TRUMPF has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Optica i4 Corporate Achievement Prize.
The Optica i4 Prize recognizes individuals and organizations whose achievements reflect Optica's core values of Innovation, Integrity, Inclusion, and Impact. The award honors leaders who have made lasting contributions to the optics and photonics industry through technological excellence, business leadership, and commitment to advancing the field.
This year, the Optica i4 Prize received more than 30 nominations from leaders across the global optics and photonics community. Following a rigorous review process, TRUMPF was selected by the 2026 Optica i4 Prize Jury, composed of members of the Optica Corporate Engagement Council: Reinhard Voelkel (Chair), Michael Lebby (Past Chair), Aleksandra Boskovic, Simon Schwinger, Joseph Spilman, and Natarajan Subrahmanyan.
For more than a century, TRUMPF has been at the forefront of industrial innovation. Today, the company is recognized as one of the world's leading providers of machine tools, laser technology, electronics, and Industry 4.0 solutions. Through its pioneering work in industrial lasers, semiconductor manufacturing technologies, and smart factory solutions, TRUMPF has helped shape the modern manufacturing landscape and enabled advances across industries ranging from automotive and aerospace to healthcare and microelectronics.
TRUMPF is widely recognized as a pioneer in industrial laser technology. Its innovations have transformed precision manufacturing, while its laser systems and photonics technologies play a critical role in the production of semiconductors, advanced electronics, and next-generation industrial systems. The company's commitment to research, technological excellence, and long-term investment has strengthened the position of photonics as a key enabling technology for the global economy.
"TRUMPF exemplifies the values that the Optica i4 Prize was created to recognize," said Jose Pozo, Chief Technology Officer at Optica. "For decades, the company has combined technological innovation with visionary leadership, creating transformative solutions that have advanced manufacturing, strengthened the global photonics ecosystem, and generated lasting impact across industries."
The award will be presented during the Global Photonics Economic Forum (GPEF) 2026, which will take place in Málaga, Spain, on 24 September 2026.
The ceremony will be hosted by Caroline Boudoux, Chair of the Optica Awards Council. The Optica i4 Corporate Achievement Prize will be presented by Gisele Bennett, President of Optica, during a ceremony attended by leaders from across the global optics and photonics industry.
The award will be accepted on behalf of TRUMPF by Hagen Zimer, Chief Executive Officer for Laser Technology and Member of the Managing Board at TRUMPF, representing the company in recognition of its outstanding contributions to the global optics and photonics industry.
As photonics continues to play an increasingly important role in artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, communications, healthcare, and semiconductor production, TRUMPF's continued commitment to innovation and industrial leadership serves as a model for the industry and helps drive the future growth of photonics worldwide.
About the Optica i4 Prize
The Optica i4 Prize is an annual recognition that celebrates individuals and companies that have made outstanding contributions to the global optics and photonics industry.
Awards are presented in two categories:
Individual Achievement – Recognizing a leader who has made a significant impact on the industry.
Corporate Achievement – Honoring a company that has advanced the optics and photonics industry through innovation, leadership, and business success.
The prize reflects Optica's commitment to promoting Innovation, Integrity, Inclusion, and Impact across the global photonics community.
Previous Recipients
2025
Individual Achievement: John T. C. Lee, President and CEO of MKS
Corporate Achievement: Corning, represented by Claudio Mazzali, Head of Global Research2024
Individual Achievement: Chuck Mattera, former CEO of Coherent
Corporate Achievement: imec, represented by Luc Van den Hove, CEO
