Introduction

In an exciting announcement, Electro Optics has unveiled its highly anticipated Photonics100 list for 2025, spotlighting trailblazers in the photonics sector. This year, the list prominently features innovators from the fibre systems and optical communications domains, underscoring the vital role these technologies play in today’s evolving landscape.

Mark Elliott's Statement

Mark Elliott, Chief Operating Officer of Europa Science—publisher of Electro Optics—expressed his enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, "The Photonics100 celebrates the people that drive the photonics industry forward—the innovators, the boundary-pushers, the disruptors, and the creative thinkers. This year, we have transformed our content to recognize the often unsung heroes at the forefront of our industry—CTOs, R&D leaders, senior engineers, entrepreneurs, and more."

Noteworthy Figures

Noteworthy figures included in this year's Photonics100 are:

- Prince Anandarajah, Associate Professor and Director of the Photonics Systems and Sensing Lab (PSSL) at Dublin City University

- Seb Savory, a distinguished Professor of Optical Fibre Communication at the University of Cambridge

- George Zervas, a leading researcher in Optical Networked Systems at University College London

- Jonas Geyer, who serves as Director of Engineering (DSP) at Acacia Communications, now a part of Cisco.

Categories of Nominations

The nominations for the Photonics100 came from four primary categories:

1. **Photonics Vendors**: Suppliers and integrators of photonics components and systems, including optics, lasers, sensors, and various imaging technologies.

2. **Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)**: Companies using photonics as foundational technology in diverse industries, such as life sciences, defense, and aerospace.

3. **Start-ups**: Innovative companies under five years old operating as photonics vendors or OEMs.

4. **Academia/Research**: Institutions and individuals involved in photonics research or applying photonic technology in other scientific fields.

Elliott's Closing Thoughts

Elliott noted the diversity of nominations from around the globe, highlighting the intense discussions that led to the final selection. "This is a hard-fought list to make, and congratulations are in order for this year’s honorees. We aim to provide a compelling snapshot of both widely recognized figures and emerging talents," he said.

Print Edition Release

The print edition of the prestigious 2025 Photonics100 list will hit stands at the end of November, offering readers further insights into the world of photonics innovation.

Conclusion

As the industry continues to innovate at a rapid pace, the Photonics100 serves as a beacon of inspiration. The anticipation surrounding this year's list promises to ignite discussions and celebrate groundbreaking advancements that will shape the future of photonics.