Honda Motor Celebrates Innovation with 46th Honda Prize Honoring Dr. Kenichi Iga's VCSEL Achievements
- The Honda Foundation awarded Dr. Kenichi Iga the 46th Honda Prize for his groundbreaking work in VCSEL technology.
- The Honda Prize, established in 1980, recognizes significant contributions to science, technology, and ecotechnology.
- Honda's legacy promotes innovation that balances technological advancement with environmental sustainability and humanitarian principles.
Celebrating Innovation: The Honda Prize and Its Impact on Technology
The Honda Foundation hosts the 46th Honda Prize Award Ceremony on November 17, 2025, at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, honoring the remarkable achievements of Dr. Kenichi Iga. Known for his pioneering work in the development of the Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL), Dr. Iga receives the prestigious award, which highlights his contributions to technologies that play a vital role in modern communication and recognition systems. His innovations are particularly influential in high-speed data transmission and facial recognition on smartphones, showcasing how academic research can lead to advancements that enhance everyday life.
At the award ceremony, Hiroto Ishida, President of the Honda Foundation, underscores the profound significance of Dr. Iga's work, which aligns with the spirit of the Honda Prize. This accolade not only recognizes individual excellence in scientific research but also embodies the broader goal of fostering technological advancements that create a more humane and sustainable civilization. The Honda Prize, established in 1980 by Soichiro Honda and his brother Benjiro, remains Japan's first international award recognizing notable contributions in science and technology, with a special emphasis on ecotechnology—an approach that seeks balance between human progress and environmental stewardship.
Dr. Iga's lecture, titled "Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL): Born Small and Grown Big -- From Smartphones to Huge Data Centers," reflects on his journey from his childhood in Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture, to becoming a leading figure in laser technology. He credits his academic success to the support of SAKKOKAI, a foundation established by Honda's founders, illustrating the interconnectedness of innovation, education, and the guiding principles of the Honda legacy. As the VCSEL technology continues to evolve and permeate various sectors, it stands as a testament to the enduring impact of research and development in shaping the future of communication technology.
In addition to honoring Dr. Iga, the ceremony serves as a reminder of the Honda Foundation's commitment to promoting scientific research that aligns with the principles of ecotechnology. By celebrating achievements that bridge technological innovation and environmental consciousness, the Honda Prize contributes to a vision of a more equitable and sustainable future. The foundation continues to inspire future generations of scientists and engineers to pursue endeavors that reflect these values, reinforcing the company’s legacy in fostering a harmonious relationship between humanity and nature.
