BELLINGHAM, WASH. -- Applications are now open for the 2026 SPIE Prism Awards. The awards, presented by SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, recognize the most innovative products on the market, across the growing range of optics and photonics applications. The annual industry event will celebrate its 18th anniversary on 21 January, during a gala evening at SPIE Photonics West.

In 2026, award category areas will include biophotonics instruments, cameras and imaging systems, lasers, optical materials and components, quantum tech, sensors, test and measurement, and XR tech. And now in its third year, SPIE will showcase the SPIE Catalyst Award, recognizing for-profit companies with programs that expand workplace access and opportunity, strengthen community engagement and education, and drive environmental progress.

“Each year at SPIE Photonics West, the SPIE Prism Awards honor the most innovative and transformative optics and photonics technologies on the market,” said SPIE CEO Kent Rochford. “Bringing these products to market is already an accomplishment, one that we are always excited to celebrate. Now, I welcome companies with a new light-based product to showcase their team’s efforts: submit an application for consideration to the SPIE Prism Awards. I look forward to recognizing the finalists’ accomplishments.”

Last year’s Prism Award winners — across categories that included Biomedical, Lasers, Software, and Quantum Tech — were Norlase, NIL Technology, Scantinel Photonics GmbH, Omega Optical, Leonardo DRS (Daylight Solutions), FlulDect GmbH, HyperSpectral Corporation, Quartus Engineering, and Schott AG. Winners from previous years have included newly emerging companies or startups such as Double Helix Optics, PhotoniCare, Luminar, Blackmore, and WaveOptics, as well as more established industry giants like General Electric, IPG Photonics, Edmund Optics, and Leica.

The deadline for applications is 3 September.