CIOE 2026 Exhibition Report | MT Ferrule and VSFF Connectors: The Direction of Next-Generation Optical Connectivity

We have observed a high level of interest in Multifiber optical connection technology, which will support the era of AI infrastructure.

Hakusan Inc. exhibited at "CIOE 2026 (The 27th China International Optoelectronic Expo)," which was held in Shenzhen, China from September 9th to 11th, 2026.
This was Hakusan 's second time exhibiting at CIOE, following last year's event. This time, we set up a larger booth than last time, and many visitors from around the world, including optical communications companies, data center operators, optical device manufacturers, and connector manufacturers, stopped by our booth.
Driven by the expansion of data center investments for AI, interest in optical connectivity technology is higher than last year, and the overall vibrancy of the market was evident throughout the exhibition.

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About CIOE​

CIOE (China International Optoelectronic Exposition) is one of the world's largest comprehensive optoelectronics exhibitions, held in Shenzhen, China. It is known as an international exhibition that brings together companies from a wide range of fields related to optical technology, such as optical communications, data centers, semiconductors, lasers, and sensing, to showcase the latest technologies and market trends. In 2026, in addition to CIOE, IICIE (International Integrated Circuit Industry & Technology Expo), which deals with semiconductor manufacturing and advanced packaging technologies, and elexcon, an exhibition related to electronics and embedded systems, were held concurrently.
Information of attendance is as follows;

• Number of exhibiting companies: 4,060
• CIOE attendance: 189,755 people (32% increase compared to the previous year)
• Number of overseas visitors: 6,850
• Total attendance for CIOE, IICIE, and elexcon: 325,810 people

The event was recorded and attracted many engineers, researchers, procurement personnel, and data center operators not only from China but from all over the world.
Driven by the acceleration of data center investments accompanying the spread of generative AI and the growing demand for optical interconnect technology, this exhibition strongly conveyed the growth of the optical communications market throughout the venue.
This was Hakusan 's second time exhibiting at CIOE, following last year's event. This time, we expanded our booth space and were able to welcome even more visitors than last year. Through interactions with optical communications industry professionals from around the world, we reaffirmed the high expectations for optical connectivity technology in the age of AI and the thriving market.

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Exhibits introduced at the Hakusan booth

At Hakusan booth, we showcased products for next-generation data centers, optical transceivers, and CPO applications, focusing on Multifiber optical connection technology.
The main exhibits are as follows:

MMC connector (miniature multifiber optical connector)
We exhibited the MMC connector, which is attracting attention as a next-generation VSFF (Very Small Form Factor) connector that supports high-density mounting. In AI data centers, there is a need to realize more optical connections in a limited space, and we received many questions from visitors about the MMC connector, which achieves both miniaturization and high density.
GrinEB® Connector
We also exhibited the GrinEB® connector, a magnified beam connector using SELFOC® lenses developed by Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd. Many visitors showed interest in its operability in high-density environments and its potential for future data center applications, and many stopped to listen to the demonstration using the actual device.
High-density MT Ferrule
We also exhibited MT Ferrule, which we have been developing since 1991, and many visitors were able to handle it in person.

In response to the recent surge in demand for AI infrastructure, interest in MT Ferrule as high-density optical connection components for optical transceivers, optical engines, and CPOs has increased even further. There were many instances where specific applications and required specifications were discussed while viewing product samples.

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Industry trends and hot topics

Growing interest in VSFF connectors
What struck me most at this year's CIOE was the high level of attention given to VSFF (Very Small Form Factor) connectors.
At Hakusan booth, MMC connectors attracted significant interest, and we exchanged opinions with many visitors regarding future Optical Interconnect architectures and high-density connectivity. Several manufacturers, including Chinese companies, showcased their unique VSFF connector solutions at the exhibition hall, indicating that the development competition for new connectivity methods is intensifying against the backdrop of the growing high-density optical connectivity market.

In addition to VSFF connectors, many visitors also showed interest in GrinEB® connectors, prioritizing future operability and reliability.
Furthermore, the number of exhibitors from companies related to MT Ferrule increased compared to last year, and it was particularly striking to see the growing presence of Chinese MT Ferrule manufacturers.
This exhibition made it clear that investment in and development of optical connection technologies, particularly MT Ferrule are becoming more active as the overall optical communications market expands.

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Future outlook

With the expansion of data centers for generational AI and AI/HPC, the performance and implementation density required for optical connectivity technologies are expected to increase even further. Leveraging the technological capabilities and experience cultivated since 1991 as a specialized manufacturer of Multifiber optical connectivity, Hakusan will continue to develop high-density optical connectivity solutions, including MT Ferrule, MMC connectors, and GrinEB® connectors.

Furthermore, we will deepen our collaboration with data centers, optical device manufacturers, optical connector manufacturers, and optical cable manufacturers around the world, and work to develop products that meet market needs and ensure a stable supply.
We will utilize the many opinions and requests we received at this CIOE to improve our future product development and contribute to the advancement of next-generation optical communication infrastructure.

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inquiry

For any questions regarding our exhibited products, sample requests, or technical inquiries, please feel free to contact us through our inquiry form.
Hakusan will continue to aim to be "a specialized manufacturer of Multifiber optical connections that any company can rely on," and will support the development of the data center, optical communications, and CPO markets through Multifiber optical connection technologies, including MT Ferrule.