In the supporting measures “Photonic Processes and Tools for Resource-Efficient Lightweight Construction“ within the framework of the program “Photonics Research Germany“, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is aiming at overcoming existing constraints regarding the wide use of lightweight materials in serial production. Within the frame of this initiative nine co-operative projects under industrial leadership are working on innovative solutions for the laser based processing of lightweight materials, comprising metals and fiber reinforced composites.