, CEO of Svenska Laserfabriken, captivated the audience with his talk, “From Playing with Light to Selling Crystals,” outlining the leap from academic exploration to launching a successful photonics startup.
Talks ranged from quantum-enhanced sensing, semiconductor breakthroughs, and optical system design, to heavy-duty electric vehicles and machine vision in agriculture. Speakers from companies like Ansys, Mycronic, Cobolt AB, Scania, Estel, and Excillum offered a hands-on look at cutting-edge commercial applications of photonics.
Both days wrapped up with company pitch talks, a panel discussion with all speakers, and an informal networking session over food and drinks in the exhibition area with time for networking and contact with the exhibiting companies —giving students and professionals a chance to connect with potential employers and collaborators.
Overall, 15 companies and organisations were involved in the symposium.
The symposium was organised within the 360 CARLA project, in collaboration with the Royal Institute of Technology and PhotonicSweden.
Quotes from participants:
“This event really showed that photonics is not just about lasers and optics—it’s about solving big problems,” said one attendee, a master’s student in engineering physics.
“Thank you, overall, a very positive experience.”
“It was inspiring to see what physics companies use for real world applications. “ “A very good initiative!”
