May 23, 2008--Bordeaux, France will be the site of the first international partnering convention "Invest in Photonics" on December 11 and 12, 2008. 150 experts from around the world will gather for the first time to seize a comprehensive perspective on the fast-developing business of photonics and will facilitate the meeting of development-funding-seeking small and medium enterprises, investors, and industrialists.

Initiated by the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the CEA (French Atomic Energy Commission), and ALPhA Route des Lasers, "Invest in Photonics" will be held at the Regent Grand Hotel Bordeaux. According to the organizers, the photonics market is undergoing profound changes and experiencing significant growth. Estimated at $800 billion, it is growing by 7% each year and has numerous applications in daily life, such as flat screen technology or the cameras integrated into mobile phones. As a twenty first century technology, photonics is strategic for the future, but requires financing at all stages of development within companies. "Invest in Photonics" will be playing a major part in the search for capital investment.

For two days, "Invest in Photonics" will unfold along three fundamental outlooks:
Business Time will give SMEs a chance to gain investors over 10-minute "speed meetings." Any interest stemming from these presentations will materialize during one-to-one appointments: contacts will be made, projects will be studied in depth, "international meetings" will be held. Photonics players and support services will get together in support of the project.
Market Time will be a chance to find out about market trends through conferences and round tables bringing together the best experts. They will enable participants to anticipate economic, institutional, and technological changes.
Innovation Time will facilitate meetings and the presentation of know-how through photonics-related technological workshops and company on-site visits.

For more information, please visit www.invest-in-photonics.com.

Thu May 22 22:06:00 CDT 2008