The Optica Foundation recognizes ten early-career professionals with exceptional ideas to leverage optics and photonics and address global challenges. These individuals drive new, impactful scientific discoveries with the potential to transform our world. We consider proposals for problem-solving solutions resulting from basic research and development or enhancements of photonics-based technology in three categories: Environment, Health and Information.

Winners each receive US$100,000 prizes to support addressing the challenge over one to two years. These prizes provide seed money for ideas that may be difficult to fund from other sources.

Application Information

How to Apply

Visit apply.optica.org

Important Dates

Opens 25 March 2024
Closes 21 May 2024

Applicant Requirements

1. Optica members who identify as early-career professionals are welcome to submit proposals as lead investigators. Member type should be “early-career professional” or “individual.”
2. Applicants must be within 5 – 7 years of completing their highest degree and/or within the first three years of their faculty career.*
3. Applicants must show support from their employer to participate in the program. Employers need to approve the proposed time and resources required from their employees.
   • University, non-governmental agencies and research institutions must agree to no more than 10% overhead.
   • Corporate employers and governmental agencies must agree to no assessment of overhead.
4. Have a self-directed research position; title of any rank of professor, research scientist, postdoc or equivalent.

*Program requirements recognize and exclude breaks from career timelines (e.g., eldercare; maternity or paternity leave; inability to work due to Covid-19 and lab closures; long-term illness).

Application Requirements

1. Name of Challenge Project   
2. Applicant name, institution and contact information
3. Applicant CV or resume - no more than four (4) pages
4. One-page executive summary highlighting the challenge, proposed project and intended outcomes
5. Proposal - no more than five (5) pages
   • Literature Review
   • Problem Statement/Objectives
   • Outline of tasks/Work Plan
   • Outcome(s)
   • Impact
   • References do not count toward the five pages for the 2024 application process.
6. Outline of tasks/work plan with 3-5 aims identified over a 12-24 month period. You must use the timeline template.
7. Budget reflecting anticipated expenses and other sources of funding. You must use the budget template.    
8. Institutional Agreement Letter - Letter to inform the selection committee that the applicant's employer is aware of and supports the submitted proposal. The letter contains a high-level overview of expectations on behalf of the applicant and their employer should the proposal be accepted as one of the 10 to receive the US $100K funding, including approved overhead levels to be assessed. You must use the institutional letter template on your organization’s official letterhead. 
9. Digitally sign the "Participation Agreement" via the application portal, signifying that if chosen as a recipient of a Challenge Award, you will:
   • Agree to make your application and concepts open and available for being highlighted in promotions and awareness of the challenge winners and project.
   • Participate in at least two review meetings with the Challenge Committee to provide updates on progress and receive advice/guidance (the program will pay travel and lodging expenses).
   • Be willing to share progress and results in Optica-organized symposiums.
   • Submit results/progress for publication in Optica open-access journals (the program will cover publishing fees if a manuscript is accepted).

If you have questions, please email apply@optica.org.