The 21st Optics Valley of China International Optoelectronic Exposition (OVC Expo) kicked off on May 18, with leading experts and industry leaders sharing insights on major topics such as building a world-class industrial cluster and the integration of optoelectronics and AI, offering valuable advice for the industry's high-quality development.

The exhibition draws crowds of visitors. [Photo provided to chinaopticsvalley.com]

Academician Zhou Ji of the Chinese Academy of Engineering emphasized that building a world-leading advanced optoelectronic information manufacturing cluster is a strategic mission entrusted to Hubei province and Wuhan and is central to developing the World Optics Valley.

To achieve this, OVC must enhance its industrial scale, innovation capacity, enterprise vitality, talent pool, and overall ecosystem. Particular emphasis is needed on expanding industrial scale and boosting enterprise vitality.

Attendees explore the AI+ intelligent equipment. [Photo provided to chinaopticsvalley.com]

Joseph Niemela, chair of the UNESCO International Day of Light Steering Committee (IDL Steering Committee), praised the Wuhan-hosted OVC Expo as a top-tier innovation platform for China's optoelectronic information industry, serving as a vital bridge between fundamental research and market applications.

This year, the IDL Steering Committee and OVC will use UNESCO's global platform to deepen academic exchange, strengthen industry collaboration, and support youth talent development, fostering innovation at the intersection of optics and intelligence.

Visitors experience the exhibits. [Photo provided to chinaopticsvalley.com]

He Shuping, chairman of China Information and Communication Technology Group, emphasized that the deep integration of AI and optics is essential for overcoming computational bottlenecks and supporting the high-quality development of the digital economy. The group plans to increase investment in Wuhan, advance AI+optics technologies, and support Wuhan's ambition to become the beacon of optical computing.

An exhibition staff member introduces products to a foreign buyer. [Photo provided to chinaopticsvalley.com]