SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, has unveiled the finalists for its 2026 Prism Awards, recognising 24 products across eight categories that represent the latest commercial innovations in photonics technology.
The finalists, set to be honoured at a gala ceremony on 21 January during SPIE Photonics West in San Francisco, cover rapidly evolving fields including quantum technology, biophotonic instruments, lasers and advanced sensing systems. The awards programme, now in its 18th year, celebrates companies successfully bringing transformative photonics products from development to market.
This year's competition features a diverse mix of competitors, from emerging innovators like Momentum Optics and Phlux Technology to industry veterans including ams OSRAM, 4D Technology, and TOPTICA. Several previous SPIE Start-up Challenge participants have also earned finalist positions, including Ki3 Photonics Technologies and 2022 winners Vitrealab.
The finalist products demonstrate the breadth of photonics applications across multiple sectors:
Biophotonic instruments
- DoseOptics LLC, BeamSite – a real-time radiation beam visualisation system for accurate therapeutic delivery
- Helix Surgical, Rx – a femtosecond laser for performing capsulotomy in cataract surgery
- Ramona Optics, Vireo – A high-throughput live cell imaging system for cellular and tissue analysis
Cameras and imaging systems
- Cubert, ULTRIS XMR – A high-resolution hyperspectral camera
- HP, Z Captis – A professional-grade 3D scanning and capture system for digital content creation
- Metalenz, Polar ID – a compact polarisation-based imaging sensor
Lasers
- Cailabs, CANUNDA-USP PureBeam – An ultrashort pulse laser beam shaping system for precision material processing
- IPG Photonics, YLR-8000-SM – A high-power single-mode ytterbium fibre laser for industrial applications
- VALO Innovations, Hübner Photonics, VALO Tidal-75-1-1100 – A femtosecond fibre laser for precision sensing and metrology
Optical materials and components
- Momentum Optics, Momentum – an advanced optical component platform for next-generation photonic systems
- Seagate Technology, HAMR Hard Drive – Heat-assisted magnetic recording technology using integrated laser optics for ultra-high-density data storage
- Silanna Semiconductor, Firepower SL2001 Laser Firing System – High-speed laser driver system for lidar and sensing applications
Quantum tech
- CPI TMD Technologies, gMOT – Compact magneto-optical trap for cold atom quantum applications
- Ki3 Photonics Technologies, Ki3 PHASE.FIX – a phase-stabilization system for fibre-based interferometers in quantum photonic circuits
- TOPTICA Photonics, TOPTICLOCK – an ultra-stable laser frequency lock system for quantum computing and atomic physics
Sensors
- ams OSRAM, TMF8829 – a multi-zone time-of-flight proximity sensor for spatial awareness
- NAMUGA and Lumotive, Stella-2 – a solid-state beam-steering lidar sensor for autonomous systems
- Phlux Technology, Aura Noiseless InGaAs APD – a low-noise indium-gallium-arsenide avalanche photodiode for near-infrared (NIR) detection
Test and measurement
- 4D Technology, 4D InSpec SR – a handheld, non-contact 3D gauge for measuring surface defects like pits, scratches, and dents
- Gamma Scientific, 191 AR Coating Reflectance Measurement System – Precision spectrophotometer for anti-reflective coating characterisation
- PI (Physik Instrumente), PINovAlign42 – Automated sub-micron photonic alignment system
XR Tech
- Eulitha, PhableS – a step-and-repeat lithography tool for wafer sizes of 300mm and beyond
- LightTrans International, VirtualLab Fusion – Optical design software for modeling complex photonic systems in extended reality
- Vitrealab, Quantum Light Chip – a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) that enables the control of laser light on the micro-scale
For the third consecutive year, SPIE will present its Catalyst Award, recognising companies with programmes demonstrating significant positive social or environmental impact. This year's finalists are Cerca Magnetics, nominated for its Quantum OPM-MEG autism programme, and PicoQuant GmbH for its workforce development initiative.
"The Prism Awards ceremony is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the impact that optics and photonics technologies have on our lives," said SPIE CEO Kent Rochford. "For SPIE, it's an honour to recognise the scientists, engineers, and companies who are working so hard to bring these products to market."
Winners in each category will be announced at the awards ceremony during Photonics West. Additional information about the finalists and awards programme is available on the SPIE website.
