The optics and photonics industry, along with the business community, lost a remarkable leader, mentor, and friend with the passing of Jay Kumler on February 10, 2025. As a member of our advisory board since Luminate’s inception, Jay’s wisdom, generosity, and unwavering dedication helped shape our mission and will forever be remembered by the people who carry it forward.

We received an outpouring of reflections, words that speak to the profound impact Jay had on all of us. Scroll through below to read these tributes.

• “Jay brought his business and scientific expertise as well his patience to the program and to every team. Among the most sought after mentors, Jay took care to educate and connect emerging entrepreneurs with the world of optics. This is reflected in the numerous CEOs who have written to express their sadness. No matter how busy or occupied he may have been, he always had time for Luminate and our teams. He was the continuity and glue that kept our advisory meetings on point. I am especially grateful for the respectful and considerate manner with which he treated each and every member of our staff here at Luminate. We extend our deepest sympathies to Jay’s family. He will be missed.”

  – Dr. Sujatha Ramanujan, Managing Director & Chief Investment Officer, Luminate

• “Jay shaped the culture of Luminate by ensuring we had the highest-quality participants. He was notable for his incisive questions and observations during the selection process. He was extraordinarily generous in advising early-stage businesses and used his outstanding reputation to help small companies make essential connections that otherwise would have been beyond their reach.”

  – Dr. Damon Diehl, Director of Technology Integration, Luminate

• “Jay was a friend, colleague, and a true leader in the photonics community. His sudden departure has left a void that words can scarcely begin to fill.

  In every sense, Jay exemplified what it means to be a complete gentleman. His kindness, generosity, and unwavering support were the cornerstones of his character. Always available to lend a helping hand, offer sage advice, and provide a listening ear, he touched the lives of everyone he encountered with a profound grace and humility.

  As a luminary in photonics, Jay was not just a pioneer, but an inspiration to many. His passion for innovation and his commitment to excellence set a standard that we will continue to aspire to. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the community, and his legacy will undoubtedly continue to illuminate the path for future generations.

  While we grieve this tremendous loss, let us also celebrate the life of a remarkable individual who gave so much of himself to the world. Jay’s spirit will live on in the memories we hold dear and in the profound impact he made on our lives and our work.

  May he rest in peace. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.”

  – Mark Tolbert, President & CEO, Toptica

• “The Startup Challenge started in a cramped, sweaty little room at Photonics West in 2011. Despite having no profile and no prizes, the innovative spark inside the optics community was inspiring. Getting from proof-of-concept to real event required a sponsor. Exceptional good luck brought me to someone who was not just able to authorize checks, but a mentor and advocate for innovation: Jay Kumler. I was quite nervous about asking for a big financial commitment from this very serious seeming person. After just a short conversation, Jay agreed to fund the entire cash prize package for the competition. My feeling of relief was immense. I could get to work, and fifteen years later, it continues.

  One time support is great, but steadfast support over more than a decade is truly remarkable. I’ll always be grateful for Jay’s advocacy for funding the Startup Challenge, and the magic he was able to work year after year to develop the program into a showcase for innovation worthy of a stage at Photonics West. As the interest in the competition grew, Jay provided guidance on things like whether we should split categories based on technology (biophotonics vs. deep tech) or investment level (seed stage vs. series A) and what would make the event a win for investors, Jenoptik, and the other sponsors that we had attracted. Throughout the economic bumps of the 2010s and the need to conduct the Startup Challenge remotely in 2021, Jay’s support didn’t waver even when stuffed into a Zoom window. On behalf of the hundreds of teams that have gotten support through the program, and the great companies like Double Helix Optics and PhotoniCare that ultimately won, it’s my pleasure to thank Jay for being the rock that it all was built upon.”

  – Dirk Fabian, Horizon Lines Consulting

• “I thought the WORLD of Jay — it’s rare to come across such a kind, smart, thoughtful, and generous person. It was my privilege to work with him and to call him a friend. He will be deeply missed by so many of us.”

  – Don Golini, Founder, SANICA Ventures; Chairman of the Board, Luminate

• “I knew Jay through the Luminate board of advisors and as one of my most beloved clients from my work with him at Jenoptik. He cared deeply for his team and made everyone feel so special. His kindness, warmth, and sense of humor made him truly one of a kind. He touched everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him, and his absence leaves a void that cannot be filled.”

  – Sandy Sloane, Special Events and Marketing Consultant, Luminate

• “Jay was a great friend and one of the smartest engineers I have ever known. He was generous and provided his time and advice for over eight years to the Luminate program and entrepreneurs.”

  – Dr. Darius Sankey, Managing Director, Innovation Acceleration Capital

• “Although I did not have the privilege of knowing Jay well, I had the opportunity to witness his remarkable character. His willingness to help others was inspiring, and his thoughtful approach to both personal and professional matters was a testament to his exceptional nature. While his passing leaves a void, his legacy of kindness and compassion will continue to inspire us all.”

  – Veronica LoCurcio, Director of Operations, Luminate

Kumler was president of JENOPTIK North America, Inc. and JENOPTIK Optical Systems, LLC for many years. Over nearly four decades of experience in optics and photonics, his career highlights included contributions to the Hubble Telescope, Perseverance Mars Rover, and the X Taara wireless internet terminal, which was named a Time Magazine “Best Invention of 2024.” He published 20 technical papers, book chapters, and patents, and regularly spoke on photonics. An SPIE Fellow and member of the SPIE Board of Directors, Kumler was instrumental in the formation and continued success of the SPIE Startup Challenge, serving as judge, mentor, and sponsor each year.

James Joseph (Jay) Kumler, February 1, 1964 – February 10, 2025

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Jay’s honor to SPIE and the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network.