The Photonics Frontiers Award 2026 continues to reinforce its focus on real-world impact and technical excellence with the appointment of Ratna Reddy Chada as a new judge, alongside the return of respected industry figure John Lincoln.
Together, they bring deep, complementary perspectives spanning advanced optical engineering, manufacturing scale-up, market strategy, and industry leadership—ensuring that entries are assessed not only on innovation, but on credibility, execution, and application.
Ratna Reddy Chada is a Senior Component and Advanced Technology Engineer at Cisco Systems (Acacia Communications) and a recognised authority in optical component reliability and manufacturing. With more than 15 years’ experience at the intersection of photonics and semiconductor engineering, Ratna has played a pivotal role in the launch and mass deployment of industry-defining coherent optical products, including AC1200, 400G ZR, and 800G ZR modules now underpinning hyperscale and AI-driven infrastructure.
A prolific innovator and U.S. patent holder, Ratna brings a rare combination of deep technical understanding and operational rigour. His work spans optical transceiver design, failure analysis, and global supply-chain qualification, applying automotive-grade quality standards to next-generation photonics. Having led cross-continental engineering teams and enabled the shipment of hundreds of thousands of high-speed optical ports worldwide, Ratna is uniquely placed to assess both the novelty and scalability of emerging photonic technologies. He will judge the 'Optical communications and data transfer' category.
Returning to the judging panel is John Lincoln, Chief Executive of the Photonics Leadership Group and one of the UK’s most respected voices in the sector. A familiar presence across photonics conferences and industry forums, John brings decades of experience spanning business development, innovation support, and strategic market assessment. He was also recognised in the inaugural Photonics100 in 2023.
Known for his clear-eyed view of industry transformation, John has consistently highlighted the disruptive impact of integration in photonics—and the importance of moving decisively as technologies mature. He will judge the 'Sensing and measurement applications' category.
The addition of Ratna and the return of John underline the Photonics Frontiers Award’s commitment to rigorous, informed evaluation by judges who understand both the science and the stakes.
Entries are now open.The award is open to integrators, OEMs, academic institutions, and end users working on active photonics projects. Submissions close on 30 January 2026.
