The 2026 edition of the PLI Conferences will take place on 1–2 July 2026 at the Beaublanc Stadium in Limoges, France. As every year, the Club Laser et Procédés works alongside major local stakeholders to ensure the success of this flagship event dedicated to laser processes and their industrial applications.
On this occasion, we met with the European Ceramic Pole, partner of the PLI Conferences 2026 and lead organiser of the round table dedicated to technical ceramics.
Interview with Florine BOULLE
Managing Director of the European Ceramic Pole
Could you briefly introduce the European Ceramic Pole?
A key and unifying stakeholder of the ceramics community since 2002, the European Ceramic Pole now brings together a network of more than 200 members. Its mission is to mobilise the key drivers of competitiveness in the ceramics sector: innovation capacity, access to R&D and funding, business growth, skills development and international deployment.
As a network facilitator, the Pole supports its members from idea to market through project labelling expertise, access to funding, partner identification and value creation. The association has been labelled a “Competitiveness Cluster” by the French State since 2005 and is based in Limoges and Toulouse.
Why did you choose to partner with the PLI Conferences 2026?
The PLI Conferences highlight strategic technologies for many industrial sectors, particularly laser technologies. Technical ceramics play a key role in this field as essential materials for components, optical systems, thermal management and operation in harsh environments.
By supporting the PLI Conferences 2026, the European Ceramic Pole aims to strengthen connections between the laser and ceramics communities. We are also delighted to welcome this event to Limoges, a region where innovation, research and ceramic expertise intersect on a daily basis.
Why did you decide to highlight technical ceramics through a dedicated round table?
The performance of laser systems largely depends on the materials they are made of. Technical ceramics offer unique optical, thermal, mechanical and chemical properties, making them indispensable in meeting increasing demands for power, reliability and durability.
Dedicating a round table to these materials helps raise awareness of their strategic role within the laser and photonics value chain, while giving a voice to the stakeholders developing these ceramics and their applications.
What will be the main topics addressed during this round table?
The round table will showcase the unique technical ceramics ecosystem in Limoges, highlighting the complementarity between research laboratories, technology transfer centres, industrial players and specialised training programmes.
Discussions will also focus on the main families of ceramics used in laser applications, their manufacturing processes and their properties—optical, thermal, mechanical, as well as resistance to harsh environments—to demonstrate how these materials provide key solutions for a wide range of technological applications.
Why would you recommend the PLI Conferences to your network?
The PLI Conferences are a must-attend event for anyone involved in laser processes and their industrial applications. The event combines a high scientific level, a strong industrial focus and genuine networking opportunities.
The 2026 edition in Limoges will offer a unique opportunity to discover a dynamic ecosystem dedicated to advanced materials and technologies.
Don’t miss this flagship industry event!
>> Register now for the PLI Conferences 2026
