KIT researchers nominated for Deutscher Zukunftspreis

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology researchers and two spin-offs have been nominated for the Deutscher Zukunftspreis for a 3D printing process that connects optical microchips and fibers for data transmission.

• Nomination announced on September 16, 2026 for teams led by Christian Koos, Philipp Dietrich, and Matthias Lauermann; the work enables automated mass production of optical transmitters and receivers.
• KIT says the technology supports data networks, data centers, and AI applications and has been transferred to industry through Vanguard Automation GmbH and Keystone Photonics GmbH.
• The process prints photonic optical bridges with high precision, can create microlenses on optical fibers or chip edges, and includes wafer-level testing probes to identify defective components early.