LightPath Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: LPTH) received the Highly Innovative Design Award in the 2026 Sterling Manufacturing Business Excellence Award evaluation conducted by The Sterling Council, the company announced.

The SMBE Award program, in its 34th year, identifies high-performing manufacturers through rigorous interviews and site visits conducted by expert teams from manufacturing and Sterling communities. The evaluation assesses company systems, practices and commitment to performance excellence.

The Highly Innovative Design Award recognizes companies that examiners and judges found to be high performing with a commitment to performance excellence and model practices for other manufacturers.

"We are honored to receive the Highly Innovative Design Award from The Sterling Council," said Sam Rubin, President and Chief Executive Officer of LightPath. "This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team to operational excellence and innovation in manufacturing."

LightPath will receive the award at the 34th Sterling Awards Ceremony and Banquet on May 29, 2026, at the JW Marriott Bonnet Creek in Orlando, Florida.

The Sterling Council is a public/private not-for-profit corporation established in 1992 and supported by the Executive Office of the Governor of Florida. The Council provides Florida's Governor's Sterling Award for Performance Excellence, which is based on the Malcolm Baldrige Criteria for organizational excellence.

LightPath Technologies provides optics and imaging systems for defense and commercial applications. The company manufactures custom solutions including proprietary BlackDiamond chalcogenide-based glass materials and infrared optical systems. Its primary manufacturing facility is located in Orlando, Florida, with additional facilities in Texas, New Hampshire, Latvia and China.