Welcome to the detailed program of the FutuRe Optical NeTworking (FRONT) Workshop. This one-day event brings together leading experts in optical networking to discuss cutting-edge technologies and architectural advancements shaping the future of fixed networks. The program is structured around two main panels:
- Optical Communication systems and networks for AI clusters and Data centers
- Optical Communication systems and networks for x-haul and next generation FTTx
Each panel features keynote speeches from international experts, invited talks by speakers based in Europe, and interactive discussions. We encourage active participation and look forward to engaging dialogues throughout the day.
Program – July 10, 2025, Barcelona, Spain
| Time | Session | Speaker(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 08:30-09:00 | Welcome | – Ioannis Tomkos (2024 Roadmap presentation) – Chuck Mattera (Avalanche Thinking Inc, Former President & CEO, COHERENT Inc) – Josep Solé-Pareta (UPC, Local Chair of ICTON’25) |
| 09:00-09:30 | Keynote speech | Paolo Costa (Microsoft) |
| 09:30-10:30 | Invited Talks – 4 talks (15 minutes each) | – Yosef Ben Ezra (NewPhotonics) – Nicola Calabretta (Eindhoven University of Technology) – Ana Gonzalez (iPRONICS) – Frank Smyth (Pilot Photonics) |
| 10:30-11:00 | Coffee break | |
| 11:00-12:00 | Invited Talks – 4 talks (15 minutes each) | – Ioannis Tomkos (University of Patras) – Pantelis Diamantopoulos (NTT) – Antonio Teixeira (PICadvanced) – Luca Poti (CNIT) |
| 12:00-12:30 | Panel discussions | |
| 12:30-14:00 | Break | |
| 14:00-14:30 | Keynote speech | – Polina Bayvel (UCL) |
| 14:30-15:30 | Invited Talks – 4 talks (15 minutes each) | – Ernesto Ciaramella (Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna) – Paolo Monti (Chalmers) – Vanessa Villegas (Telefónica) – Massimo Tornatore (Politecnico di Milano) |
| 15:30-16:00 | Coffee break | |
| 16:00-17:00 | Invited Talks – 4 talks (15 minutes each) | – Josep Fabregas (CTTC) – Adam Kapovics (Eurescom GmbH) – Antonio Napoli (Nokia) – Ivan Cano (Huawei) |
| 17:00-17:30 | Panel discussions | |
| 17:30-18:00 | 2025 Roadmaps preparation | – Ioannis Tomkos (2025 Roadmap preparation) |
Panel Topics:
- DC/AI clusters: Sessions in the morning focus on optical communications for AI clusters and data centers, featuring invited talks and discussions from both international and European experts.
- X-Haul/FTTx: Afternoon sessions shift to optical communication for x-haul and next-generation FTTx, again with a mix of keynote speeches, invited talks, and interactive panels.
We look forward to your participation in this collaborative and forward-looking event.