Professor Harald Haas Will Attend the next Engineering Annual Lecture at King’s College London - Beyond Wi-Fi: How optical wireless comms could transform connectivity
Image credit to KCL
By LiFi Tech News Team
Can our current networks keep up with the data-heavy demands of tomorrow?
This is the question that will be addressed at the next Engineering Annual Lecture at King’s College London is coming up on Wednesday, March 25th, 2026. This year’s keynote will be delivered by none other than the "Father of LiFi," Professor Harald Haas.
Why This Lecture Matters Now
The last two decades of innovation, from the smartphone revolution to the rise of social media, were built on the back of mobile internet. But we are now entering a new frontier. With the emergence of holographic displays, a fully immersive "cyber-physical continuum," and AI-driven drones, our connectivity needs are shifting from "fast" to "extraordinary."
To unlock this potential, we need networks that provide:
Terabit-per-second data rates.
Physical-layer security that is inherently harder to intercept.
Sustainability, operating with a minimal or zero CO₂ footprint.
Ubiquity, reaching beyond urban hotspots to underwater environments and outer space.
Event Details & Agenda
Whether you are a seasoned telecommunications engineer or simply a tech enthusiast curious about the future, this lecture is designed to be accessible and inspiring for all.
Date: Wednesday, 25th March 2026
Location: King’s College London (and streaming online)
TimeSession17:00Opening Remarks17:05Keynote Lecture: Professor Harald Haas17:50Interactive Q&A18:05Drinks Reception (In-person only)19:00Event Close
Lecture Abstract: Has the time for Optical Wireless Communications finally arrived?
In this flagship session, Professor Haas will argue that the saturation of traditional smartphone innovation necessitates a leap into Optical Wireless Communications (OWC). He will explore how light-based data transmission can solve the "spectrum crunch" and provide the backbone for the next generation of global communication networks.
From the challenges of implementation to the pathways toward a truly connected planet, this lecture will serve as a roadmap for the future of the industry.
About the Speaker: Professor Harald Haas
Professor Harald Haas is a global titan in the field of engineering. He currently serves as the Van Eck Professor of Engineering at the University of Cambridge and leads the LiFi Research and Development Centre (LRDC).
As the co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of pureLiFi Ltd, he has successfully bridged the gap between academic theory and commercial reality. With over 800 papers, 50 patents, and TED talks that have garnered more than 5.7 million views, Professor Haas is uniquely positioned to explain how photonics and signal processing will redefine how we interact with the world.
"The Department of Engineering's flagship event provides a platform for distinguished academics to showcase their groundbreaking contributions that are inspiring the future of technology and innovation."
How to Attend
You can attend both in person and online.
