The annual SPIE Prism Awards have recognised pioneering advancements in photonics, with winners announced during a prestigious gala at SPIE Photonics West on 29 January. Marking its 17th year, the awards celebrated breakthroughs in fields including lasers, biomedical optics, quantum technology, sensors, and imaging.
Hosted by SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, the Prism Awards spotlight cutting-edge products that are shaping the industry. The ceremony also included the presentation of the SPIE Catalyst Award, recognising a for-profit company for a socially or environmentally focused initiative.
This year’s finalists and winners were selected by an international panel of judges comprising industry leaders, government representatives, academic researchers, and commercial executives. The judging panel spanned nine countries, reflecting the global impact of photonics innovation. Presenters at the ceremony included experts from leading institutions such as ETH Zurich, Imperial College London, and industry giants including Thorlabs and Edmund Optics.
SPIE CEO Kent Rochford praised the ingenuity of the award recipients, stating: “Each year, the SPIE Prism Awards showcase a comprehensive range of innovative products based on optics and photonics technology. By bringing these products to market, these companies – the finalists as well as the winners – offer us transformative technologies that will impact lives across the world.”
2025 SPIE Prism Award Winners:
- Biomedical: Norlase – LYNX
- Cameras and Imaging Systems: NIL Technology – metaEye™ Ultra-Compact Camera
- Lasers: Scantinel Photonics GmbH – Narrow Linewidth Hybrid-Integrated Laser
- Optical Materials and Components: Omega Optical – DeepUV™ Transmission Gratings
- Quantum Technology: Leonardo DRS (Daylight Solutions) – Stretto®
- Sensors: FlulDect GmbH – SpheroScan® Explorer
- Software: HyperSpectral Corp. – SpecAI
- Test and Measurement: Quartus Engineering Inc. – OptiQuiver
- Catalyst Award: SCHOTT AG – 100% Hydrogen Optical Glass Production
The SPIE Catalyst Award, now in its second year, highlights initiatives that generate significant positive impact either within the workplace, across society, or on the environment. SCHOTT AG received the accolade for its hydrogen-based optical glass production, reflecting the industry’s growing focus on sustainability.
The SPIE Prism Awards continue to highlight rapid advancements in photonics technology, with the winning products demonstrating how innovation in optics can drive transformative change across industries.
For more information, visit: www.photonicsprismaward.com.
