Editorial: A New Chapter of Optical Excellence

This September in Warsaw, the International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA) unveiled another milestone – organising the first ‘Excellence in Optical Technologies Awards’. Now, almost 30 years on, the wheel has turned once more with a broader optical lens.

For three decades, the Excellence in Holography Awards (EHA), established by IOTA’s forerunner the IHMA (International Hologram Manufacturers Association) in 1994, had set the standard for recognising breakthrough ideas. The inaugural awards, which evolved this year from the long- standing EHA, are not simply a continuation; they represent a reinvention for a new generation, acknowledging the expanding spectrum of optical security technologies.

What’s the difference?

The inaugural edition demonstrated both continuity and reinvention. Familiar pioneers shared the stage with emerging disruptors. The field was fiercely competitive, underscoring just how vital and energetic this industry has become.