Innovator Award
Hans "Ullee" Ulland Innovator of the Year Award
Individual recognitionCycle 2027
Industry recognition for an individual whose body of work has advanced UV and LED UV printing.
Purpose
A signature honor in Hans's name
Hans Ulland was an innovator, educator, mentor, connector and tireless advocate for UV printing. Formalizing the Ullee Innovator of the Year preserves that legacy while recognizing individuals whose careers have moved the whole industry forward — not a single presentation, but a body of work.
The program evolves the conference's first award, unveiled at Print UV 2025 with a special dedication to Hans. Read the 2025 archive record or the living Hans Ulland tribute for the full story.
Evaluation
What the committee weighs
Nominations should describe lasting contribution across one or more of these dimensions. The committee looks for the generosity, technical seriousness and peer investment Hans embodied.
Innovation
Advancing UV or LED UV technology, applications or business models in ways the industry can build on.
Leadership
Guiding teams, companies or industry initiatives that raise the standard for UV printing.
Technical contributions
Deep technical work — press, ink, curing, finishing or workflow — that others can learn from.
Mentorship
Teaching, coaching and opening doors for the next generation of UV printers and suppliers.
Sustainability
Responsible UV adoption — efficiency, safer chemistry, waste reduction or durable print choices.
Industry service
Volunteer leadership, standards work, association service or community-building beyond one company.
Process
Nomination and selection
Eligibility. Open to individuals who have materially advanced UV or LED UV printing through innovation, leadership, technical work, mentorship, sustainability or industry service. Nominations may come from peers, suppliers, printers or self-nominations with supporting context.
Nomination.Submit the nominee's story, contribution areas and evidence of impact. The committee reviews all qualified nominations against the criteria above.
Selection. A balanced awards committee scores nominations independently, then convenes to select the Innovator of the Year for the biennial Print UV cycle.
Presentation. The recipient is recognized during Print UV 2027 — April 19–21, 2027 at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas.
Recognition
What recipients receive
- Custom crystal award and certificate
- Recognition during the Print UV Conference
- Featured profile on the Print UV website
- Press release and social media recognition
Stay Close
Get 2027 updates.
Nominations for the 2027 Innovator of the Year cycle will open on the published timeline. Join the updates list for reminders and program news.