SPOTLIGHT 2025 | Friday, May 16
Friend Center for Engineering Education
Princeton University
Event Overview
SPOTLIGHT is Advancing Photonics Technologies’ Annual Photonics Innovation Ecosystem Summit, held on the International Day of Light. Photonics is the generation, detection, and manipulation of light. Photonics is a vital enabling technology in an extensive array of industries such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace and space exploration, agtech and foodtech, biotechnology and medical devices, communications, defense and cyber security, high-performance computing, physical AI, robotics, transportation, and more.
SPOTLIGHT 2025 is APT’s inaugural Photonics Innovation Ecosystem Summit and is open to all ecosystem members. SPOTLIGHT 2025 illuminates photonics and optics innovators, investors, and impact, featuring cutting-edge keynote speakers and insightful panels from leaders and luminaries. Participants will engage in fascinating sessions that discuss everything from the history, form, and function of light to designing with light; generating, detecting, and manipulating light; investing in light-based technologies; and innovations in aerospace, communications, and materials science that depend on harnessing photons, rather than electrons. The photonics industry is large and rapidly growing. The global photonics core components market currently exceeds $345B. The US accounts for $70B of this market, directly employing over 250,000 workers and countless others in photonics jobs within the supply chain and end-user markets.
Dress code: In the spirit of celebrating light, attendees are encouraged to wear the color spectrum! This is perfect opportunity to don your most vibrant finery.
Advancing Photonics Technologies (APT) is New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware's regional photonics innovation ecosystem. Join our community and receive our weekly email if you do not already receive it.
Location & Parking
The Friend Center for Engineering Education, Princeton University
7799 William Street Princeton, NJ 08540
Information about accessibility at the Friend Center is available through the Princeton Accessibility Guide.
Visitor Parking
Visitors coming to the University on weekdays from 7 AM to 4 PM are welcome to park in Stadium Drive Garage. Frequent TigerTransit service is available from the garage to stops on Washington Road, Nassau Street, and University Place. Click for more information on TigerTransit routes and schedules.
Visitors parking in the garage are asked to register for a daily visitor permit. Registration can be done online or at the garage the day of your visit.
Other options for parking are at the Hulfish Garage located at 25 Chambers Street and 11 Hulfish Steet in Palmer square, a 10–15-minute walk to the Friend Center. Please be advised that metered street parking is limited.
Please be advised that there is limited metered street parking.
Schedule
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8:30-9:00 a.m. | Check-in and LIGHT Breakfast
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9:00 a.m. | Welcoming Remarks, APT Updates
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9:10-9:45 a.m. | Morning Keynote: Enlightened: The Economic Impact of Photonics
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Speaker: Brian Perrault
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9:45-10:30 a.m. | Designing with Light: Princeton Materials Institute Showcase Panel
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10:30-11:15 a.m. | Generating, Detecting, Manipulating Light: Rising Stars I-Corps Panel
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Speakers: Deirdre M. O’Carroll, Scott Daniel, Qing Wang
Moderator: Walida Ali
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11:15 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Seeing the Light: Photonics Careers & Industry Trends Panel
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Speakers: Anoopoma Bhowmik, Dana Pizzuti, John Yoon
Moderator: Marco Rupp
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12:00-1:00 p.m. | Lunch & Tech Demos and Ecosystem Resources Fair
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12:30-12:50 p.m. | Flash Fireside Chat: A Conversation on Legacy of Light
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Speakers: Tess James and Sarah Rasmussen
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1:00-1:45 p.m. | Illuminating the Capital Stack: Working Together to Invest in Photonics Technologies, Powered by Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania
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Speakers: Gillian D. Francis, Laila Partridge, Emily Dinu
Moderator: Zoey McKenzie
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1:45-2:15 p.m. | Photonics Founders: Shooting Stars Panel
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Speakers: Simin Cai, Fred Silver
Moderator: Kevin Belfield
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2:15-3:15 p.m. | Afternoon Keynote: Seeing the Stars: James Webb Space Telescope Talk
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Speaker: Jim Beletic
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3:15-3:45 p.m. | Igniting the Spark: Educating Leaders of All Ages Throughout Our Region
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Speakers: Pastor Keith Davis, Lin Erickson, Tess James
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3:45-4:15 p.m. | Building a Bright Future: Photonics Ecosystem Development
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Speakers: Judith Sheft, Robin Tabakin, Noah Olson
Moderator: Kate Bullard
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4:15 p.m. | Closing Remarks & SPOTLIGHT AWARDS Powered by Thorlabs
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4:15-5:00 p.m. | Networking Reception in Atrium
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Keynote Speakers
Speakers
Student Ambassadors
