The Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition (OFC) has announced the plenary speakers for 2026. As General Co-Chair of OFC 2026, Johannes Fischer, Head of Group of the Data Analytics and Signal Processing Group at the Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute (HHI), will play a key role in shaping the central conference program – a highlight of his eight years of service for the world's most important conference for optical communications.
Four leading international figures confirmed as plenary speakers
Three leading international figures have been secured for the plenary session:
• Alexis Bjorlin, Senior Vice President & General Manager DGX Cloud, NVIDIA
• Julie Sheridan Eng, Chief Technology Officer, Coherent
• Siegbert Martin, Chief Technology Officer, Tesat-Spacecom
The presentations address key future topics in optical communication: from AI-driven network architectures and optical technologies for hyperscale data centers to laser-based satellite communication.
“The plenary session sets the thematic guidelines for the entire conference,” says Johannes Fischer. “The fact that we were able to attract leading experts from the fields of AI, optical hardware, data center networks, and satellite-based communication reflects very well where our community is currently heading.”
Eight years of involvement in the OFC organization
For eight years, Johannes Fischer was involved in the organization of the OFC in various roles. After three years as a member of a technical subcommittee, where he was responsible for reviews, workshops, and panels, he was elected subcommittee chair. This was followed by his role as Program Chair, including one year as S Track Program Chair for the entire system program and for special events at the conference. After another year working alongside the incumbent General Chairs, he was finally appointed General Co-Chair of OFC 2026 – with responsibility for organizing the Short Course program, and the design and moderation of the Plenary Session.
For Fraunhofer HHI, the role of General Co-Chair means high international visibility, direct access to strategic technology topics, and the opportunity to actively shape the content of one of the most important conferences in the field.
OFC 2026 will take place from March 15–19, 2026, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
The plenary session is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2026 (8:00–10:00 a.m. PDT).