The Innovation Award addresses laser manufacturers, laser users and researchers, who have successfully conceived and implemented an innovative idea relating to laser technology, following the project through from application oriented research to ultimate industrial application. The closed scientific and technological projects in question must center on the use of laser light in materials processing and the methods of producing such light, and must furthermore be in their practical implementation of demonstrable commercial value to industry.
The award can be conferred on an individual researcher or on an entire project group. Eligible are only applicants working in industry or at universities or independent research centers established in Europe. The range of possible fields extends from the development of new laser beam sources and systems for use in laser materials processing to the qualification of innovative laser manufacturing processes for use in an industrial production environment.
The best three applicants will be awarded with the first, second and third prize. The prize-winner will receive furthermore the sum of 10,000 euros and be awarded the title of "AKL fellow" and "ELI fellow".
The official presentation of the award will take place at the International Laser Technology Congress AKL´22 (www.lasercongress.org) on May 4, 2022 in Aachen.
Closingdate for applications is January 17, 2022; the application can only be submitted online. Application instructions andinformation for online-submission can be downloaded at www.innovation-award-laser.org.
