As the PLI Conferences, organized by the Club Laser et Procédés, approach on July 1–2 in Limoges, we are giving the floor to several speakers who will contribute to making this event a key gathering for the laser community.
Among them is Jan Brajer, Head of the Industrial Laser Applications department at the HiLASE Centre in the Czech Republic and Deputy Director of the Centre for Science and Technology. A specialist in transferring laser technologies to industry, he has spent many years working to bridge cutting-edge research and real industrial applications.
In this interview, he shares his perspective on the evolution of laser technologies, the trends that will shape the processes of tomorrow, and the importance of strong collaboration between research and industry to accelerate innovation.
Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about the key milestones in your professional journey?
My name is Jan Brajer, and I work at the HiLASE Centre in the Czech Republic, where I lead the Industrial Laser Applications department and serve as the deputy director of the Centre for Science and Technology. My work focuses on bridging cutting-edge laser research with real industrial applications.
During my career, I have been involved in the development and industrial implementation of laser technologies, particularly in laser material processing and surface engineering. A key milestone for me has been helping to build strong collaboration between research institutions and industry, ensuring that advanced laser technologies can be effectively transferred into real manufacturing environments.
In addition to my work at HiLASE, I am also involved in education and research at the Czech Technical University in Prague and CIIRC CTU, where I supervise students and contribute to developing the next generation of engineers and researchers in laser technologies.
What excites you most today within the laser community?
What excites me most today is the increasing maturity of laser technologies and their growing impact across many industrial sectors. We are witnessing a shift where lasers are no longer seen only as specialized tools but as key enabling technologies for modern manufacturing.
Another exciting aspect is the strong collaboration within the laser community. Researchers, equipment manufacturers, and industrial users are working together more closely than ever before, which accelerates innovation and helps bring new processes into real production much faster.
What major trends or breakthroughs do you believe will shape the future of laser processes in the coming years?
Several trends will shape the future of laser processes. One of the most important is the integration of laser technologies with digitalization, automation, and artificial intelligence. This combination will enable smarter, more adaptive manufacturing processes.
Another key trend is the continued development of high-power lasers, which will open new possibilities in large-scale manufacturing, advanced materials processing, and surface engineering.
Finally, sustainability will play an increasingly important role. Laser processes often allow more energy-efficient, precise, and material-efficient manufacturing, which aligns well with the growing demand for greener industrial solutions.
Why did you choose to speak at the PLI Conférences, and what would you like to share with the participants?
PLI Conférences bring together an excellent mix of researchers, technology providers, and industrial users, which creates a valuable environment for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
In my talk, I would like to share our experience from HiLASE in developing and transferring advanced laser technologies into industrial practice. I believe that real impact comes when research results are successfully implemented in industry, and I hope to inspire discussion about how we can further strengthen this connection.
In your view, what role does the Club Laser et Procédés play in advancing and promoting laser technologies?
Through his experience at the HiLASE Centre, Jan Brajer perfectly illustrates one of the major challenges of the sector: transforming scientific advances into concrete industrial solutions. His perspective highlights how essential collaboration between researchers, industrial partners, and technology providers is to advancing laser processes and addressing today’s industrial and environmental challenges.
The PLI Conferences will provide the perfect opportunity to continue these discussions and share inspiring experiences with the entire laser community. Join us on July 1–2 in Limoges to hear Jan Brajer’s presentation and explore together the future perspectives of laser technologies.
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>> Register now for the 2026 PLI Conferences.
