Counting Down to Cohort 4
Register for Luminate Live Webinars
Learn more about Luminate, the benefits of participating, and how to apply. You can access the recording of our first webinar or register for future webinars here. Coming up on December 3, talk with three companies from prior Luminate cohorts who will share their experience at the accelerator.
It’s Global Entrepreneurship Week — a time to celebrate innovators who dream big and launch companies that disrupt industries. Luminate is proud to support startups that are destined to bring new possibilities to our world. Since the accelerator began in 2018, we have worked with incredible entrepreneurs and racked up some impressive numbers.
(Your startup could be next! Applications are open for cohort 4. Apply by January 7.)
30 Startups
Life-changing vision improvements. More efficient solar panels. 360 degree situational awareness for first responders. Our portfolio companies are creating the future with their groundbreaking technologies.
$20 Million in Additional Investments
Luminate provides an initial investment of up to $100,000 to all of our startups, and they move on to compete for up to $1 million at the end of the program — but that’s just the beginning. We connect our companies to potential investors, and those relationships lead to future funding.
$160 Million Combined Valuation
Once a Luminate company, always a Luminate company. We continue to work with our teams to ensure their success, even after their time in the accelerator.
50 Days Left to Apply!
The clock is ticking. Apply to be considered for cohort 4 by January 7.
Questions about the process or whether you’re a fit? Get in touch with our Director of Operations, Andy Simon.
PORTFOLIO SHOUTOUTS
Double Helix Optics: 2020 Innovator of the Year, Inaugural SPIE CEO Interviewee
Congratulations to Double Helix Optics, the $1 million recipient from Luminate’s first cohort, for being named the Colorado Photonics Innovator of the Year by the Colorado Photonics Industry Association (CPIA).
Leslie Kimerling, CEO and Co-Founder of Double Helix, recently kicked off SPIE’s CEO Interview Series. Get Leslie’s advice for other CEOs in our recap here.
Rubitection Among 5 Finalists at the 2020 Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC)
Congratulations to Rubitection, a cohort 3 company, for landing among the shortlist of five contestants at the 2020 EWC. Rubitection was the top-scoring startup in the early stage category and received $50,000.
PODCASTS & VIDEOS
OIDA Technology Showcase
Dr. Sujatha Ramanujan spoke with Dr. Simin Cai, OIDA Council Chair, about what’s in store for attendees at the 2nd OIDA Technology Showcase on December 1-3. Watch the video interview for a sneak preview of this three-day virtual event.
Sujatha on All Things Photonics
In a recent interview on All Things Photonics, a podcast from Photonics Media, Sujatha shared what startups receive from participating in the Luminate accelerator and assured listeners that there is no better time to innovate in the field of photonics. Listen here. (Sujatha’s interview begins at 26:34.)
Damon Tests Out the SPUD from Arovia
Our Technology Program Manager, Dr. Damon Diehl, shares how the Spontaneous Pop-Up Display (SPUD) from Arovia affords him the convenience of a big screen wherever he needs to work. Arovia, a Luminate cohort 1 company, pre-sold more than $700,000 of their first-generation product. Check out the SPUD in action.
AIM PHOTONICS IS HIRING
Rochester and Albany engineers: AIM Photonics has a variety of job opportunities. Check out the openings here.
Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!
Have questions for Luminate or ideas for The Lens? Let us know. See you next month!