PIA met with Joe Szakacs and other government representatives to discuss the rapid growth of South Australia’s photonics sector and opportunities to strengthen its national and international position.

Key topics included:

• The establishment of Photonics Industries Australia as the state’s dedicated industry body supporting ecosystem growth, collaboration, and investment
• Development of the Photonics Technician Short Course, partially supported by Skills SA, with planned launch in February 2026 to address critical workforce gaps
• Strategies to promote industry–research collaboration across manufacturing, defence, health, and advanced technology sectors
• Strengthening engagement between government, industry, and research institutions including the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing
• Upcoming engagement opportunities
• Discussion of the upcoming Quantum Australia Conference, expected to bring over 900 international delegates to Adelaide