Steve Birrell, CEO and founder of laser and photonics company Quantum Composters Inc., has been awarded the Optics Innovator Award from the Montana Photonics Industry Alliance. The award was given in recognition of Birrell’s pioneering work in the fields of test and measurement, laser systems, and precision pulse generator instrumentation. Birrell is a longstanding member of the Montana Photonics Alliance and actively volunteers in its quality group, developing tools and procedures to assist local photonics companies. "[I am] extremely surprised and felt humbled and honored to be named Innovator of the Year alongside the prestigious previous recipients,” Birrell said. The Optics Innovator Award is issued by the Montana Photonics Industry Alliance to individuals who have made outstanding educational, technological or business contributions to the growth of the optics and photonics industry in Montana. The award is also to honor those who have laid the groundwork for the blooming photonics industry within the Gallatin area. Quantum Composers is a high-tech center for electro-optic startups. The Montana Photonics Industry Alliance serves as a hub for Montana’s optics and photonics companies, entrepreneurs, laboratories and universities to commercialize, grow and sustain their organizations.