SID-MEC Winter 2026 Online Talks “Performance optics for XR applications”

Online / November 23, 2026, 3-5 pm CEST

SID-MEC Winter 2026 Online Talks

“Performance optics for XR applications”

SID-MEC Winter 2026 Online Talks “Performance optics for XR applications”

The Mid-Europe Chapter of the Society for Information Display (SID-MEC) invites you to its online conference in November 2026. Under the title “Performance optics for augmented reality applications”, experts from the display and optics industry as well as research institutions will discuss current developments and challenges.

The event will take place online on November 23rd, 2026, from 15:00 to 17:00 CET and offers a platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas.

Keynote presentations will be delivered by renowned experts from the companies Leica Camera AG, Joya Team and Varjo Technologies:

Keynote Speaker

Assaf Levy-Be’eri

(JOYA Team, Co-founder and Chief Business Development Officer)

Assaf Levy Beeri is Co-Founder and Chief Business Development Officer at JOYA Team, an optical engineering and development hub focused on turning innovative optical concepts into functional, production ready systems. With over 20 years of experience in optics and photonics, he has led projects across AR/VR, automotive, medical, and defense industries.

Assaf’s expertise includes optical system architecture, rapid prototyping, system engineering, and the transition of complex electro optical concepts toward manufacturable products. At JOYA Team, he works closely with startups, technology companies, and corporates to reduce technical risk, accelerate development, and bring advanced optical systems from concept to product.

Assaf holds a BSc in Optical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering from Technion and an MSc in Physics from Ben Gurion University. He also serves as Chairman of the Israeli Chapter of SID.

Michael Kaartinen

(Leica Camera AG, Global Product Manager, Business Unit Sport Optics)

Michael Kaartinen is an experienced manager with around 25 years of international professional experience in product management, digital transformation, e-commerce, and business development. Since February 2025, he has been Global Product Manager in the Business Unit Sports Optics at Leica Camera AG. Before joining Leica, he spent several years at GRUNDFOS, where he was responsible for the e-commerce and omnicommerce strategy, apps, and digital innovation in the DACH region, most recently as Digital Development Manager. Prior to that, he founded and led the start-up Kaasa Home Automation as CEO for more than ten years and held managing director positions at Kaasa solution GmbH and Kaaku Ltd. Earlier in his career, he worked in the mobile industry, including as Head of Carrier Sales at net mobile AG. He holds a BSc in Economics from Royal Holloway, University of London.

The conference will provide space for discussions and interaction between speakers and participants and is aimed at scientists, students, and industry stakeholders.

We are looking forward to meeting you!

Details and Registration

Date: November 23, 2026
Time: 3:00 – 5:00 PM CET
Format: Online Conference
Register for free at this link

Background

The SID-MEC is the Mid-European branch of the Society for Information Display (SID). Founded in 1962, SID is one of the largest associations of scientists, developers, and companies in the field of electronic and information displays worldwide. Embedded in SID, the SID-MEC acts as a Mid-European branch covering a wide geographical spectrum from Eastern to Western Europe.

With a primary focus on displays, the association's forward-looking work encompasses all devices that enable image display, such as smartphone displays, projectors, AR/VR smart glasses, televisions, or display devices in automation technology. The SID-MEC is organized by four board members. For more information about SID-MEC, please visit the SID-MEC website.

SID Mid-Europe Chapter (SID-MEC) Officers

The SID-MEC is organized by four officers. The previous officers have handed over the organization to the next generation in April 2024. The new Officer Board consists of

Chair: Dr. Uwe Vogel

(Fraunhofer IPMS)

Portraitaufnahmen für gewerbliche Zwecke — Vice-Chair: Dr. Mark Goebel (Merck Electronics KGaA)

Secretary: Prof. Dr. Rigo Herold (Westsächsische Hochschule Zwickau)

Treasurer: Dr. Yohan Kim (Fraunhofer IAP)

Further information:

Components and Systems

Microdisplays and Sensors

more info

SID-MEC Winter 2026 Online Talks “Performance optics for XR applications”

Online / November 23, 2026, 3-5 pm CEST

SID-MEC Winter 2026 Online Talks

SID-MEC Winter 2026 Online Talks “Performance optics for XR applications”

Registration

SID Mid-Europe Chapter (SID-MEC)

Keynote Speaker

Assaf Levy-Be’eri

Michael Kaartinen

Details and Registration

Background

SID Mid-Europe Chapter (SID-MEC) Officers

Further information:

Microdisplays and Sensors

Related Links:

Contact Press / Media

Ines Schedwill