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Read about Startups and Small Businesses, How to Get Involved in the Quantum Conversation, Special Events, New Reports and Other Noteworthy News, Opinions & Opportunities
In this Issue:
OSA is focused on keeping our global community safe, informed and connected during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. We remain committed to providing the support our members and customers expect from us and maintaining business operations to deliver new and ongoing programs, products, meetings and services virtually. As we continue to adapt to the new reality, alongside you, OSA is prepared to be a resource to you. Learn more. There is a lot of concern that small businesses are the most vulnerable in this time of pandemic and economic recession. Small businesses supply a wide range of specialty products and much of the innovation in the industry, but can be heavily concentrated in a few customers, and without the financial options that larger companies have. And yet, there are large corporations that are extremely exposed in the current situation; for example, United Airlines saw revenue fall 90% in Q2 2020, and is losing US$ 40 million each day. Fortunately, few companies in our sector are as exposed as those in the travel and hospitality sectors.
The next figure represents the outlook of the small business survey respondents regarding the return of business to the level of the previous year. The mood seems cautiously optimistic, with half or more expecting business to return within 6 months, if it changed at all. The expectations became slightly less optimistic since mid-May, but note again that the survey is averaged across all U.S. small businesses.
Small businesses are vital to our industry, and that's why OSA is featuring the Luminate Finals 2020 at OSA's Frontiers in Optics (FiO) annual meeting on 14 September 2020. Luminate is a startup accelerator funded by New York state, aimed at optics and photonics startups that agree to locate in the Finger Lakes region in upstate New York (near Rochester). It is the largest business accelerator for optics and photonics startups. The program at FiO will include a judged pitch panel and US$ 100,000 upon program acceptance, and a chance to win up to US$ 2 million in follow-on funding. Tune in to this online program to see the company pitches and what Luminate is doing to accelerate startup companies. How to Get Involved in the Quantum Conversation OIDA is helping organize several conversations around quantum photonics over the coming months that offer opportunities for diverse voices to participate. Meetings that might have required travel will be conducted online, allowing wider participation, to the benefit of everyone involved.
OIDA published the roadmap in 2020 in collaboration with Corning Incorporated. OIDA members can download the report at www.osa.org/industryreports. Non-members can now download the report at www.osa.org/OIDARoadmap. What Will the Pandemic do to University Research? OIDA has reported on the effect of the pandemic on the optics and photonics industry in previous issues of the OIDA newsletter, but what about the effect on optics and photonics research in universities? It won’t be good, for sure, but optics and photonics may fare better than other fields, similar to the prognosis for the optics and photonics industry overall. But performance will vary from place to place, with many institutions and programs vulnerable to budget cuts.
What of the financial condition of the universities? There were over 1 million international students studying in the U.S. before the pandemic, with that enrollment thrown into disarray by the crisis and changing visa policies. Now, there is talk of cuts of 10% to 20% or more as universities tighten budgets. While elite private universities will feel some pain, they will survive the current academic year and recover in the aftermath. Publicly-funded state universities will also survive, but may have to make hard choices as out-of-state and international enrollment declines and government tax revenues fall. Some universities may choose to favor programs in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) that offer opportunities for outside R&D funding and jobs for graduates. Caught in the middle are mid-tier private schools, particularly smaller liberal arts schools that have high tuition and high costs but no taxpayer support.
Announcing the OIDA Virtual Technology Showcase—a Unique Technology Presentation, Discussion & Networking Event
Looking for information about the latest technologies? Join us online 11:00 — 13:00 EDT Tuesday 18 August — Thursday 20 August and get an in-depth look as OIDA member companies present and explain their cutting-edge technologies. One hour of presentations will be followed by an hour of networking and discussion. Tuesday, 18 August
Wednesday, 19 August
Thursday, 20 August
Take a look at the full schedule, participating companies and speakers — register now to participate in one or all of the sessions and networking events. There's no travel, no jetlag, just plenty of information! Luminate Finals 2020 Event to be Held at FiO
This year, the Luminate Finals 2020 will be presented as part of FiO + LS. Luminate is the only international startup accelerator focused solely on next-generation optics, photonics and imaging (OPI). Luminate brings visionary entrepreneurs from around the globe together with OPI pioneers and qualified investors to speed innovation and time to market. It's also providing early-stage companies with the capital necessary to further develop their technologies. FiO + LS is honored to host the 2020 virtual presentation of the annual competition, as 10 start-ups compete for opportunities to win up to US$ 2 million in follow-on funding. New! Two OIDA Quantum Roadmap Roundtables at FiO You are invited to attend two online quantum discussions at the OSA Frontiers in Optics Conference. These two OIDA roundtables will review the requirements for optical components for applications of quantum technology.
Registration includes a week's worth of FiO programming and the OSA Quantum 2.0 Conference, which will also take place at FiO. Virtual Laser Applications Conference at the OSA Laser Congress—Registration is Now Open
There is no cost to participate as an attendee. (Contributing authors (oral talks and posters) pay a US$ 100 presentation fee.) The Laser Congress will be held as scheduled in an all-virtual, web conference format. Technical sessions will be presented live from the Eastern Daylight Time Zone (EDT) with a recorded archive available later for on-demand viewing. You must register in advance to receive the web link to access virtual session rooms. RSVP for Virtual OIDA Member Benefit Orientation RSVP for OIDA's member benefit overview orientation. This is an opportunity to learn more about key membership benefits you and your company should be taking advantage of and explore how to maximize performance and grow your business. OSA Applied Industrial Optics Webinar Series — Now Available On-Demand This year's AIO meeting was transitioned to an AIO Webinar Series, comprised of three, 60-minute programs—one for each day the meeting was scheduled. These webinars are now available for on-demand viewing at no cost.
Mark your calendar to attend AIO in person next year 26-28 July 2021 at OSA headquarters in Washington, DC, USA. New Digital Programming Now Available On-Demand
OIDA management and OIDA members have produced a series of webinars that are available at no charge. We encourage you to browse our growing list of upcoming events and view on-demand webinar recordings as they become available. And there is much more! Check out the OSA We Are On webpage for more high quality webinars on career development from the OSA Foundation and the OSA Career Lab. Invitation to Join the OIDA Optics and Photonics Industry LinkedIn Group Join 3,500+ of your colleagues in our OIDA Optics & Photonics Industry Network LinkedIn Group. This one-of-a-kind Forum for Industry lets you participate in discussions about cutting-edge issues. Extend your professional network. Exchange information about problems, ideas and solutions. Collaborate with experts in your field. Now is the perfect time to build a relationship with fellow optics and photonics professionals!
Questions or Suggestions about OIDA Member Benefits? We are committed to ensuring the value of your OSA Industry Development Associates Membership, so please email OIDA if you have any suggestions for new programs or comments on your membership.
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