Printed Electronics Reaches New Dimensions at LOPEC 2017

From March 28-30, 2017, LOPEC proved in Munich, Germany, that interest in printed electronics continues to grow. The ninth edition of the international exhibition for printed electronics set new records across the board, while also showcasing numerous world-firsts. The LOPEC Conference impressed with a top-class, highly international line-up, featuring speakers from Samsung and the European Commission.
 
“The record numbers of exhibitors and attendees clearly reflect that the industry is developing in the right direction,” Falk Senger, managing director of Messe München, reported. “Printed electronics has reached new dimensions, as was plain to see at LOPEC this year.”
 
More than 2,500 participants from 47 countries came to Munich for the three days of the event, which equates to an increase of 20% compared to the previous year.
 
“Platforms like LOPEC help to ensure that the European technology sector keeps on innovating and retains its place among the world’s leading,” said Henri Rajbenbach, project officer and senior expert at the European Commission. “The EU sees large-area electronics as the key technology for the electronics industry. To this end, we will support projects in this sector with an additional €40 million to €50 million by 2020.”
 
LOPEC broke new ground in terms of exhibitors and floor space, too, with 154 exhibitors from 17 countries representing an increase of 4% compared to last year’s event. This year’s exhibition was also 8% larger in terms of space: It was fully booked down to the last stand, with numerous series products on display alongside prototypes. These include a multi-functional jacket with electroluminescent lighting elements by Helly Hansen, an Audi TT with OLED tail lights, and a smart ring that notifies the user about whether they have gotten enough sunlight.
 
The LOPEC Conference is always an integral part of the event. Over three days, 182 expert speakers from the industry and research sectors presented the latest trends in printed electronics.
 
“The main focus of the conference has definitely shifted in the direction of applications,” Wolfgang Mildner, general chair of LOPEC, said. ““The program featured numerous talks from representatives of leading global corporations, who shared their success stories and past experiences with printed electronics.”
 
The next LOPEC will take place in Munich, Germany from March 13- 15, 2018.