Excellence in Optical Technologies Awards 2027

Ever since its inception, the IOTA has recognised excellence and innovation through its prestigious awards programme. Originally established as the Excellence in Holography Awards, the programme was expanded in 2025 and relaunched as the IOTA Excellence in Optical Technologies Awards, reflecting the wider evolution of the industry beyond holography to encompass the full spectrum of optical security and authentication technologies.

Sponsored by the industry newsletter Holography & Optical Technology News™ these awards are presented during the annual industry event  – Optical & Digital Document Security™ Conference –  for optical products or techniques introduced over the previous year which represent the best in the industry for innovation and commercial potential. As such, they recognise outstanding achievement and mark out those at the forefront of the sector.

Who can participate?

Entries are open to IOTA members, as well as companies, organisations and individuals worldwide working in the optical security, authentication, brand protection, packaging, document security and decorative sectors.

• Maximum of two nominations per organisation in each category.
• The same nomination may be submitted in multiple categories where appropriate.
• Entries must relate to projects, innovations or deployments implemented between 1 September 2025 and 31 October 2026
• Only OVDs first produced commercially or processes or techniques developed after 1 September 2025 are eligible for the 2027 Awards.
• Nominations may be submitted by third parties, provided sufficient details of the product owner, user or producer are included.

Independent Judging Process

The nomination and evaluation process is overseen by an independent third-party administrator to ensure transparency, fairness and impartiality. The judging panel comprises representatives from the Board of Directors of IOTA, Reconnaissance International, the conference organiser and the publishers of Holography & Optical Technology News.

Award Presentation

The winners will be announced and honoured during the IOTA Excellence in Optical Technologies Awards Ceremony, held on the evening of the first day of the Optical & Digital Document Security™ (ODDS) Conference, taking place in Berlin, Germany, from 25–27 January 2027.

Industry Recognition

Award winners will receive:

• International industry recognition
• Presentation of the official IOTA Excellence in Optical Technologies Award trophy
• Coverage in Holography & Optical Technology News™
• Promotion through IOTA, Reconnaissance International and associated global media platforms
• Recognition amongst leading government, central bank, security printing, authentication and brand protection professionals

Important Dates

• Opening of Entries: 1st Week of September 
• Deadline for Nominations: 30 November 2026
• Awards Ceremony: 25 January 2027, Berlin, Germany

View previous winners: iot-association.org/all-awards