Celebrating Innovation: The 46th Honda Prize Award Goes to Dr. Kenichi Iga for VCSEL Development
On November 17, 2025, the Honda Foundation celebrated innovation and scientific achievement during the 46th Honda Prize Award Ceremony held at the esteemed Imperial Hotel in Tokyo. This annual event recognizes individuals or groups who significantly contribute to advancements that align with the creation of a 'truly humane civilization'. This year, the foundation bestowed its prestigious honors upon Dr. Kenichi Iga, an honorary professor at the Institute of Science Tokyo and former president of the Tokyo Institute of Technology. Dr. Iga received the award for his pioneering work in the conception and development of the Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL).
During the opening remarks, Hiroto Ishida, President of the Honda Foundation, elaborated on the profound impact of Dr. Iga’s innovation on modern society. The introduction of VCSEL technology has transformed various sectors, notably high-speed data transmission and facial recognition functionalities found in smartphones. Ishida stated, 'Dr. Iga's efforts to bring this revolutionary technology from concept to close integration within daily life embody the true spirit of the Honda Prize.' This sentiment resonates deeply, especially as VCSEL has become an integral element in the advancement of communication technology.
Following the presentation of the award, Dr. Iga delivered a commemorative lecture entitled 'Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL) Born Small and Grown Big – From Smartphones to Huge Data Centers.' In this insightful lecture, he shared the journey of his academic and professional life, starting from his childhood in Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture. He recounted how his fascination with electronics sparked when he built his first radio, an endeavor that ignited his passion for innovation and research.
Dr. Iga reminisced about his formative years and the critical support he received through scholarships provided by the SAKKOKAI Foundation, established by Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa to foster young researchers in the field. This support was fundamental in his pursuit of knowledge and research, ultimately leading to his groundbreaking work with the VCSEL.
The Honda Prize, which was founded in 1980, was created with a vision to reward research that has a significant societal impact. It emphasizes ecotechnology—an approach that harmonizes scientific development with the ecological and social environments, promoting sustainable solutions. The Honda Prize has since garnered recognition as a leading international award in science and technology, illuminating the accomplishments of researchers worldwide.
Dr. Iga’s contributions through the development of VCSEL technology exemplify the kind of transformative work the Honda Prize seeks to honor. As technology continues to evolve, the applications of VCSELs have burgeoned, influencing everything from consumer electronics to large-scale data centers, thereby enhancing the efficiency and capacity of modern communication systems.
With this year’s ceremony, the Honda Foundation continues its legacy of celebrating groundbreaking achievements that resonate with the values envisioned by its founder, Soichiro Honda. As we reflect on the award winners and their respective contributions, it is clear that the intersection of technology and society remains a crucial arena for further exploration and innovation. The Honda Foundation remains committed to fostering talent and recognizing extraordinary accomplishments that strive towards a better, more humane civilization.
During the opening remarks, Hiroto Ishida, President of the Honda Foundation, elaborated on the profound impact of Dr. Iga’s innovation on modern society. The introduction of VCSEL technology has transformed various sectors, notably high-speed data transmission and facial recognition functionalities found in smartphones. Ishida stated, 'Dr. Iga's efforts to bring this revolutionary technology from concept to close integration within daily life embody the true spirit of the Honda Prize.' This sentiment resonates deeply, especially as VCSEL has become an integral element in the advancement of communication technology.
Following the presentation of the award, Dr. Iga delivered a commemorative lecture entitled 'Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL) Born Small and Grown Big – From Smartphones to Huge Data Centers.' In this insightful lecture, he shared the journey of his academic and professional life, starting from his childhood in Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture. He recounted how his fascination with electronics sparked when he built his first radio, an endeavor that ignited his passion for innovation and research.
Dr. Iga reminisced about his formative years and the critical support he received through scholarships provided by the SAKKOKAI Foundation, established by Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa to foster young researchers in the field. This support was fundamental in his pursuit of knowledge and research, ultimately leading to his groundbreaking work with the VCSEL.
The Honda Prize, which was founded in 1980, was created with a vision to reward research that has a significant societal impact. It emphasizes ecotechnology—an approach that harmonizes scientific development with the ecological and social environments, promoting sustainable solutions. The Honda Prize has since garnered recognition as a leading international award in science and technology, illuminating the accomplishments of researchers worldwide.
Dr. Iga’s contributions through the development of VCSEL technology exemplify the kind of transformative work the Honda Prize seeks to honor. As technology continues to evolve, the applications of VCSELs have burgeoned, influencing everything from consumer electronics to large-scale data centers, thereby enhancing the efficiency and capacity of modern communication systems.
With this year’s ceremony, the Honda Foundation continues its legacy of celebrating groundbreaking achievements that resonate with the values envisioned by its founder, Soichiro Honda. As we reflect on the award winners and their respective contributions, it is clear that the intersection of technology and society remains a crucial arena for further exploration and innovation. The Honda Foundation remains committed to fostering talent and recognizing extraordinary accomplishments that strive towards a better, more humane civilization.
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