29 June 2026
Montreal, Canada
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) organized a workshop on
the “Evolution of Optical Networks for AI” which took place on 29 June 2026 in Montreal, Canada, and it was hosted
by
ISED Canada. This workshop was held in conjunction with the
ITU-T Study Group 15 meeting, and remote participation was provided.
Reimagining Optical Networks for the Age of AI: Optical networks are undergoing a profound transformation, evolving from high capacity transport systems into intelligent, programmable platforms that enable the AI era. Grounded in the ION 2030 framework, this session presented a forward-looking vision of optical infrastructure as a living system that can sense, adapt, and optimize itself at terabit scale.
This workshop explored how breakthroughs in photonic technologies, coherent transmission, embedded intelligence, and AI driven control are converging to deliver ultra low latency, extreme scalability, and sustainable operation. It highlighted the strategic role of global standardization, notably in
ITU-T SG15, in ensuring that next generation optical technologies form a unified, interoperable foundation for 6G RAN, distributed AI, data center interconnect, and future digital services, positioning optical networks as the bedrock of intelligent connectivity toward 2030 and beyond
Participation was free of charge and is open to ITU Member States, Sector Members, Associates and Academic Institutions and to any individual from a country that is a member of ITU who wish to contribute to the work. This includes individuals who are also members of international, regional and national organizations.
Watch the recording of the session here
Programme
10:30 - 11:00
| Registration
|
11:00 - 11:10
| Opening Remarks
|
11:10 - 12:10
| Session 1: Optical AI
|
12:10 - 12:30
| Session 2: AI Events
|
