Another kickoff is in the books, and cohort 9 is now well underway.
Earlier this month, our ten newest startup teams came together in Rochester for their first in-person week, getting acquainted with our facility and the resources here, and diving into workshops on branding, value proposition, and customer discovery. Outside the sessions, they experienced the first of many local gems we’ll introduce them to over the course of the program—taking in views of High Falls during trivia night at one of the nation’s oldest and largest breweries in the U.S., Genesee Brew House.
A hallmark of kickoff is the Tech Fast Pitch, co-hosted with New York Photonics. Each founder took the stage to share what they’re building and what they need next, “pitching” to potential partners and service providers who can help advance and deploy their technologies in the region. With members of the New York Photonics cluster in the room and Greater Rochester Enterprise’s Leah George VanScott at the mic as co-emcee, the evening offered a clear view into the supportive, collaborative network our startups can immediately begin working with.
The week closed with a visit to the University of Rochester, further connecting the cohort to the region’s research and innovation landscape. With kickoff complete, the teams now move into the next phase of the program—focused on strengthening their business strategies, refining their pitches, and continuing to build key relationships.
From the Luminate ecosystem
Luminate Joins RIT Industrial Associates Program
As an honorary member of Rochester Institute of Technology’s Center for Imaging Science Industrial Associates Program, Luminate is deepening connections between industry, students, and academic research. The program helps students and faculty stay aligned with industry needs, while giving partners educational insight and opportunities to build relationships with the next generation of imaging talent.
Zeiss Opens New Quality Excellence Center in North Carolina
Zeiss Industrial Quality Solutions, a Luminate sponsor, opened its new Quality Excellence Center in Huntersville, NC, earlier this month. The facility gives manufacturers access to metrology tools, training, and technical support.
Don Golini Founder Profile from QED Technologies International LLC
QED Technologies recently highlighted founder Don Golini in a new profile, recognizing his role in building QED and advancing precision optics. As Chairman of Luminate’s Advisory Board, Golini continues to support and mentor emerging companies, helping translate breakthrough ideas into real-world impact.
Portfolio wins
Pixel Photonics raised €13.5M to accelerate market entry amid growing global investment in quantum technologies. It was also nominated for the Deutscher Gründerpreis, one of Germany’s most prestigious awards for entrepreneurial achievement.
Photosynthetic has been selected for PhotonHub Scaling Club 2.0. The program supports Europe’s most promising photonics scale-ups with access to strategic partners, investors, and commercialization support, building on €81M in investment momentum.
Stratio Inc. introduced its new Infrared AI app for the LS SWIR SDK, bringing real-time material intelligence to a compact spectral sensing platform. The app allows users to collect spectral data, build custom AI models, and easily share results, simplifying material analysis across applications.
Scout Space’s Sparrow prototype (SV50) successfully launched aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 as part of the Transporter-16 mission, carried by Momentus’ Vigoride V7. Designed as a low-SWAP optical payload, Sparrow will support proximity operations, on-orbit imaging, and real-time object tracking.
VanaM Inc. took home the win at Takeoff Tokyo 2026, a two-day pitch competition connecting promising startups with investors, VCs, and industry leaders. VanaM also recently competed as a finalist at the Startup World Cup Hawaii Regional, part of the East Meets West 2026 Pitch Competition.
Pensievision’s precision 3D imaging device is now aboard the International Space Station, where it will support research on extremophile microorganisms and how life adapts to harsh environments.
LightSpeed Photonics’ Founder & CEO, Dr. Rohin Y, shared his perspective on India’s planned $11B investment in domestic chipmaking, highlighting new opportunities for deep-tech startups in a rapidly evolving global market.
Circle Optics announced a deployment with Deepnight supporting counter-UAS operations across two U.S. Air Force installations, Barksdale Air Force Base and Barry M. Goldwater Range.
One Silicon Chip Photonics (OSCP) announced a partnership with Éclipse – Véhicule Solaire, the world champion solar vehicle team from École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) in Montréal, supporting its system with advanced inertial measurement and navigation technology.
Oculi appointed semiconductor industry veteran Patrick Henry as President and CEO, adding over 25 years of high-technology executive experience to the team.
MEETOPTICS released the latest upgrade to Louis, its scientific AI agent, which is now 10x faster at answering questions.
Swave Photonics’ CEO, Mike Noonen, contributed an article to the EE Times on the limitations of today’s AR display technologies and how foundational optical innovations could unlock true 3D depth for next-generation devices.
Quantune Technologies has been named in Hello Tomorrow’s Top 100 Deep Tech Startups to Watch in 2026 and will compete at the Hello Tomorrow Summit finale in Amsterdam this June for the €100,000 grand prize.
Labby and Bounce Imaging will be pitching alongside 10 other startups at the 43North Demo Day in Boston on Thursday, May 7.
Dottir Labs recently deployed its first pilot system at the Putnam Lab at the University of Rhode Island, where it is monitoring recirculating waters in real time to model macronutrient changes. The pilot marks a major milestone as the company reaches Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6. Dottir was also selected to pitch at Water Tech 2026 in Denmark and is currently completing stage 2 of VentureWell’s Ocean Enterprise Accelerator (OEA).
Events & opportunities
Display Week
May 3-8 | Los Angeles, CA
Discover what’s powering AI-based imaging, XR displays, OLED and microLED advancements, automotive cockpits, and next-generation screens. Join 7,000+ innovators at the industry’s leading display technology conference. Plus, Luminate Advisory Board member, Barry Silverstein, will be moderating a panel discussion on the leading laser display architectures for AR glasses, exploring their technical trade-offs, advantages over existing technologies, and the path to large-scale adoption.
43North Demo Day
May 7, 9:00 AM | Boston, MA
Watch rapid-fire pitches from startups across the 43North portfolio and Upstate New York’s startup ecosystem. Companies span verticals including AI, fintech, climate, and security; all are actively raising capital.
Glass4Chips Summit 2026
May 14-15 | Albany, NY
The momentum behind glass-based microelectronics is accelerating. At the Summit, industry leaders will come together to explore what it takes to move from concept to production—shifting the conversation from potential to real-world adoption, validation, and national strategy.
Grow-NY Round 8 Applications
Applications due May 15
The competition awards $3M annually to seven early-stage food and ag startups tackling global challenges through sustainable innovations. Winners receive funding, mentorship, and customized Upstate NY business development trips.
GENIUS NY Cohort 10 Applications
Applications due May 17
The startup accelerator invests $3M annually into early-stage companies focused on uncrewed aerial systems, automation, and advanced air mobility. Winners also receive business training, office space, and support with recruiting, marketing, and fundraising.
Workforce Development Summit 2026
May 27, 8:00 AM | NextCorps
This free, one-day conference explores solutions to workforce and supply chain challenges in the semiconductor and defense sectors, bringing together manufacturers, partners, and experts to share strategies for growth and adaptation.
Foundation for U.S. Women in Optics Scholarship
Applications due May 31
A full-tuition scholarship for up to three years is now available for U.S. women undergraduate students pursuing Optical Science and Engineering at the University of Arizona, supporting studies beginning in the sophomore year.