Now in its fourth year, The Photonics100 returns to celebrate the scientists, engineers, and innovators making the biggest impact in photonics today. Our list, published by our sister website Electro Optics, will shine a light on 100 individuals whose work is shaping the future of our industry – from fundamental research to cutting-edge product development.
Thanks to your involvement, The Photonics100 has become a powerful platform for recognising excellence in photonics. Previous editions have sparked global engagement, with inspiring nominations from industry and academia alike. We’ve seen the community come together to highlight both high-profile leaders and unsung heroes making a real difference in the field. In the past year, we have held events for alumni in Manchester, England; and at Photonics West in San Francisco. Plans are already in development for a further event at the forthcoming Laser World of Photonics in Munich, Germany, this June. The team will be there at Stand 250, Hall B3 - come along and say hello!
So, who will make the 2026 list?
We’re looking once again for R&D powerhouses, rising stars, and visionary leaders – those who have driven forward photonics innovation in the past 12 months and helped their organisations stay at the forefront of progress. These are the people solving real-world problems with light-based technologies, from quantum and sensing to optical communications, imaging, and beyond.
How to nominate
It couldn’t be simpler. Just click here or on the button above and complete the short nomination form before 30 June, 2025, explaining who you’d like to nominate and why.
You can nominate colleagues, clients, collaborators – or even yourself. There’s no limit to the number of entries you can submit, as long as each one is completed separately.
Categories for 2026
- Photonics vendors: Suppliers and integrators of optics, lasers, sensors, and imaging technologies
- OEMs using photonics: Companies applying photonics in verticals like healthcare, defence, automotive, and more
- Start-ups: Innovative young companies (under five years old) driving photonics forward
- Academia/research: Scientists advancing photonics technologies or using photonics to power new research directions
The Photonics100 is focused on those working on the technical side of innovation – the thinkers, makers, and doers bringing photonics breakthroughs to life. We plan to publish the 2026 list later in the autumn with the support of our principal partner, Chroma Technology, and supporting partner, Edmund Optics.
We need your help to find them. Get involved and help us spotlight the people redefining the possibilities of light.
