Do you have an idea you’ve been developing — or a product in need of further refinement — with the potential to make a real-world impact and transform industries? If so, this is your moment. Apply for the Photonics21 Innovation Award 2026 or encourage your talented colleagues to take the leap!
The award is open to PhD students, master’s students, young entrepreneurs, and makers who have an innovative photonics idea that could grow into a thriving business or groundbreaking product.
Exciting Prizes Await:
1st Place:
- €5,000 cash prize
- Entrepreneurial skills training by PhotonHub Europe
- Access to venture capitalists
2nd and 3rd Place:
- Entrepreneurial skills training by PhotonHub Europe
Key Dates
- Application deadline: 2 April 2026
- Prize ceremony: 9 June 2026 (During the Photonics Partnership Annual Meeting, Brussels)
Ready to make a difference in photonics innovation?
Submit your application by 2 April 2026 via the contest website: https://www.photonics21.org/contest-2026/innovation-award.php
Don’t miss your chance to turn your photonics innovation into reality!
The Photonics21 Innovation Award 2026 is kindly sponsored by SPIE Europe and Hamamatsu
