My journey into photonics began with a childhood love for science. I’ve always been fascinated by learning the nature of things and how science shapes our everyday lives. As I pursued my studies in physics and later specialized in photonics during my master’s and PhD, my passion for understanding light and its applications grew.

During my PhD, I faced an obstacle while searching for a specific optical component which was crucial for my research. The frustration of spending eight weeks searching for it and not finding it opened my eyes to a larger issue affecting many other engineers and researchers in similar situations. Seeing the frustration among my colleagues in the lab inspired me to co-found MEETOPTICS, a platform to help engineers access the components they need, fostering innovation and progress.

As the CEO of MEETOPTICS, my primary responsibility is to lead the team towards our shared vision for the company, providing direction and guidance to each department, including product development, sales, marketing, finance, human resources, and design. I also represent MEETOPTICS at conferences, engage with clients, and cultivate relationships with investors.

My greatest accomplishment in my career to date is founding a company and experiencing its growth while seeing the positive impact it has on so many people. Transitioning from a research-focused background to entrepreneurship has been a significant achievement for me. Initially lacking in business knowledge, I dedicated myself to learning through various courses, talks, seminars, and mentorship.

Seeing the company flourish and knowing that our efforts are making a difference in the lives of others and my team keeps me moving forward. My advice to young girls or women considering a career in STEM is to dream big but also be practical in testing out your ideas as you move forward. It’s essential to seek out mentors and advisors who can provide guidance and support along the way. Building a great team is also necessary for achieving your goals and overcoming obstacles along the way.

Finally, it’s important to follow your passion. Don’t be discouraged if others don’t immediately believe in your idea. Instead, keep moving forward with a clear vision and surround yourself with people who are positive and will support you.

Barbara Buades
CEO and Co-Founder, MEETOPTICS LABS, S.L.
Born in Spain / Resides in Spain
Educational Background: BSc in Physics, University of Barcelona, Spain; MSc in Photonics,
Imperial College London, United Kingdom; PhD in Photonics in Quantum and Non-linear
Optics, ICFO (Institute of Photonic Sciences), Spain