INLEAP Photonics is a Hanover-based DeepTech startup building laser-based drone defense: high-precision, ultra-fast laser beam steering that neutralizes a drone within seconds by targeting its weak points. Founded in 2023 as a spin-off from Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V., a center of optics and laser systems research, the company combines industrial-grade robustness with deep expertise in laser systems. Its FASTLIGHT SHIELD effector is eye-safe, so the same system can protect airports, energy facilities, and data centers as well as military sites. A second system, FASTLIGHT HELD, mounts the effector on an all-terrain unmanned ground vehicle for mobile counter-drone missions. INLEAP Photonics already works with the German Federal Ministry of Defence and the Bundeswehr Cyber Innovation Hub, and recently partnered with STARK Defence. Founded by Dr.-Ing. Marius Lammers (CEO) and Dr.-Ing. Felix Wellmann (CTO), INLEAP Photonics is built on the conviction that Europe must be able to protect its critical infrastructure and its forces with sovereign technology.