<h1>Honda family foundation awards 2025 international science and technology prize to Japanese researcher for VCSEL invention and commercialization</h1> A public-interest foundation established by the Honda family awarded its 2025 international science and technology prize to a Japanese researcher for conceiving and developing the vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) and advancing its practical applications. The foundation cited pioneering research leading to commercialization and widespread industrial use, noting earlier skepticism overcome by subsequent technical milestones. The laureate will receive a medal, diploma and 10 million yen, with an award ceremony scheduled at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo on November 17, 2025. The prize recognizes contributions spanning discovery, invention and application in ecotechnology.