The 26th China International Optoelectronic Exposition (CIOE) will take place September 10–12, 2025, at the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center, alongside the International Semiconductor Exhibition & IC Industry Innovation Expo 2025 (SEMI-e). DIGITIMES will provide on-the-ground coverage in Shenzhen, with simultaneous English reporting on DIGITIMES Asia.
CIOE, regarded as a global benchmark for the optoelectronics industry, is bringing together more than 3,800 companies worldwide. Exhibits span core sectors including optical communications, precision optics, lasers, and smart manufacturing, AR/VR, intelligent sensing, advanced displays, and photonics innovation. The event covers the full supply chain, from core materials and critical equipment to system-level solutions.
SEMI-e highlights semiconductor integration
Running alongside CIOE, SEMI-e is co-hosted by the Integrated Circuit Innovation Alliance and spotlights three themes: IC design and applications, IC manufacturing and supply chains, and compound semiconductors. Together, the two exhibitions are drawing more than 5,000 companies and an estimated 160,000 industry professionals. The combined "photonics plus semiconductors" format is designed to spur broader innovation and collaboration, organizers say.
AI drives optical innovation
CIOE organizers noted that AI computing power is accelerating adoption in optical communications, with 800G entering large-scale deployment and 1.6T nearing maturity. CPO/LPO and silicon photonics are moving toward commercial scale. AR and VR are advancing with pancake optics and waveguide technology, while the laser sector is shifting to smart manufacturing with high-power, short-pulse technologies and AI-enabled automation.
Infrared technologies are expanding into civilian markets with smaller, more integrated detectors, while multi-sensor fusion and solid-state LiDAR are fueling growth in humanoid robotics and vision systems. In displays, Mini LED continues to dominate premium markets, Micro LED is emerging as the preferred option for VR/MR devices, and OLED penetration is climbing in foldable phones.
Eight halls showcase complete value chain
This year's CIOE spans eight major halls across the optoelectronics value chain, including ICT, precision optics, imaging, AR/VR, laser technology and smart manufacturing, infrared, intelligent sensing, new display technologies, and photonics innovation. Ten specialized areas cover automotive optical communications, humanoid robotics, laser medical systems, endoscopic imaging, and astronomical optics.
Dedicated showcases include the International Photonics Executive Committee (IPEC) Pavilion to strengthen global cooperation, a sapphire processing zone for optoelectronics and consumer electronics, an optical molding and aspherical lens area, and a laser welding section featuring advanced equipment for automotive and electronics production.
Research institutions join industry dialogue
The exhibitions extend beyond commercial showcases to foster critical connections between industry, academia, and government. More than 20 leading research institutions will demonstrate China's advancing capabilities in photonics research and development, while over 90 forums and conferences create platforms for knowledge exchange. Key sessions will explore optical communications in the AI era and breakthrough photonics technologies that are reshaping global markets.
International collaboration takes center stage through partnerships with Yole Group, the European Photonics Industry Consortium, and the ePIXfab Silicon Photonics Alliance. These collaborations will illuminate critical topics, including silicon photonics development, infrared imaging applications, and the strategic convergence of photonics and semiconductor technologies. The prestigious Global Optical Congress (OGC), recognized as a leading academic conference in the field, will also convene during the event.
The "Photonics + Applications Forum" represents a unique opportunity for direct engagement between downstream application companies and optoelectronics suppliers. Discussion topics will encompass emerging trends such as in-vehicle optical communications, automotive vision systems, AR glasses technology, Mini/Micro LED innovations, and humanoid robotics applications, ensuring that cutting-edge technologies align effectively with commercial deployment strategies.
Article edited by Jerry Chen
