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New SPECTARIS Position Paper: A Roadmap for the Future of German High-Tech SMEsWith an eye toward the new legislative term of the German Bundestag, SPECTARIS has published a concise position paper outlining the key policy decisions needed to preserve and strengthen Germany’s high-tech small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The optics, photonics, analytics, biotechnology, laboratory, and medical technology sectors exemplify innovation, competitiveness, and future technologies “Made in Germany.”
You can find the full position paper, "A Plan for the Future of German High-Tech SMEs," here. |
New Sustainability Working Group at SPECTARIS – Finding Your Way in a Complex Environment!Sustainability is increasingly becoming a requirement for companies—whether through the CSRD, the EU Taxonomy, or new supply chain requirements. But what specific regulations apply? What role will the Omnibus Regulation play in reducing the bureaucracy surrounding reporting obligations? How can companies implement these requirements efficiently? |
People with Vision Problems in GermanyThe largest group of vision aid users in Germany comprises 66% of the population aged 16 and older, which corresponds to approximately 39.91 million people. Since 2019, this percentage has fallen by 2.2 percentage points, primarily due to a decline in the number of occasional eyeglass and contact lens wearers. At the same time, the percentage of people who own only ready-made eyeglasses but do not consider themselves eyeglass wearers rose from 0.5% to 1.3%. These are the latest findings from the current study by the Allensbach Institute for Public Opinion Research, which has been commissioned regularly by the Kuratorium Gutes Sehen (KGS e.V.) since 1952. The reasons for the decline in the number of people using vision aids are varied. One of the most important factors is the deterioration in consumers’ economic situation since the last study in 2019. You can find the full study here. |
Strong interest and high turnout: The Security & Defense Expert Group met in WetzlarThe first in-person event hosted by the SPECTARIS Security & Defense Technical Group on March 19, 2025, as part of the W3+ photonics trade show in Wetzlar, was a resounding success. More than 60 participants took advantage of the opportunity to exchange ideas in an interactive setting and gain valuable insights into the Bundeswehr’s procurement processes. Dr. Frank Lerch (Epigap OSA) was elected as the division’s spokesperson. For registered members of the Security & Defense Division, the speakers’ presentations are available on mySPECTARIS in the calendar under “Events.” |
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Conference on “Artificial Intelligence in Photonics” – Creating More Value in Laser Manufacturing Technology and Optical DesignThe industry association SPECTARIS, together with the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT and the Federal Association of IT SMEs (BITMi), invites you to a high-profile conference. The focus will be on the potential and applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in photonics, particularly in the fields of laser manufacturing technology and optical design: |
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New Position Papers on Medical Technology: Securing the Industry's FutureThe medical technology sector is a key industry for Germany as a healthcare hub. However, it faces major challenges—ranging from increasing regulatory requirements to global trade barriers. At the same time, the sector offers enormous potential for innovation to make healthcare more efficient and sustainable. SPECTARIS has therefore published a special position paper with six key recommendations for the new federal government:
You can find the full position paper here: |
SPECTARIS Welcomes the Bundesrat's Approval of Eligibility for Funding of Medical Technology Under the KHTFSPECTARIS expressly welcomes the Bundesrat’s decision to approve item 9 of the recommended resolutions regarding the Hospital Transformation Fund Regulation (KHTFV). This provision stipulates that, in the future, investments in medical technology, appropriate equipment, administrative costs, and training measures will also be eligible for funding through the Transformation Fund. |
No return to competitive bidding in the provision of assistive devices!SPECTARIS is calling on the CDU and SPD to refrain from reintroducing competitive bidding for medical aids during coalition negotiations. Competitive bidding was abolished in 2019 due to massive protests, as it led to substandard care and resulted in expensive follow-up costs. |
SPECTARIS Submits Comments on Planned EU Countermeasures Against U.S. TariffsAs part of the European Commission’s public consultation on the tariffs imposed by the United States on steel, aluminum, and certain related products, SPECTARIS has submitted a statement. In it, we emphasize the particular relevance of numerous product groups to the medical technology, laboratory technology, optics, and photonics industries. Our submission includes a prioritized list of affected HS codes as well as specific recommendations to the Commission to safeguard supply security, competitiveness, and patient care in Europe. |
INVITATION: BMWK SME Innovation Day on June 5, 2025, in BerlinOn June 5, 2025, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) will host its “Outdoor Exhibition” on the grounds of AiF Projekt GmbH in Berlin-Pankow, where small and medium-sized enterprises, research institutions, and research associations from all over Germany will present the demonstrators, prototypes, and innovative or further-developed products, processes, or services developed through funded projects. The creation of the exhibits on display was supported by funding programs such as the BMWK’s “Industrial Collaborative Research” (IGF) and “Central Innovation Program for SMEs” (ZIM). The Research Association for Precision Mechanics, Optics, and Medical Technology (F.O.M.), which collaborates with SPECTARIS, has been invited by the BMWK for over ten years to present the impressive results of several of its completed IGF projects. Operators and researchers of funded projects who have achieved outstanding results and can present them to the public through vivid exhibits are eligible to apply for the opportunity to present at the Innovation Day for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises. The F.O.M. has been invited to present the project demonstrators this year
to show. Anyone interested is cordially invited to attend a demonstration of these exciting, innovation-oriented research findings. The event will take place at Tschaikowskistraße 49, 13156 Berlin; admission is free. Further information: BMWK's 2025 SME Innovation Day |
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News from our Member Portal (exclusive to members)
Is your company a member of the SPECTARIS industry association? If so, you can access the interactive member portal mySPECTARIS for free. With over 100 groups, you can find exactly the information you need for your job. Around 2,000 users are already active on mySPECTARIS—will you be next? |
Event HighlightsSPECTARIS Workshop on “Business Succession” on June 6, 2025, in Würzburg Business succession is one of the greatest challenges for owners and managing directors—both strategically and personally. With this workshop, we are launching a new series of networking events designed to promote the exchange of knowledge and experience within the SPECTARIS sectors of optics, photonics, medical technology, and analytical, bio, and laboratory technology.
The next meeting of the SPECTARIS Next Generation Working Group will take place on June 3, 2025, at the Charité Simulation and Training Laboratory (BeST) in Berlin. The agenda includes the following items, among others:
The Next Generation Working Group is aimed at open-minded successors, managing directors, and first-line managers with insight into the company’s strategic decision-making processes who have a particular interest in discussing innovation, digitalization, and modern leadership. The group seeks dialogue with policymakers to advocate, in particular, for the interests of small and medium-sized businesses. Regular participation is encouraged. We invite anyone interested to attend the meeting on June 3, which is free of charge for member companies. Please use this link to register:
Digital Lab Day 2025 – Insights into the Future of Laboratory Digitization Digital Lab Day will take place on May 14, 2025—a virtual event that highlights the latest developments in laboratory digitization. The event is organized by LUMITOS. SPECTARIS will be represented with its own program track on LADS OPC UA, the open standard for connecting laboratory instruments.
Become a Co-Exhibitor at the LADS OPC UA Session Important Information
We look forward to your participation! |
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Place your ad on our websiteEstablish a presence in our growth industries and benefit from reaching your target audience with an ad on our website. Our website is the go-to source for information about innovation-driven small and medium-sized businesses in the consumer optics, medical technology, photonics, and laboratory industries. You can find advertising listings and prices on our sponsorship page. |
Privacy at SPECTARIS: We Keep You InformedThe protection of your personal data is important to us. You can find out how we handle your personal data in accordance with the GDPR of May 25, 2018,here: . |
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