Photonics21, a leading European Technology Platform, has launched its 2025 Innovation Award, inviting aspiring innovators to submit their groundbreaking ideas in the field of photonics

This prestigious award is Open to individuals and teams with innovative product concepts or early-stage products that have the potential to revolutionise industries.

By participating, you could win a €5,000 cash prize and valuable entrepreneurial coaching to propel your idea to the next level.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Possess a unique product idea or a product in need of further development.
• Demonstrate the potential industrial application of their idea or product.
• Present an innovative solution that sets it apart from existing technologies.
• Submit their application in English.

To apply for the 2025 innovation award, participants must submit:

• A concise video (less than 2 minutes):
  • Showcasing the uniqueness of their idea and its value proposition for potential integrators and end-users.
• Or a written description
  • (Maximum 4 A4 pages, 12-point font) detailing the innovation, potential industry impact, and next steps towards commercialisation.

The deadline for submissions is March 10, 2025, at 23:59 GMT

The winning team will receive a €5,000 cash prize and valuable entrepreneurial coaching to help bring their innovative idea to market.

For more detailed information on eligibility criteria and submission guidelines, please visit the Photonics21 Innovation Award website.

Photonics21: Driving innovation and the ‘photon century’

Photonics21 is driving innovation and shaping the future of photonics. With a membership of over 3,800 leading industries and research institutions. Photonics21 unites the European photonics community to address global challenges and seize opportunities.

Through coordinating research and innovation priorities and providing input to the European research framework program Horizon Europe, Photonics21 plays a crucial role in shaping the future of photonics research and development.

The platform’s focus on fostering collaboration between industry and academia ensures that Europe remains a global leader in photonics technology.

As we enter the “photon century,” Photonics21 is committed to supporting visionary research and development activities, strengthening links between industry and academia, and fostering cooperation across Europe. By doing so, the platform aims to secure Europe’s position as a global leader in photonics and reap the economic and societal benefits of this transformative technology.

The impact of the 2025 innovation award

Previous winners of the Photonics21 Innovation Award have achieved significant milestones, including launching successful startups, securing investments, and commercialising their products. The award has proven to be a valuable platform for young innovators to gain recognition, connect with industry experts, and receive the support they need to succeed.

By participating in the Photonics21 Innovation Award, aspiring entrepreneurs and researchers have the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of photonics and make a lasting impact on society.

The power and future of Phonics: International advancement

Photonics, the science of light, has the potential to transform numerous industries, from healthcare and telecommunications to manufacturing and environmental science. By harnessing the power of light, researchers and innovators are developing groundbreaking technologies that can address global challenges and improve our quality of life. 

Research published by Photonics21 revealed tremendous growth in China’s photonics industry, with a global market share increasing from 10% to more than 30% over the past two decades – dwarfing both the US and Europe, each with 15% respective shares.

The research, called Political Steering Processes in China in Core Segments of the Photonics Industry, which was conducted by international management consultancy EAC reveals how China’s political system steers and funds the industry.

The new study shows despite China’s GDP growth gearing down from a rapid ~7% to a steadier ~4% over the next few years, photonics production in China is still expected to reach €315 billion in 2025.

Photonics21 President Dr. Lutz Aschke says, “The future of Europe’s innovation and industry rests on our ability to match China’s strategic advancements.”

Daniela Bartscher-Herold, Partner at EAC Munich and co-author of the EAC-study, said, “Rather than be left irreversibly behind, it would be advisable for Europe to significantly increase its funding to close this gap in critical technologies. Without substantial investment, the EU risks losing its competitive edge and relinquishing its leadership in this key industry.”