On the evening of January 31st, SPIE recognized the most innovative new optics and photonics products with the industry-focused Prism Awards. The gala night, held during Photonics West, also marked the awards’ 16th anniversary.

Each year, the SPIE Prism Awards reflect the rapidly growing trajectory of photonics products and photonics-enabled solutions. This year, the annual ceremony honored a range of established and emerging companies applying groundbreaking and creative solutions to critical problems in areas such as augmented and virtual reality, sensors, lasers, quantum technology, and biomedical optics solutions.

The 2024 SPIE Prism Award winners in their respective categories are:

• AR VR MR: Porotech, DPT (DynamicPixelTuning)
• Autonomy: Anello Photonics, SiPhOG (Silicon Photonics Optical Gyroscope)
• Biomedical: JenLab GmbH, MPTcompact: Multiphoton Tomograph with Femtosecond Fiber Laser
• Cameras and Imaging: Thorlabs, Inc., Prelude Functional Imaging Microscope
• Lasers: Ekspla, FemtoLux 30
• Quantum Tech: Qunnect, QU-APC: Auto Polarization Compensator
• Sensors: Scantinel Photonics GmbH, Scantinel X-One
• Software: Frenel Imaging, TPiCore
• Test and Measurement: Persistence Data Mining, Inc., Soilytics

This year, in addition to the regular slate of application-focused awards, the society was showcasing the inaugural SPIE Catalyst Award. This new recognition honors for-profit companies with specific social or environmentally focused programs that have had significant positive impact, either within their workplace, on society at large, or on the environment. The winner of the first-ever SPIE Catalyst Award is Intel with their innovative and inclusive semiconductor workforce development programs: Quick Start, the semiconductor-technician-training program, and the Returnships career-returning program.

A day before, Traqc was announced the winner of the 10,000-dollar top prize at the 14th annual SPIE Startup Challenge. Their real-time inspection solution for the printed electronics industry utilizes THz radiation and metamaterial technology to ensure quality while reducing waste.

ClearVision, with a non-invasive alternative to permanent vision-correction surgeries based on corneal sculpting with femtosecond laser technology, received 5,000 dollars for second place. UriMetrics came in third, winning 2,500 dollars, with their lens-free imaging solution for reducing the incidence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). All cash prizes are provided by SPIE Startup Challenge founding partner Jenoptik.

The annual SPIE Startup Challenge showcases new businesses, products, and technologies that address critical needs by utilizing photonics in the areas of healthcare and deep tech. This year’s six finalists included innovations in medical applications, industry supply-chain solutions, and optical manufacturing.

Further reading: The Magnificent Six – Contenders nominated for the annual pitch competition final, held at SPIE Photonics West, wileyindustrynews.com, 19 January 2024