PIConnect 2026
Evolving what nature started
18.06.2026 | 12:30 – 8:00PM
Dierenpark Amersfoort
You’re Invited to PIConnect 2026 / Join us for the second edition of PIConnect – the ultimate community gathering for professionals in the Dutch Photonic Chip Industry. We’re hosting this exclusive, free-of-cost event in DierenPark Amersfoort — a setting where nature sparks curiosity, conversation and unexpected inspiration.
Why should I attend?
Connect – Meet and connect with professionals from across the Dutch Photonic Chip Industry, extending beyond your own organisation.
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Collaborate – Exchange ideas and explore cross-organisation opportunities through spontaneous, meaningful encounters.
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Unplug & Explore – Step out of the daily routine and enjoy food, drinks, music and inspiring activities that spark real connection.
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This is your chance to be part of something bigger / A thriving community shaping the future with photonics.
Program
12.30: Registration & networking lunch
13.30: Interactive kick-off with our well-known industry voice: Sadoon Al-Obaidi
14.00: Keynote Speaker: Françoise Chombar – Chairwoman and co-founder of Melexis
14.45: Fireside Chat: Evolving Careers in Photonics with Françoise Chombar (Melexis), Twan Korthorst (New Origin) and Kees Franken (Sabratha)
15.30: Short break
15.45: Safari Quest: Photonics in the Wild
17.00: The Final Roar: Photonics Together
17.30: Drinks & BBQ
This years’ theme
Nature has been refining intelligence, communication and efficiency for millions of years. Today, integrated photonics helps us evolve what nature started, enabling breakthrough technologies across a wide range of applications. At PIConnect 2026, we celebrate that story and strengthen what truly accelerates innovation in our sector: community.
Keynote Speaker – Françoise Chombar
Chairwoman and co-founder of Melexis and former CEO, Françoise Chombar will headline PIConnect 2026. She currently serves on the boards Umicore, Soitec, Antwerp Management School, and multiple listed and non-listed organizations, and is an active investor in emerging tech ventures. She calls herself a connector of people and dots. Her hashtag is #STEMinist, because she strongly advocates for more diversity in STEM and firmly believes inclusion is a growth engine for innovation & prosperity.
Safari Quest
Get ready for an energetic team challenge at DierenPark Amersfoort, where competition, collaboration, and fun come together. In teams, you’ll take on the Safari Quest—combining knowledge, creativity, and teamwork to earn points and outplay the competition. From discovering photonics principles in nature to tackling quiz questions and creative challenges, every team member’s expertise counts. Expect lively interaction, plenty of laughs, and a true team-building experience.
