For two days, Limoges became the French capital of industrial laser processing. On 1 and 2 July 2026, the PLI Conferences, organised by the Club Laser et Procédés (CLP) in partnership with ALPhANOV, brought together researchers, industrial professionals and international experts to discuss the latest technological advances in the field.
With 160 participants, 30 exhibitors and 38 conference presentations, this edition once again confirmed the PLI Conferences as the leading event for the laser community, where scientific innovation, industrial applications and collaboration come together.
PLI Conferences 2026 at a glance
- 160 participants
- 30 exhibitors
- 38 conference presentations
- 9 countries represented: France, Germany, England, Italy, Croatia, Switzerland, Belgium, Czech Republic and the United States
- 2 days of conferences and networking
- 4 technical visits organised ahead of the event
A scientific programme focused on industrial challenges
Over two days, participants attended a comprehensive scientific programme combining keynote presentations, technical conferences and industrial feedback sessions.
The programme covered the major topics shaping the future of laser processing technologies:
- Laser micromachining
- Laser welding
- Laser additive manufacturing
- Artificial intelligence applied to laser processes
- Process monitoring and control
- Laser safety and regulatory framework
Among the highlights of this edition were a panel meeting dedicated to technical ceramics, organised with CAILABS, and a poster session for PhD students, organised in collaboration with the Institut Fresnel. This new session showcased emerging research and encouraged dialogue between young researchers and industry professionals.
To encourage international exchanges, all conference sessions benefited from simultaneous French-English interpretation.
As John Lopez, President of the Club Laser et Procédés, explains:
"PLI Conferences provide a unique forum where scientific expertise meets real industrial applications. They are a true catalyst for innovation and collaboration."
An exhibition area at the heart of the event
With 30 exhibitors, the exhibition area served as a central meeting place throughout the event. Laser manufacturers, solution providers, technology centres and research laboratories showcased their latest innovations while exchanging ideas with visitors in a friendly and dynamic atmosphere.
This close interaction between all stakeholders in the laser industry is part of the DNA of the PLI Conferences and helps generate new collaborative projects every year.
A networking evening highly appreciated by participants
Once again, the networking evening was one of the event's highlights.
Held in the exceptional setting of Chapelle Saint-Martin, it provided participants with an ideal opportunity to continue discussions initiated during the conference sessions.
Feedback collected after the event highlighted:
- The quality of professional networking opportunities;
- The friendly and welcoming atmosphere;
- A format encouraging exchanges between researchers and industrial professionals;
- An outstanding venue and excellent organisation.
Many participants also appreciated the event's human scale, which fostered meaningful discussions and highly effective networking.
Technical visits showcasing the Limoges innovation ecosystem
Before the official opening of the conference, the technical visits on 30 June, which were fully booked, offered participants the opportunity to discover some of the region's leading innovation centres.
The programme included visits to:
- ALPhANOV
- Centre de Transfert de Technologies Céramiques (CTTC)
- XLIM Institute
- GLOphotonics
These visits highlighted the strong links between research, technology transfer and industrial applications while showcasing the excellence of the Limoges region in photonics and advanced materials.
An edition rooted in a world-class innovation ecosystem
Organised in partnership with ALPhANOV, with the support of ALPHA-RLH and the European Ceramic Center Cluster (Pôle Européen de la Céramique), PLI Conferences 2026 showcased a region internationally recognised for its expertise in photonics and advanced ceramics.
The diversity of the conference programme, technical visits and networking opportunities demonstrated the strong complementarity between academic research, technology centres and industry, further strengthening the laser innovation ecosystem.
This edition also benefited from the support of Limoges Métropole and the Limoges and Haute-Vienne Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a member of the South West Enterprise Europe Network France consortium. Their commitment alongside the organisers reflects a shared ambition to foster innovation, competitiveness and the development of laser technologies for industry.
An ever-strong laser community
Beyond the high scientific quality of the presentations, the 2026 edition stood out for the richness of exchanges between all stakeholders. Researchers, industrial companies, system integrators and PhD students shared their experience, compared approaches and laid the foundations for future collaborations.
The overwhelmingly positive feedback also praised the quality of the organisation, the accessibility of the speakers, the smooth running of the event and the friendly atmosphere that has become the hallmark of the PLI Conferences.
The Club Laser et Procédés warmly thanks all partners, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors and participants who contributed to the success of this edition.
PLI Conferences continue to fulfil their mission of promoting technology transfer, strengthening collaboration between research and industry, and supporting the innovations that will shape the future of manufacturing.
We look forward to welcoming you to the next edition of the PLI Conferences in September 2027 in Rennes, organised in partnership with CAILABS and the Institut Maupertuis, for another opportunity to explore the latest developments in industrial laser processing and build tomorrow's innovations together.
>> Watch our aftermovie soon and relive the highlights of PLI Conferences 2026!
