Via the Rochester Business Journal
July 1, 2021
Owl Autonomous Imaging is one of 10 finalist companies with optics, imaging, and photonics-enabled technologies that are working with NextCorps’ Luminate NY accelerator as part of its fourth cohort. Each company received an initial investment of $100,000 and is participating in the six-month program, which helps the selected companies speed the commercialization of their technologies and businesses. On Sept. 30 at Finals 2021, they will compete for up to $2 million in follow-on investment. Funding for the $25 million program is being provided through the Finger Lakes Forward Upstate Revitalization Initiative.
“This cohort is comprised of an impressive mix of sophisticated new companies that offer industry-changing technologies and expertise,” said Sujatha Ramanujan, managing director of Luminate. “The goal of the Luminate program is to support their work and help bring their ideas to market, while strengthening what has become a global powerhouse for photonics and imaging innovation.”
The Rochester Business Journal is featuring profiles of the companies that are helping to write the next chapter in Rochester’s history as the world’s center for optics, photonics, and imaging (OPI).
We caught up with Chuck Gershman, Owl’s CEO, to discuss how his company is improving automotive safety systems.
What is Owl Autonomous Imaging?
Owl Autonomous Imaging has created a new camera technology that uses high-definition 3D thermal imaging with high-precision ranging to improve the perception of sensors that are used in cars, trucks, buses, and off-road vehicles to enable safe semi-autonomous or autonomous vehicle operation in all weather — day or night.