The European Research Council (ERC) supports excellent frontier research across all scientific disciplines, funding ambitious, curiosity-driven projects led by outstanding researchers. ERC grants enable scientists and researchers to pursue groundbreaking ideas with the potential to advance knowledge and shape the future of their fields.

This information session will provide an overview of the ERC funding schemes, the application and evaluation process, and the opportunities available to researchers at different career stages. Representatives of the European Research Council Executive Agency (ERCEA) will explain how ERC proposals are evaluated and provide practical points on preparing a competitive application.

The session will also feature testimonials from ERC grant recipients and Panel Members, who will share their personal experiences of developing a successful proposal, interacting with the evaluation process, and/or managing an ERC-funded project. The session will conclude with an open discussion and a question and answer segment, offering attendees the opportunity to engage directly with representatives and experienced grantees.

Whether you are planning your first ERC application or seeking to better understand the ERC funding landscape, this session will provide practical guidance, first-hand experiences, and an opportunity to ask questions directly to ERCEA representatives.

Agenda:

Time	Presentation title	Speaker
12:45 – 13:00	Welcoming audience/participants
13:00 – 13:25	Presentation on the ERC, application and evaluation procedure, and funding opportunities	Nikolaos Kattavenos (ERCEA)
13:25 – 13:35	Testimonial as ERC grantee and Panel Member Advanced Grant (projects ANBIT, UMWP-CHIP)	Jose Capmany (Technical University of Valencia)
13:35 – 13:45	Testimonial as ERC grantee and Panel Member Starting Grant (project SENSE)	Rosario Fernández-Ruiz (University of Alcalá)
13:45 – 14:00	Questions from audience & networking

This event is open for everybody (not only ECOC delegates), but you must sign up using the registration link that will be available here at the beginning of September.

Whether you are a company exploring PICs for the first time, an SME looking for technology support, or a researcher seeking collaboration and training opportunities, this event will help you identify where to start. PIXSpainCC will act as a gateway to make PIC technologies more accessible and to support their adoption through knowledge, training and ecosystem connections.

Agenda:

Time	Presentation title	Speaker
10:30-10:45 a.m.	Welcome
10:45-10:58 a.m.	PIC technology, ecosystem and applications	Pascual Muñoz, Universitat Politècnica de València, PIXSpainCC Coordinator
10:58-11:10 a.m.	Photonic integration platforms	Joaquín Faneca, Instituto de Microelectrónica de Barcelona, IMB CNM (CSIC)
11:10-11:30 a.m.	Markets and applications enabled by mainstream technologies, perspective and outlook	Abdul Rahim, Photondelta Ecosystem Manager
11:30-11:45 a.m.	Transforming AI Infrastructure with Programmable Silicon Photonics Networking	Ana González, iPronics VP Business
11:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m.	Training and workforce development	Ana Sánchez, Universidad de Málaga, PIXSpainCC Training Leader
12:00-12:20 p.m.	R&D&E and access to pilot prototyping: PIXEurope	Valerio Pruneri, ICFO, PIXEurope Pilot Line Director
12:20-12:35 p.m.	Silicon Photonic Biosensing for Clinical Diagnostics	Jonas Leuermann, Bioherent Head of Innovation & Co-Founder
12:35-1:10 p.m.	Networking activity	Secpho
1:10-2:00 p.m.	Networking Lunch

 

Start your day right with a refreshing morning run along the beautiful Mediterranean coast of Málaga. Whether you are an experienced runner or just looking for a fun way to wake up before a full day of discussing the latest advancements in optical communications, this event is the perfect opportunity to get active, take in the local scenery, and connect with fellow researchers and industry professionals. The total route is just under 5 km along Malaga's Paseo Marítimo Pablo Ruiz Picasso. We will start at Paseo de Matías Prats in the iconic La Farola area and run all the way to Playa La Caleta. Along the way, you will be able to enjoy a beautiful sunrise over the coastline before heading back.

Event Schedule:

• 07:00 a.m. – Meeting time and bib distribution
• 07:15 a.m. – Official race start
• 08:30 a.m. – Route closes and event concludes

Please note: Depending on attendance, the race will be divided into multiple waves with staggered start times to prevent crowding and ensure a comfortable run for everyone. Medical staff and an ambulance will be present on-site throughout the event.
Secure your spot – sign up via this form!

Liability & Safety Disclaimer:
(1) You participate voluntarily and assume all associated physical risks;
(2) You confirm you are medically fit to run;
(3) The organizers are not liable for any personal injury, illness, or related claims;
(4) You are responsible for your personal belongings; and
(5) You are solely responsible for your own transportation to and from the event location.

Registration is SOLD OUT.

Full agenda: https://www.optica.org/events/industry_events/2026/global_photonics_economic_forum/

The Global Photonics Economic Forum is Optica's annual executive forum on the economic, business and strategic issues shaping the global photonics industry. The third edition brings more than 400 CEOs, senior executives, investors, government officials and research leaders to Málaga to discuss supply chain resilience, export controls and industrial policy, the economic impact of photonics in AI and quantum, and photonics for defence and security.

The two days of executive programming include a CEO panel, keynote presentations, an industry exhibition, executive networking receptions, and the 2026 Optica i4 Prize ceremony recognising Michael Hurlston of Lumentum and TRUMPF.