• Technical Conference:  30 March – 03 April 2025
  • Exhibition: 01 – 03 April 2025
  • Moscone Center, San Francisco, California, USA
PRESS RELEASE

14 January 2025

Contact:

media@ofcconference.org

OFC 2025: Featuring 650+ Technical Presentations Alongside Expert-Led Business Programming on AI, Quantum Science, Optical Innovation and More

San Francisco, CA — As the premier global event for optical networking and communications, the Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition (OFC) technical program offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the forefront of optical networking and communications through a diverse array of sessions and events.

Being held at the Moscone Center from 30 March–03 April 2025, OFC features a five-day technical conference that addresses hot topics in components, devices, systems and networks. More than 650 peer-reviewed presentations and 120 invited speakers will present: thought leaders representing academia, industry and government agencies.

The content is comprehensive, from research to marketplace, offering groundbreaking science, market trends and market insights that look to the future of optical networking and communications. From the Plenary Session and Invited and Tutorial Speakers to in-depth Short Courses, Symposia and Special Sessions, the program is designed to engage and educate attendees at all levels of expertise.

This year, OFC marks a historic half-century milestone—50 years of innovation, groundbreaking research, cutting-edge technological advancements and unmatched industry collaboration.

“OFC 2025 marks a pivotal year in our journey of advancement and collaboration,” said Nicolas Fontaine, Nokia Bell Labs, OFC General Chair. “With more than 13,500 registrants expected, over 600 global exhibitors, and an expansive technical program, this year’s focus on AI and quantum technologies sets OFC apart as the industry’s global hub for progress.”

Hot Topics in 2025

OFC’s technical program is a cornerstone of the conference, offering one of the most comprehensive educational platforms in the optical networking industry. Designed to inspire innovation and collaboration, the program attracts a broad audience, from engineers and executives to analysts and academic leaders, providing unique insights into the technologies shaping the future of optical networks. Attendees will gain invaluable knowledge through technical presentations, more than 45 short courses and 10 expert-led industry panels covering topics including:

  • Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and large language models in network operations
  • Advancements in photonic AI accelerators and coherent transmission technologies
  • Next-gen materials for high-speed transceivers
  • Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)
  • Multi-band transmission and multi-core/hollow-core fibers
  • Optical network disaggregation and open multi-layer ecosystems
  • Integrating Sensing and Communications (ICAS)
  • Thin Film Lithium Niobate (TFLN) in both modulator and detector circuits
  • Free Space Optical (FSO) Communications

Unparalleled Show Floor Programming

The OFC 2025 Exhibition delivers a dynamic and comprehensive educational experience with more than 40 hours of programming across three show floor theaters, surrounded by exhibitor booths and demonstrations. The program offers high-level insights into hot topics, market trends and emerging technologies shaping the optical communications landscape, featuring presentations from experts representing major global brands and key industry organizations. The diverse lineup includes the Data Center Summit, Market Watch, Network Operator Summit, panels with leading standards organizations such as Ethernet Alliance and OIF, and OFCnet presentations. Covering a broad spectrum of topics, including AI opportunities, access networks and next-generation optical technologies, the show floor programming provides valuable insights for a wide-ranging audience. Highlights include:

  • Data Center Summit: This program explores next-generation optical technologies designed to meet the evolving needs of intra- and inter-data center connectivity. Industry experts will discuss challenges and solutions tied to the growing demands of data center operations, including advancements in equipment, technologies and deployment scenarios. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the innovations driving data center efficiency and scalability.
  • Market Watch: A three-day series of panel discussions featuring industry leaders, researchers and members of the investment community. The program delves into the latest application trends and business challenges facing the optical communications sector. Attendees can expect in-depth analyses, thought-provoking discussions and actionable insights to navigate the rapidly evolving marketplace.
  • Network Operator Summit: Gain an insider’s perspective on the challenges and priorities of network operators and service providers through this engaging program. Explore how business drivers and network requirements are shaping the future of optical communications. With insights applicable across the supply chain, from component manufacturers to equipment providers, this summit is essential for anyone looking to meet the demands of network operators and anticipate industry shifts.

Experience the Power of OFCnet

OFC’s high-speed optical network, OFCnet, serves as a live testbed for cutting-edge networking products, solutions and architectures. Built to showcase emerging technologies, OFCnet enables demonstrations of quantum networking, AI-driven solutions, network element interoperability and networking designed for big data and big science applications, providing a unique platform for innovation.

First launched in 2022 in partnership with CENIC and Lumen, OFCnet enables booth-to-booth fiber connectivity within the exhibition and external connections to Research & Education Networks — all on a dedicated high-speed optical network designed exclusively for OFC. This real-time operational environment empowers exhibitors to showcase advanced capabilities while collaborating with academic partners to push the boundaries of optical networking.

Celebrating Five Decades of Excellence with Visionary Plenary Speakers

This year’s event will feature a Plenary Session headlined by visionary speakers Prof. Kei May Lau, Dr. Bryan S. Robinson and Dr. Pradeep Sindhu. Their groundbreaking work in photonics, AI-driven infrastructure and optical communications reflects the critical trends shaping the industry's future. The session sets the stage for OFC’s celebration of 50 years of innovation and progress in optical networking and communications.

A Deep Dive into Quantum Science and Technology

Building on its legacy of innovation, OFC 2025 will highlight advancements in quantum communication and photonics for quantum computing. As part of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), attendees can explore groundbreaking developments in quantum architectures and enabling technologies through a special symposium.

The Rump Session: A Provocative OFC Tradition

Always an audience favorite, the Rump Session is back at OFC 2025 with its blend of spirited debate and cutting-edge insights. This year, the session tackles a thought-provoking question: “If a global disaster struck and optical infrastructure was wiped out, would you rebuild with today’s technologies?” Featuring leading industry minds, this dynamic forum challenges assumptions, explores alternative approaches and sparks lively audience engagement. Known for its candid discussions and creative ideas, the Rump Session offers a unique opportunity to think beyond the boundaries of current technologies and reimagine the future of optical networking.

For more information about OFC 2025, please visit the website www.ofcconference.org.

About OFC

The 2025 Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition (OFC) is the premier conference and exhibition for optical communications and networking professionals. For 50 years, OFC has drawn attendees from all corners of the globe to meet and greet, teach and learn, make connections and move business forward.

OFC includes dynamic business programming, an exhibition of global companies and high impact peer-reviewed research that, combined, showcase the trends that are shaping the entire optical networking and communications industry. OFC is co-sponsored by the IEEE Communications Society (IEEE/ComSoc) and the IEEE Photonics Society and co-sponsored and managed by Optica. OFC will be held in-person, 30 March – 03 April 2025, at the Moscone Center, San Francisco, California, USA, with on-demand access to content available post-conference. All technical sessions, workshops, panels and exhibit floor sessions—with speaker permission—will be accessible to Full Conference registrants.

Learn more and engage on LinkedIn, follow @OFCConference on X and watch highlights on OFC’s YouTube channel.