As we enter into the selection process for Luminate’s eighth cohort, the impact of our work continues to grow beyond our original vision. Drawing on the methodologies that have made Luminate a trusted leader, the ChargeUp accelerator just wrapped recruitment for its second cohort. We’re eager to see the next wave of battery and energy storage innovators entering the program, and to continue mentoring the ChargeUp team. Meanwhile, the STELLAR Engine project — co-led by Luminate’s Managing Director, Dr. Sujatha Ramanujan — attracted critical funding in 2024, expanding Rochester’s capacity to bolster cutting-edge laser technologies. Our reach is extending further, and with it, the possibilities for science, industry, leadership, and so much more.
Over the next few weeks, our staff and advisory board will be reviewing a record-breaking number of applications for cohort 8, proving there’s no shortage of ideas for what’s next in deep tech. Be on the look out for more details on the next group of promising startups selected to join Luminate.
Join us in fueling the growth of OPI
There are many ways to get involved in the world’s only accelerator for OPI — from sponsorships that directly support Luminate portfolio companies; to engagement in key initiatives like our Investor Summit, Finals, and Women’s Founders Forum; to in-kind donations. In partnering with our non-profit 501(c)(3), you’ll receive a host of benefits, including brand promotion, event access, company introductions, enhanced deal flow, networking, and more.
Download the sponsorship fact sheet or contact Luminate’s Director of Operations, Veronica LoCurcio, at Veronica.LoCurcio@nextcorps.org to learn more.
Advisory board highlights
The Luminate advisory board recently added the expertise of David Heller, CEO of Heller Industries, a global leader in thermal process solutions. Welcome, David!
Chairman of the board, Don Golini, was recently a guest on Circle Optics’ podcast, 360 Pulse. He shares invaluable insights on the importance of gaining experience before launching a startup, and the transformative impact of customer discovery. He also speaks to his involvement with Luminate through the years.
“I’m constantly learning, and I enjoy moving the needle for these companies. Early mistakes — like neglecting intellectual property agreements — can snowball into big problems… With over 70 teams in the program, I’ve seen almost every scenario. Helping teams steer clear of these issues while learning about cutting-edge photonics keeps me engaged.”
Read the recap or listen to the full episode.
Portfolio wins
AI Optics Inc. has received FDA 510(k) clearance for its Sentinel Camera, a handheld retinal imaging system that captures high-quality images of the human eye to help address critical gaps in retinal disease screening.
Swave Photonics secured $28.3M in Series A funding on the heels of taking home a CES 2025 Innovation Award for its Holographic eXtended Reality (HXR) platform. Swave CEO Mike Noonen talked about the company’s work with holography and other photonics technologies on Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast with Laser Focus World.
Photosynthetic was awarded second place and a $5,000 cash prize at this year’s SPIE Startup Challenge for its Volumetric Micro-Lithography solution, enabling the rapid production of complex 3D devices with submicron features.
Circle Optics was selected by AFWERX for a new award of $109,274 to address critical challenges in Space Domain Awareness (SDA) for the Department of the Air Force (DAF). This initiative focuses on innovative dual-purpose defense technologies aimed at improving space debris and satellite monitoring capabilities in highly congested environments.
Archangel Imaging is one of six companies selected for the HS2 Innovation Accelerator. Its AI-equipped security camera technology, already used in the defense sector, will be refined to monitor security across HS2’s vast 140-mile estate between London and the West Midlands.
iLoF is expanding its international footprint through a new partnership with DayOne, the healthcare innovation hub initiative in Basel, Switzerland.
Swave Photonics secured $28.3M in Series A funding on the heels of taking home a CES 2025 Innovation Award for its Holographic eXtended Reality (HXR) platform. Swave CEO Mike Noonen talked about the company’s work with holography and other photonics technologies on Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast with Laser Focus World.
VoxelSensors unveiled its groundbreaking contextual intelligence solution at CES 2025. The company also recently demonstrated its first operational prototype of a narrow beam Dual Purkinje Image (DPI) eye tracker, a major step towards understanding user attention and context on wearable XR devices.
Career opportunities in the optics capital of the world
These Luminate portfolio companies are hiring in Rochester, NY:
Optical Test Engineer: Contribute to the development of advanced 360-degree imaging systems for aerospace, defense, and media applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and optimize cutting-edge technology. Learn more
Mechanical Engineer: Design and test components for next-generation milk analysis systems. Play a key role in advancing sustainable, cutting-edge agricultural technology. Learn more