The winner of the € 10,000 Innovation Award Laser Technology 2024 is Edwin Büchter, co-founder, mentor, and managing director of cleansort GmbH in Rösrath, Germany. The award was presented by the associations Arbeitskreis Lasertechnik e.V. and the European Laser Institute ELI e.V. on April 17, 2024 in the Coronation Hall of Aachen‘s Town Hall. Mr Büchter and his team took the first place in the open competition with the innovation "Laser-based sorting system for resource-saving recycling of recyclable materials". The ten-member international jury selected three outstanding finalists from the numerous applications received. Around 350 guests attended the award ceremony in a historic setting.

The Innovation Award Laser Technology is presented every two years to laser manufacturers and users as well as researchers and developers who have successfully brought a laser technology innovation from application-oriented research to industrial implementation. The award is presented by the Arbeitskreis Lasertechnik AKL e.V., a network of around 200 laser experts, and the European Laser Institute ELI e.V., a platform that pools expertise and knowledge about optical technologies. 

In his keynote speech, Dr. Peter Leibinger, chairman of the supervisory board of Leibinger SE, focused on the fascination and limitless possibilities of laser technology, but above all on the innovative strength of German photonics research and industry. His speech was a successful introduction to the upcoming award ceremony and created an exciting and expectant atmosphere. The award ceremony itself was hosted by journalist, television presenter and graduate physicist Kristina zur Mühlen.

These 2024 finalists were awarded:
1st place Cleansort GmbH, Edwin Büchter, for laser-based sorting systems for resource-saving recycling of recyclable materials,
2nd place Audi AG, Dr.-Ing. Jan-Philipp Weberpals, for their holistic approach for laser beam welding for cell contacting of battery modules with highest quality, and
3rd place Cailabs, Gwenn Pallier, for their CANUNDA concept to upscale laser processing with beam-shaping.
 
The 2024 jury consisted of Dr. Lutz Aschke (Photonics System Group, Krailing, D), Dr. Pavel Bakule (ELI Beamlines Facility, Dolní Břežany, CZE), Dr. Guido Bonati (Fisba AG, St. Gallen, CH), Dr. Stefan Hengesbach (Quix Quantum, Enschede, NL), Dr. Willem Hoving (Photonics Consultancy, Geldrop, NL), Dr. Alexander Knitsch (Trumpf Laser- und Systemtechnik GmbH, Ditzingen, D), Eric Mottay (h-nu, Begles, F), Prof. Juan M. Pou Saracho (Universitade de Vigo, Vigo, ES), Dr. José Antonio Ramos de Campos (Lasea, Seraing, BEL) and Pablo M. Romero (AIMEN, O Porriño, ES). Dr. Markus Kogel-Hollacher (Arbeitskreis Lasertechnik e.V.) and Prof. Dr. Stefan Kaierle (European Laser Institute e.V.) were responsible for the organization.