Where Biophotonics Meets the Future
Welcome to #ICOB2026 at the University at Albany, NY.
ICOB 2026 will take place from March 18 to 21, 2026 in the ETEC Building at the University at Albany, SUNY, in the heart of New York’s Capital Region. As the leading international forum for light-based technologies in medicine and the life sciences, this forward-looking congress brings together scientists, clinicians, engineers, industry leaders, and policymakers to explore the full potential of biophotonics in shaping the future of healthcare.
More than just a scientific meeting, ICOB 2026 is a catalyst for interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world innovation. With a strong focus on translational research, the congress highlights cutting-edge developments in areas such as non-invasive diagnostics, personalized medicine, and the integration of artificial intelligence in photonic health technologies.
The program will feature world-class keynote speakers, dynamic panel discussions, and an industry exhibition — offering participants not only scientific insights but also valuable networking and strategic foresight.
Whether you’re advancing foundational science, driving clinical applications, or shaping research and innovation policy, ICOB 2026 invites you to be part of a community that’s collectively defining the future of biophotonics.
Thanks to our Sponsors & Partners
Keynote Speaker
Ji-Xin Cheng
Boston University, MA, USA
Kirill Larin
University of Houston, TX, USA
Confirmed Speaker
Jaishankar Raman
University of Melbourne, Australia
Orlando Guntinas-Lichius
Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
Prabhu Senthil-Kumar
Virginia Commonwealth University, VA, USA
Anja Silge
Leibniz IPHT, Jena, Germany
Benjamin Miller
University of Rochester, NY, USA
David Erickson
Cornell University, NY, USA
Juergen Popp
Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Jena, Germany
Rupsa Datta
Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, USA
Andy Berglund
University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, USA
Anita Mahadevan-Janssen
Vanderbilt University, TN, USA
Dong-Ku Kang
Incheon National University, Korea
Igor Lednev
University at Albany, SUNY, United States
Marianna Spanaki Varelas
Albany Medical Center, NY, USA
Young Mee Jung
Kangwon National University, South Korea
Neil Gildener-Leapman
Albany Medical Center, NY, USA
Rohit Bhargava
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
Laura Marcu
University of California, Davis, CA, USA
Pingkun Yan
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY, USA
James Grant
St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Australia
Oleg Ryabchykov
Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Jena, Germany
Fay Nicolson
Harvard Medical School, MA, USA
Praveen Arany
University at Buffalo, SUNY, Buffalo, NY, USA
Natan Shaked
Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
Christopher Baiocco
AIM Photonics, Albany, NY, USA
Elizabeth Smith-Boivin
Alzheimer’s Association, Cohoes, NY, USA
Kevin Yeh
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
Michael Waxman
Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY, USA
Javier Estrada Toro
University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, NY, USA
· About ICOB 2026 ·
Interdisciplinary and Cross-Sector Collaboration
Beyond the Lab: Focus on Translation and Impact
Fostering Talent, Education, and Strategic Roadmaping
Engaging Program and Networking Opportunities
A Community Shaping the Future
Impressions of ICOB 2024
