UltraFast Innovations GmbH hat dies direkt geteilt
🚀 MUNICH-BASED UltraFast Innovations REFLECTS ON THEIR JOURNEY 🚀 The global photonics community thrives on innovation, driven by small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs). With over 90% of companies in optics and photonics falling under this category, the field is vibrant and dynamic. One of them, Munich-based UltraFast Innovations GmbH (UFI) is celebrating their 15-year anniversary this year—a great opportunity to share insights valuable to emerging businesses. 🔑 STANDING OUT in a Competitive Market For any company, differentiation is key to success. UFI has carved out a niche by combining expertise in optical coatings with the development of devices that assess the performance of ultrafast coatings, laser systems, and devices for ultrashort pulse generation and detection. Vladimir Pervak, Head of Optical Coatings, highlights: "With over 20 years of experience, what sets us apart is integrating the design of optics with laser performance. We don’t just deliver optics—we develop them for the specific application." This unique approach has allowed UFI to push the boundaries of ultrafast laser systems, solidifying its reputation as a trusted partner for high-performance solutions. 📈 Growing FOCUS on INDUSTRY While UFI initially catered to academia, they’ve seen a significant rise in industrial demand, with around 50% of their revenue now coming from industry—up from just 20% a few years ago. CEO Alexander Guggenmos attributes this to the increasing demand for high-intensity laser systems in fields like fusion, medical technology, and manufacturing. "The industry is increasingly adapting high-intensity laser systems," says Guggenmos. "This trend is driving companies to seek out ready solutions". UFI’s signature devices, such as the GOBI white-light interferometer and Glacier-C supercontinuum light source cavity-ringdown reflectometer, are in high demand among optics manufacturers. 💡 CHALLENGES for SMEs Like many European SMEs, UFI faces challenges in scaling due to rising labor costs and a skilled talent shortage in Germany. As Guggenmos notes: "Growth requires more people, but finding skilled talent is a challenge in our industry." Additionally, the political climate in Europe adds uncertainty, making long-term planning difficult for specialized industries like photonics. 🔍 ADVICE for Start-Ups For young photonics companies, UFI’s leadership offers clear advice: secure adequate R&D funding and stay customer-focused. Guggenmos stresses: "Get as much cash as possible for R&D and listen closely to your customers’ needs." Both he and Pervak emphasize the importance of building the right team, as having strong people around you is key to overcoming challenges. 👏 A special thank you to Alexander Guggenmos, Vladimir Pervak, and the entire UFI team for their warm welcome! 📅 The growth and challenges faced by photonics scale-ups will be a theme of the Global Photonics Economics Forum in Malaga, October 1 & 2. Join this meaningful discussion!