Celebrate Excellence: 2026 SPIE Prism Awards Open for Outstanding Photonics Products

BELLINGHAM, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 9, 2025--

Applications are now open for the 2026 SPIE Prism Awards. The awards, presented by SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, recognize the most innovative products on the market, across the growing range of optics and photonics applications. The annual industry event will celebrate its 18th anniversary on 21 January, during a gala evening at SPIE Photonics West.

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In 2026, award category areas will include biophotonics instruments, cameras and imaging systems, lasers, optical materials and components, quantum tech, sensors, test and measurement, and XR tech. And now in its third year, SPIE will showcase the SPIE Catalyst Award, recognizing for-profit companies with programs that expand workplace access and opportunity, strengthen community engagement and education, and drive environmental progress.

“Each year at SPIE Photonics West, the SPIE Prism Awards honor the most innovative and transformative optics and photonics technologies on the market,” said SPIE CEO Kent Rochford. “Bringing these products to market is already an accomplishment, one that we are always excited to celebrate. Now, I welcome companies with a new light-based product to showcase their team’s efforts: submit an application for consideration to the SPIE Prism Awards. I look forward to recognizing the finalists’ accomplishments.”

Last year’s Prism Award winners — across categories that included Biomedical, Lasers, Software, and Quantum Tech — were Norlase, NIL Technology, Scantinel Photonics GmbH, Omega Optical, Leonardo DRS (Daylight Solutions), FlulDect GmbH, HyperSpectral Corporation, Quartus Engineering, and Schott AG. Winners from previous years have included newly emerging companies or startups such as Double Helix Optics, PhotoniCare, Luminar, Blackmore, and WaveOptics, as well as more established industry giants like General Electric, IPG Photonics, Edmund Optics, and Leica.

The deadline for applications is 3 September. For more information, qualification requirements, and to submit your product for the Prism Awards, please visit our dedicated website pages.

About SPIE

SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, brings engineers, scientists, students, and business professionals together to advance light-based science and technology. The Society, founded in 1955, connects and engages with our global constituency through industry-leading conferences and exhibitions; publications of conference proceedings, books, and journals in the SPIE Digital Library; and career-building opportunities. Over the past five years, we have invested more than $25 million in the international optics community through our advocacy and support, including scholarships, educational resources, travel grants, endowed gifts, and public-policy development. www.spie.org.

SPIE is now welcoming submissions for its 2026 Prism Awards.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Mitch Marner had a goal and an assist in his 700th career game, Mark Stone tied the Golden Knights' record with a goal in his seventh straight game, and Vegas defeated the St. Louis Blues 4-2 on Saturday night for its third straight win.

Jack Eichel and Shea Theodore, who had been out since Dec. 13 because of an upper-body injury, also scored goals for the Golden Knights. Akira Schmid stopped 17 shots.

Robert Thomas had a goal and assist for the Blues, and Jake Neighbours scored the other goal on a power play. Jordan Binnington finished with 21 saves as St. Louis lost its third straight.

Stone kept his scoring streak alive with an empty-net goal with 2:24 left to tie the club record set by Max Pacioretty in 2021.

Blues defenseman Philip Broberg, who earlier in the day signed to a six-year, $48 million contract extension, suffered an upper-body injury just 1:35 into the game and did not return. He was hurt after Stone's check near the boards.

All three Golden Knights victories during this current streak occurred after the opponent took the early lead. Winnipeg and Columbus each took 2-0 leads and St. Louis was up 1-0. The Golden Knights improved to 9-8-7 in when their opponent scores first.

After Thomas gave the Blues their early lead 53 seconds into the first period, Vegas tied it at 7:34 when Marner put in his own rebound. Goals by Eichel and Theodore in the second period put the Golden Knights ahead 3-1.

This is Marner's first season with the Golden Knights after he was acquired in a sign-and-trade with Toronto on July 1. Teammate Keegan Kolesar, who has been with the Golden Knights all seven of his seasons, appeared in his 400th game.

Blues: Host Carolina on Tuesday.

Golden Knights: At San Jose on Sunday.

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mitch Marner (93) skates with the puck against St. Louis Blues defenseman Cam Fowler (17) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Candice Ward)

St. Louis Blues defenseman Philip Broberg is helped off the ice after being checked by Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Candice Ward)

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Reilly Smith jumps past St. Louis Blues center Oskar Sundqvist (70) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Candice Ward)