With more than 150 optics companies and counting, the Rochester region is a major innovation hub, backed by strong industry collaboration and a steady pipeline of talent from local universities. This unique strength was on display at SPIE Photonics West 2025, the largest photonics event in the world. As the event came to a close late last month, Luminate’s Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer, Dr. Sujatha Ramanujan, spoke with News10NBC about Rochester’s industry leadership.
“We are probably one of the biggest regional, if not the biggest regional sector, exhibiting in this incredibly large international conference,” said Dr. Ramanujan.
She emphasized that while the region’s contributions to photonics may not always dominate headlines, Rochester continues to lead advancements in the field. From cancer detection and solar energy to semiconductors and AI chip design, Rochester-based photonics technologies are making an impact worldwide.
“We’re poised for a lot of growth,” Ramanujan added. “Hang on to your hat—I think it’s going to be excellent.”
Remembering Jay Kumler
Luminate and the optics and photonics community lost a remarkable leader, mentor, and friend with the passing of Jay Kumler on February 10. As an advisory board member, Jay had a profound impact on our program, our team, and the many entrepreneurs that met him—as shown by the outpouring of heartfelt reflections we received.
Read the many tributes to a man who gave so much of himself to the world.
Jay’s legacy will continue to inspire us all. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.
Funding and growth opportunities
Get your climate tech company ready for first customers, pilot runs, and investment
Venture For ClimateTech is now accepting applications for its next cohort. This global, virtual accelerator supports entrepreneurs in identifying and advancing climate solutions. Entrepreneurs selected for cohort 5 will receive up to $50,000 in non-dilutive funding, access to expert-led educational programming, and mentorship from industry leaders—all designed to accelerate the path from innovation to market.
Learn more and apply by March 7.
Take your product from prototype to production
NextCorps’ Manufacturing Accelerator helps startups and early-stage companies fast-track your product’s journey to market while avoiding common manufacturing pitfalls. The free, nine-week program provides startups and early-stage companies with the resources, connections, and expertise needed to scale manufacturing efficiently and affordably. Participants gain access to industry experts for hands-on guidance, trusted manufacturing partners to streamline production, and funding opportunities to support growth.
Learn more and apply by April 17.
Portfolio wins
iLof was one of three winners of Founders Games 2025, the world’s premier global scaleup innovation competition. This year’s competition saw over 4,800 applications from 150 countries, culminating in a rigorous evaluation process led by a panel of more than 400 top-tier late-stage venture capital investors.
One Silicon Chip Photonics (OSCP) unveiled at CES 2025 an upgraded multi-gyroscope IMU that’s smaller, more power-efficient, and less expensive than its predecessor. This advancement enhances precise navigation in GPS-denied environments, enabling centimeter-level accuracy.
Labby placed second in the American Farm Bureau Federation Ag Innovation Challenge, earning $25,000 to further develop its AI-enabled optical sensing technology for real-time raw milk testing.
Bounce Imaging has been named a 2025 Inno Fire Award winner. The award honors high-potential startups demonstrating significant market impact through strategic partnerships, team expansion, and customer acquisition.
AquaRealTime’s Monitoring Buoy was used as part of a system led by Nano Infusion Technologies to improve water management at Ravenna Country Club. The buoy provided real-time data that supported efforts to raise dissolved oxygen levels from under 2 mg/L to 12 mg/L in just two months, enhancing water quality and sustainability for golf course management.
QART Medical is receiving recognition for its sperm selection technology that doubles IVF success rates, increasing pregnancy likelihood from 34% to 65%. Developed at Tel Aviv University, the technology enables real-time, non-invasive sperm analysis to improve fertility outcomes.
NanoPattern Technologies has been awarded nearly $75,000 through the Innovation Voucher Program from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The grant supports research partnerships with the University of Illinois Chicago to advance semiconductor technology, driving innovation and commercialization efforts in the state.
VoxelSensors has been selected for funding by the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator, one of 71 companies chosen from 1,211 applicants in the most competitive funding round to date.
Photosynthetic, VoxelSensors, and iLof were selected to present at Tech Tour Photonics 2025 in Brussels, Belgium earlier this month. The event showcased companies developing cutting-edge photonics and photonics-enabled solutions, providing a platform for industry leaders, investors, and innovators to connect.