International Reputation as a Photonics Location

The area of optical technology has a long history in Brandenburg. It all began in Rathenow, where Johann Heinrich August Duncker invented the multiple-lens grinding machine 200 years ago. And Rathenow remains the centre of the German optical industry today employing more than 1400 workers. No other location in Germany creates such a high real net output ratio in the areas of ophthalmic optics, optics, or precision mechanics. In addition to the industry leader Fielmann, more than 25 small and medium-sized businesses are based here, all of which have earned a worldwide reputation with their products in classical and modern optics and ophthalmic optics. Another regional hub for optical technology is Teltow-Stahnsdorf-Kleinmachnow. It has become home to innovative companies from the areas of laser, measuring, environmental, and communication technologies. The company HIGHYAG Lasertechnologie GmbH, for example, currently employs around 220 people at their Kleinmachnow branch. Laser-cutting systems and automotive assembly lines across the world are equipped with high-tech components made in Brandenburg.
In comparison to classical optics, microsystem technology is a very young sector in Brandenburg. Small, high-performance yet inexpensive microsystems and components are showpieces for the Frankfurt (Oder) region.

The business landscape in Brandenburg is characterised by a large number of highly specialised small and medium-sized businesses with a broad range of expertise. Many small and medium-sized businesses are world leaders in their specific market segment and have experienced an extremely dynamic development in recent years, with two-digit increases in revenue and significant growth in the number of employees. Furthermore, thanks to their scientific excellence in all areas of optics, photonics, and microsystems, many of the research institutes and universities have become world leaders in their disciplines too.

Research and development focus particularly on the areas of laser technology, semiconductors (laser diodes, LED), optical communication technology for the Internet of Things, packaging technology, silicon photonics, UV and X-ray technology, optical measuring and environmental technology, image processing and display technology, optical fibre sensor technology, biomedical optics, and light and illumination technology.

Aus- und Weiterbildungsnetzwerk Hochtechnologie (ANH) Berlin
The objectives for securing skilled workers in Berlin and Brandenburg were defined in the Masterplan Optik. The resulting activities are continuously promoted by the photonics cluster. The ANH Berlin High Technology Education and Training Network coordinates the issues of recruiting junior staff and securing skilled workers in close cooperation with the cluster management. ANH Berlin is based at the Ferdinand Braun Institut, Leibniz-Institut fuer Hoechstfrequenztechnik (FBH) in Berlin-Adlershof.

ANH Berlin was established in 1998, when the training occupation of microtechnologist was established. Since then the network has grown steadily and works with various partners not only in the Berlin-Brandenburg region, but also on a federal and European level. The range of activities currently comprises 3 main areas:

• vocational orientation in STEM (focus on optics, photonics, microsystems technology) for young people, teachers, parents, career counsellors*, multipliers*.
• Promotion of VET in the optics and photonics B-BB cluster, consulting and support for companies and research institutions (applicant management, promotion of joint vocational training and the quality and attractiveness of vocational training in STEM)
• Development of new concepts for in-company further training and competence management

Optec-Berlin-Brandenburg (OpTecBB) e.V.
The OpTecBB e. V. initiative was founded on 14 September 2000 by 14 companies, research institutions, universities, and associations, supported by the relevant Brandenburg state ministries and the Berlin Senate. With more than 110 institutional members, the OpTecBB e. V. initiative is currently the largest network for optical technology and microsystems technology in the country. Thanks to the OptecNet Deutschland e. V. association, OpTecBB e. V. has close ties with all important regions as well as partners from Western Europe, North America, and Asia. The OpTecBB e.V. initiative aims to promote the transfer of knowledge and technology between the fields of science and business, to bundle and connect potential partners in the areas of optical and microsystems technology within the region, and to support education and training in the areas of optical technology and photonics.

Laserverbund Berlin-Brandenburg e. V.
With 23 institutional and 87 individual members, the Laserverbund Berlin-Brandenburg e. V. association is dedicated to the promotion of laser technology and laser applications in the region of Berlin-Brandenburg. Since its founding in 1993, the non-profit organisation has grown continuously in terms of members. The Laserverbund Berlin-Brandenburg e. V. association provides competent advice on all issues relating to laser technology and uses well-established events such as users’ meetings or laser meet-ups to initiate and promote exchange amongst experts in laser technology.

OABB optic alliance brandenburg berlin e. V.
In 1999, the OABB optic alliance brandenburg berlin e. V. network was founded in Rathenow, the leading centre for ophthalmic optics in Germany, as an affiliation of regional businesses and research institutions. The OABB e. V. network is dedicated to the development and transfer of innovations in the optical industry between large corporations, medium-sized businesses, and research institutions in and around the German capital. Today, the business-led industry network is deservedly considered the most significant network in the area of innovative ophthalmic optics in Germany and Europe.

The Photonics Cluster promotes networking between businesses and research organisations in the region around the German capital. Read clear and compact information about the resulting innovations. (Lausitzer Rundschau newspaper, Märkische Allgemeine newspaper, Märkische Oderzeitung newspaper, Potsdamer Neueste Nachrichten newspaper)