For the 2007 German Future Prize the judges were looking not only for exceptional technical, engineering, and scientific achievements, but also for practical applications, marketability, and job creation. "We are proud of the fact that our creativity and determination will speed up the triumphal march of LED lighting," said Streubel, spokesman for the winning team. The German Future Prize is the most prestigious award for research and development in Germany and was presented this year for the 11th time. "OSRAM has been producing pioneering innovations for many years, and we are intensifying our efforts every year. This is a magnificent achievement for the team and OSRAM as a whole," said Martin Goetzeler, CEO of OSRAM. "This year's award confirms our position as an innovation driver and is also wonderful recognition of all the hard work done by our employees," said Rüdiger Müller, CEO of OSRAM Opto Semiconductors.