Background: Arizona is home to world-class businesses and institutions with decades of innovation and leadership in optics, photonics and astronomy. Optics Valley is the optics industry cluster that represents this community. Established in 1992 as the first optics industry cluster in the world and continues today within the Arizona Technology Council (AZTC).
Mission: The mission of Optics Valley is to catalyze, convene and connect optics, photonics, astronomy, and supporting business interests throughout Arizona.
Optics Valley conducts monthly meetings composed of CEOs, academic representatives, and other key stakeholders involved in optics, photonics, and astronomy for planning future events, addressing key issues, and serving as an opportunity for business networking and member growth.
Arizona Photonics Days: Optics Valley annually hosts Arizona Photonics Days. This two-day conference brings together Arizona optics companies, academia, industry scientists and engineers in optics and photonics, as well as partners from the Global Photonics Alliance for a one-of-a-kind event that provides expert keynotes, technical discussions, company presentations and business-to-business meetings. To see more information on APD 2020 click HERE.
Vision: In 2020, with over 150 members throughout the State of Arizona, Optics Valley is one of the leading global clusters for optics, photonics and astronomy. We maintain worldwide strategic collaborations and key partnerships including SPIE and OSA. We provide cutting-edge professional development, world-class education, strategic business networking, and broad support for our members to thrive and lead in global markets.
Value Proposition: Arizona’s Optics Valley is home to world-class institutions and businesses in science, education, engineering and manufacturing in the fields of optics, photonics and astronomy. The sector is also a key enabler for many important industries, including aerospace and defense, automotive, microelectronics, medical instrumentation, nanotechnology and advanced manufacturing. The state’s related economic impact is reported to be over $3 billion annually. The focus of Optics Valley is to provide its members with B2B networking, partnership and education opportunities, as well as industry support for marketing, public policy and international trade. The importance of international trade cannot be overemphasized; while the focus is on Arizona businesses, Optic Valley’s trade and science partners and customers are worldwide.
WHITE PAPER
Tucson, Arizona: Arizona’s Optics Advantage
This white paper will give anyone considering starting, relocating or expanding their optics business a variety of reasons to put Tucson, Arizona on the short list of potential cities to consider. In fact, you’ll be in very good company if you do. Read the white paper here.
Optics Valley – 2018 Objectives
Membership
- Increase to 90 members and engage with Phoenix, Life Sciences, and Solar
Educational Events
- Host Arizona Photonics Days 2018 with at least 20 participants from Global Photonics Alliance and plan for the 2019 event with at least 30 Global Photonics Alliance participants
- Hold One Lunch & Learn and one After5 per quarter
- Hold two events in Phoenix
- Participate in Arizona Technology Council events as appropriate
Trade Shows
- SPIE Photonics West 2018 with 18 in Optics Valley Pavilion
- Plan for SPIE Photonics West 2019 with 25 in Optics Valley Pavilion
- Provide leadership to grow Global Photonics Alliance
- Coordinate with Arizona Commerce Authority to participate in regional conferences as appropriate
- Plan for Laser Munich 2019
Public Policy
- Support Arizona committee for statewide outdoor lighting standards
- Support SPIE & OSA initiatives for commerce friendly export regulations
Reciprocal Memberships & Partnerships
For additional information about Optics Valley, please email info@opticsvalleyaz.org
AZTC Staff Liaison: Jeff Sales, Executive Director, S. Arizona Regional Office, jsales@aztechcouncil.org. For additional information, Jeff can be reached directly at 520.891.5858.