Rochester just got a major boost for laser innovation. The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has selected the University of Rochester-led STELLAR project for millions in federal funding through the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program, and the timing matters. Lasers sit behind a huge share of the technologies we rely on every day, and the U.S. is losing its grip in an industry it helped lead.
STELLAR is designed to strengthen the region’s laser ecosystem, connect research with real-world applications, and build the infrastructure that helps promising ideas go further. For NextCorps Luminate, the award reinforces work already underway: supporting early-stage laser companies as they grow and move toward commercialization in a region with deep technical expertise and a strong innovation base.
“This is a moment where we have a very real opportunity to reclaim leadership in a foundational technology,” said Dr. Sujatha Ramanujan, managing director and chief investment officer of NextCorps Luminate. “We already have the infrastructure, the talent, and the legacy of innovation here. Now it’s about aligning those strengths with focus and execution.”
Read more about what STELLAR means for Rochester and the future of U.S. laser leadership.
Save the Date!
Luminate Finals 2026 is almost here. On Wednesday, September 30, ten teams from Luminate cohort 9 will take the stage to share the progress they’ve built over their time in the accelerator and vie for a share of $2 million in follow-on funding, including a $1 million top investment.
Attend in person or online to see who rises to the top, and cast your vote to determine who takes home the $10K Audience Choice Award.
Luminate Finals 2026 is presented by Optica as part of its Frontiers in Optics + Laser Science conference (FiO LS) at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center.
Portfolio wins
Scout Space has announced the second close of its Series A financing, building on its initial close in May. The additional funding will support the deployment of Scout’s growing network of in-orbit sensors, upcoming missions, and the expansion of its new production facility in Northern Virginia.
Photonect announced a new collaboration with ficonTEC, a global leader in automated photonic assembly, test, and fiber preparation solutions. Supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) TECP grant, this collaboration aims to accelerate the commercialization of Photonect’s laser-fusion-based photonic packaging technology for high-volume manufacturing.
Swave Photonics was listed among the top 10 European semiconductor companies to raise the most in 2025, with a total of €33M.
PlanOpSim recently unveiled its latest game-changing feature, the Split Area ASM (Angular Spectrum Method), which dramatically expands the boundaries of metaoptics analysis.
Dottir Labs has launched its second pilot and first commercial deployment (pictured) at Scallop Bay Marina in Cape Cod. The company was also awarded an NSF SBIR Phase I grant.
IRIDESENSE is one of 20 companies selected to join cohort 3 of the EUDIS Business Accelerator. Chosen from a record-setting pool of 499 applications from defense and dual-use innovators across EU Member States and Norway, IRIDESENSE will begin its European defense industrial acceleration journey at the Kick-Off Bootcamp in September.
Pensievision has successfully reached orbit as part of SpaceX’s Transporter-17 mission following its selection as a technology partner for the University of Chile’s CubeSat program (pictured). With this milestone, Pensievision now has two 3D imaging systems operating in space—one aboard the International Space Station and another integrated into the CubeSat platform.
Events & opportunities
Optica Startup Program 2026
ACT FAST! Applications due July 23
This two-day workshop gives professionals and researchers in the optics and photonics sector a hands-on exploration of what it takes to build investable deep-tech companies. Through expert-led discussions, hands-on exercises, and structured networking, attendees gain practical tools, strategic insights, and the confidence to transform ideas into viable, high-impact businesses.
Upstate Capital Saratoga Forum
REGISTER NOW! July 29-30 | The Saratoga Hilton, Saratoga Springs, NY
The Saratoga Forum brings together New York investors, founders, dealmakers, and business leaders for two days of insightful discussions and new opportunities to build relationships. Check out this year’s sessions, including its panels on quantum and new energy technologies.
Microelectronics Forum
August 25 | Griffiss Institute, Rome, NY
Explore supply chain opportunities, funding resources, emerging technologies, and strategic partnerships driving the future of New York’s microelectronics and semiconductor industries.
NYS Innovation Summit 2026
October 27-28 | Buffalo Convention Center, Buffalo, NY
Join New York’s innovation community for expert speakers, networking, and the New York State Commercialization Competition, bringing together entrepreneurs, researchers, manufacturers, investors, and ecosystem leaders.