Every two years in June, the international scientific elite meets in Munich to gather information about lighthouse projects in photonics and laser research. The World of Photonics Congress is held in conjunction with the leading trade show in photonics—the Laser World of Photonics and since 2023 together with the World of Quantum. All aspects of research—from fundamental and application-based scientific topics to the latest laser and photonics applications in industry and medicine—are presented and discussed in scientific conferences and a practice-oriented series of application panels. The latest milestones in photonics research on the one hand, and a concentrated showcase of the photonics industry on the other: This concept allows participants to experience a unique combination of science, innovative technologies and industrial application sectors.