We are thrilled to announce that the Sydney Photonics Industry Network has achieved a significant milestone by officially registering as a company in Australia. This strategic move solidifies our commitment to fostering professional growth, collaboration and connections within the photonics sector in the vibrant city of Sydney.
A Brief Journey Through SPIN’s History
The inception of SPIN dates back to 2020 when Katie Chong and Sarah Lau, both early-career professionals in the photonics industry, recognized a gap in industry connections compared to their experiences in academia. Fast forward to 2021, and the duo officially launched SPIN with their inaugural event, “An Evening with the Industry Leaders.” The overwhelming success of this event, followed by the equally well-received “Exploring Optics and Photonics System Design Through Simulation” in August 2023, highlighted the growing demand for community and collaboration within the optics and photonics space.
As the photonics industry saw a surge in startups, the need for robust connections and events became more apparent. In response, the co-founders, Katie and Sarah, decided to formalize SPIN to collaborate more effectively with similar community groups and provide enhanced networking opportunities through grants and sponsorships.
About Sydney Photonics Industry Network
The Sydney Photonics Industry Network (SPIN) is a community-driven initiative committed to connecting professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts within Australia’s Optics and Photonics industry, with a primary focus on Sydney. Our mission is to create a collaborative ecosystem that stimulates innovation, facilitates knowledge exchange, and supports career development for individuals within the photonics sector.
Key Objectives:
- Promoting Innovation: SPIN serves as a dynamic platform for startups and entrepreneurs to showcase their innovations to the wider photonics community, fostering creativity and contributing to the growth of the industry in Sydney.
- Knowledge Exchange: Through a variety of events, workshops, and networking opportunities, SPIN aims to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise among members, encouraging commercialization and collaborations between research groups and industry partners.
- Supporting Career Development: SPIN strives to connect early and mid-career professionals with industry veterans, promoting mentorship and peer support to advance individuals’ careers.
What’s Next:
While SPIN has thrived on volunteer efforts thus far, our official company registration marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. We extend an invitation to all interested parties to explore potential collaborations for our future events and encourage organizations seeking sponsorship opportunities to connect with SPIN.
For enquiries and collaboration discussions, please contact us here.
Thank you for being part of SPIN’s journey, and we look forward to a future filled with innovation, collaboration, and continued growth in Sydney’s photonics industry.