Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about the Photonics Innovation Award 2027. Learn who can apply, what types of photonics projects are eligible, how the application process works, how entries are judged, and what the winner receives.

What is the Photonics Innovation Award 2027?

The Photonics Innovation Award 2027 recognizes early-stage ideas that demonstrate originality, potential impact, and forward-looking use of photonics. Organized by Hamamatsu Photonics, the award spotlights emerging photonics concepts and gives shortlisted participants visibility across the global photonics community.

What kind of projects are eligible?

Eligible submissions should involve photonics and may include applications in emerging or unexplored areas, concepts that introduce new fields or use cases, technical approaches that advance or challenge existing photonics methods, or creative ideas that explore unconventional directions and potential impact.

What should I include in my application?

Your application should include a project summary, a description of the idea, the relevant photonics elements or technologies involved, what makes the idea innovative, impact or business potential and the feasibility of the concept. Optional supporting files such as PDFs, images, or diagrams may also be included where relevant.

How do I apply?

Applicants can submit their entries through the online registration form. To prepare, applicants should review the application template and gather the required project details, including the project summary, idea description, photonics technologies involved, innovation statement, and feasibility information.

Can a private person apply?

No. Applicants must be a legal entity to apply for the Photonics Innovation Award 2027. Private individuals cannot apply.

Can I apply outside of Europe, the Middle East and Africa?

No. Applications are only open to legal entities based in the EMEA region.

Can I submit multiple ideas?

No. Each applicant may submit one idea only.

What happens after I submit my application?

All submissions follow a transparent three-step evaluation process. First, the jury reviews all applications and selects a shortlist based on the judging criteria. Shortlisted applicants are then invited to present their idea and answer questions. After this stage, one winner is selected.

When will I receive feedback?

After the jury has reviewed all submissions, each applicant will be informed about the outcome of their application.

What are the Photonics Innovation Award judging criteria?

Projects are evaluated on innovation, feasibility, and impact. Innovation considers the originality of the idea and how it explores new directions in photonics. Feasibility considers the technical soundness of the concept and its potential for further development. Impact considers the value the idea could bring to science, technology, or future applications.

How are winners selected?

The jury selects the winner through the evaluation process, using the criteria of innovation, feasibility, and impact. Finalists may be invited to present their idea and answer questions before the final selection is made.

When is the submission deadline?

The Photonics Innovation Award submission deadline is April 16, 2027.

What does the Photonics Innovation Award winner receive?

The winner receives a €25,000 prize, promotional support and communication visibility across Hamamatsu channels, dedicated exposure at Laser World of Photonics 2027, and the opportunity to explore potential pathways for further use of Hamamatsu’s Pilot Line, our module manufacturing service.

Will I receive the potential prize money in cash or in a different way, such as Hamamatsu credit?

The winner will receive the full prize amount via bank transfer.

When will the Photonics Innovation Award winner be announced?

The winner announcement is scheduled for June 22–25, 2027, during Laser World of Photonics 2027.

Can startups and academic researchers apply?

Yes. Startups, academic teams, research groups, and researchers can apply, provided the application is submitted by an eligible legal entity based in the EMEA region, such as a company, university, institute, or other registered organization.

Do I need a completed product to enter?

No. The Photonics Innovation Award is designed to support early-stage innovators and welcomes original ideas, concepts, and exploratory projects involving photonics. Applicants should be able to explain the idea, the relevant photonics elements, and the feasibility of the concept.

Still have questions?

Don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us here: marcom@hamamatsu.eu

For more information, please contact us.