The Innovation School

To register for the Innovation School, 1) you must have completed an undergraduate-level degree, 2) be either a graduate student or an early-career professional within 5-7 years of completing a Master’s or PhD in optics, physics, mathematics, engineering or a related field. CV’s must be submitted for a brief review to confirm your eligibility before receiving the link to register.

The registration rate is US$800.

We limit participation to a maximum of 50 people to ensure a special experience, and your registration fee goes a long way. It includes:

• Four (4) days of experiential learning focused on product ideation, development and pitching.
• Economy flight* and accommodation for 4-5 nights in Washington, DC, USA. Visit the travel page for more details. 
• Engagement and networking with groups of students and early-career professionals with optics backgrounds from all over the world.
• Two (2) webinars to prepare for The Innovation School and an optional office hours session with facilitator Eric Koester.
   

One non-negotiable: all attendees must follow Optica's code of conduct.

Every attendee, volunteer and staff member will be treated with consideration and respect. Please review the Code of Conduct and Anti-Harassment policy.
 

And one more non-negotiable: all attendees must agree to a standard non-disclosure agreement during registration.

Great ideas happen at the Innovation School. However, many of these ideas are the intellectual property of the individuals or groups that share them. In order to participate in the school, you must agree to maintain confidentiality for ideas that are not your own. Please acknowledge your agreement to  the following non-disclosure agreement by adding your name and today's date to the corresponding page when completing your registration.

Family Care Grants

Family care grants are available to assist members who need to bring family members to selected Optica-managed meetings or conferences, who incur extra expenses if leaving them at home (e.g., extra day care or babysitting dervices, dependent care, etc.), or need assistance at a meeting due to a disability.

*Economy flights are booked through the Optica Foundation's travel agency Safe Harbors following registration. Attendees do not have to pay for the flights upfront.