WASHINGTON, DC, USA – July 2026 – Optica is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Optica i4 Prize , recognizing Michael Hurlston , President and CEO of Lumentum, with the Individual Achievement Prize , and TRUMPF with the Corporate Achievement Prize .
The i4 Prize recognizes exceptional leadership and contributions that embody Optica's core values of Innovation, Integrity, Inclusion, and Impact . It honors individuals and organizations whose achievements have made a lasting impact on the global optics and photonics industry through technological excellence, visionary leadership and a commitment to advancing the field.
This year, the i4 Prize received more than 30 nominations from leaders across the global optics and photonics community. Following a rigorous review process, the recipients were 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.
Individual Achievement Prize: Michael Hurlston
Since becoming President and CEO of Lumentum in February 2025, Michael Hurlston has led the company through a period of remarkable growth and momentum. Under his leadership, Lumentum has strengthened its position as a leading top provider of optical and photonic technologies serving communications networks, cloud infrastructure and the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence ecosystem.
Hurlston’s impact has also been reflected in the company's performance. Since assuming the role of CEO, Lumentum has experienced exceptional market growth, reflecting strong confidence in the company's strategy, execution and long-term vision. Through his leadership, Hurlston has helped position Lumentum at the center of one of the most significant technological transformations of our time while contributing to the growth and visibility of the global photonics industry.
"Michael Hurlston embodies the values that the Optica i4 Prize was created to recognize," said Jose Pozo, Chief Technology Officer at Optica. "He has successfully combined technological vision with business leadership, helping drive innovation while creating value for customers, employees, shareholders and the broader photonics community."
Corporate Achievement Prize: TRUMPF
For more than a century, TRUMPF has been at the forefront of industrial innovation and is recognized worldwide as a leading provider 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 modern manufacturing while enabling advances across industries including automotive, aerospace, healthcare and microelectronics.
The company has played a pivotal role in establishing photonics as a key enabling technology for the global economy through its sustained commitment to research, technological excellence and long-term investment. As photonics continues to drive advances in artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, communications, healthcare and semiconductor production, TRUMPF continues to set the standard for innovation and industrial leadership.
"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."
Award Ceremony
The i4 Prize will be presented during the Global Photonics Economic Forum (GPEF) 2026 , taking place in Málaga, Spain, on 24 September 2026 , during a ceremony attended by leaders from across the global photonics industry.
The ceremony will be hosted by Caroline Boudoux , Chair of the Optica Awards Council. Michael Hurlston will receive the Individual Achievement Prize from Francisco de la Torre , Mayor of Málaga, while the Corporate Achievement Prize will be presented by Gisele Bennett , President of Optica, and accepted on behalf of TRUMPF by Hagen Zimer , Chief Executive Officer for Laser Technology and Member of the Managing Board at TRUMPF.
About the Optica i4 Prize
The Optica i4 Prize is an annual recognition celebrating individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the global optics and photonics industry. The Prize reflects Optica's commitment to promoting Innovation, Integrity, Inclusion, and Impact throughout the global photonics community.
The i4 Prize is presented in two categories:
Previous Recipients
2025
2024
Learn more about the Optica i4 Prize at www.optica.org/industry/i4_prize/