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In this special episode recorded at Optics and Photonics Days 2026 in Jyväskylä, Finland, we speak with:

• Tomi Salo — Kvanttinova

• Sesha Manuguri — Dispelix

• Byron Seabolt — Optikos

• Mikko Närhi — Coherent

• Sampo Härkönen — Business Tampere

• Julian Gallego Urrea — Horiba

Together, we explore the technologies quietly powering the future of optics, photonics, quantum systems, AR, and advanced manufacturing.

Our guests explain how Finland built one of the planet's most concentrated photonics ecosystems through patience and infrastructure, how quantum research connects to real market partners, and what it takes to solve the complex waveguide challenges for next-generation AR glasses.

We also discuss automated optical metrology for volume production, high-power industrial fiber lasers, regional talent engines for advanced chip design, and the precision measurement instruments like spectroscopy that underpin both academic research and quality control.

Whether you’re interested in optics, lasers, quantum technology, AR hardware, or Nordic deep tech innovation, this episode offers a practical look at the people and companies building the foundations of tomorrow’s technology.

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In this special episode recorded at Optics and Photonics Days 2026 in Jyväskylä, Finland, we speak with:

• Juha Purmonen — Photonics Finland
• Matti Pesonen — Noptel
• Julia Mattia — Laser 2000
• Derrick Defever — TactoTek
• Pierre Brochard — Silentsys
• Oliver Grass — Assemblify

Together, we explore the technologies quietly powering the future of AI, quantum systems, lidar, sensing, and advanced manufacturing.

Our guests explain how Finland built one of Europe's strongest photonics ecosystems, how laser-based measurement systems perform in challenging environments, what it takes to commercialize photonics technologies, and why ultra-low-noise lasers are becoming essential for next-generation quantum applications.

We also discuss smart surfaces with embedded electronics, supply chains for deep-tech hardware, manufacturing at scale, certification challenges, and the realities of turning cutting-edge research into successful products.

Whether you're interested in photonics, optics, lasers, quantum technology, AI infrastructure, or hardware innovation, this episode offers a practical look at the people and companies building the foundations of tomorrow's technology.

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Quantum computing is moving from lab experiments to scalable machines. This episode explores the "unglamorous" ingredients of this transition: infrastructure, specialized engineering, and the national strategies turning breakthroughs into products.

Guests in this episode:

• Mikko Möttönen (QMill)
• George Schwartz (Global Quantum Intelligence)
• Katri Raevuori (Business Finland)
• Sirpa Salmi (Kvanttinova)
• Santeri Ojala (Business Finland)

Key topics:

• The Technical Stack: From superconducting qubits to autonomous processing units—mapping the direction of hardware in plain language.
• Manufacturing Capacity: How pilot lines and shared clean rooms allow startups to prototype faster without massive capital investment.
• Ecosystem Density: Why collaboration across semiconductors and quantum technologies is creating a unique national advantage.
• The Talent Pipeline: Addressing the workforce shortage and how to build pathways for the next generation of engineers.
• Cybersecurity: A sober look at "harvest now, decrypt later" risks and the urgent need for post-quantum cryptography.

Whether you're building in the space or curious about the future of deep tech, this is your guide to the quantum ecosystem.

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