International expertise at LOPEC

As General Chair of LOPEC, I aim to connect technological advancements with industrial needs. I am responsible for identifying innovation potential at an early stage, finding application-relevant solutions, and encouraging dialogue between researchers, industry professionals, and designers.

In my opinion, the field of printed and flexible electronics is in a dynamic phase of development. At the same time, the industry is facing key challenges.

One of these challenges is integrating them into existing industrial systems. Incorporating flexible electronics solutions into established processes in industries such as automotive, medical, and consumer goods requires new design approaches and reliable interfaces.

Another challenge is the transition from laboratory scale to industrial series production, which demands high-quality materials, stable processes, and reliable testing procedures. Additionally, sustainability and recyclability are becoming increasingly important.

Lastly, establishing standards and robust quality assurance procedures is essential for the broad market penetration of new technologies.

LOPEC aims to be both an industry meeting place and a source of inspiration for the next generation of market-driven, sustainable electronics solutions.

LOPEC provides a platform for participants to explore the entire innovation cycle of flexible and printed electronics. High-quality presentations and examples demonstrate the current state of implementation, and discussions with experts provide new perspectives. Thus, LOPEC provides impetus and inspiration for innovations in this rapidly developing technology.

In recent years, markets have been characterized by high dynamics, with a steady stream of new applications and prototypes introduced by an increasing number of providers. Nevertheless, the number of industrially manufactured products produced at competitive prices in large quantities remains limited. The ecosystem of solution providers must consolidate to deliver competitive value propositions.

As a member of the OE-A board and OE-A Chair Europe, I am particularly interested in developing and cultivating the industrial ecosystem, as well as highlighting clear business cases and commercial successes.

The conference, embedded within the trade fair, enables all participants to gain insights and practical experience. The speakers, who come from all relevant segments of the complex value chain, will provide insights that are enriching and inspiring for all attendees.

At the Fraunhofer IAP, I am responsible for the development of conductive inks, printing processes, and devices made from functional materials. Stability and durability are major technical challenges in printed electronics. That is why I am particularly involved in the OE-A and LOPEC with regard to encapsulation.

As Technical Chair of LOPEC 2026, I want to further advance printed and organic electronics: they are the key to solving central challenges of our time through sustainable materials, energy-efficient processes, recyclable components, and more.However, new products only emerge through the combination of these technologies.

The technical conference offers the ideal setting for this: as a hub for research, industry, application, and start-ups. The Mobility and Smart Living sessions will once again strengthen the application focus in 2026. This means that LOPEC will remain the central meeting place for technical innovations and international exchange for all visitors.

Flexible and printed electronics offers tremendous potential for sustainable technologies—from resource-efficient production to recyclable electronic systems—and is approaching broad industrial adoption. At the same time, artificial intelligence is fundamentally transforming how we research, design, and manufacture. The LOPEC 2026 Scientific Conference provides a platform to explore these converging developments, with a focus on material innovations, environmentally conscious fabrication methods, and AI-driven design and process optimization.

As Chair of the Scientific Conference, I am committed to fostering dialogue that unites ecological responsibility with technological excellence. Participants can look forward to a diverse program featuring high-level scientists that not only highlights cutting-edge trends but also builds bridges to key application areas such as smart living and sustainable mobility—offering valuable insights and inspiration for the future of intelligent and sustainable electronics.

The short courses provide concentrated knowledge in just one day: Participants, whether beginners or experts, gain an overview of the latest developments and future challenges in organic electronics in specific areas, such as inks, process control, or sensors for energy applications. The focus is usually on key technologies or applications along the value chain.

My goal, along with the various experts who will be giving a presentation, is to optimize the content of the presentation in order to bring value to the audience whatever their competencies. During short course, my role is to facilitate the discussion between the audience and the speakers.