New York-based accelerator Luminate is ready to invest over $1,000,000 in ten startups that are engaged in imaging, photonics, or optics enabled applications. The deadline for applications is September 15th, and applicants do not need to be U.S. citizens, but must be eligible to work in the U.S.
Luminate is funded by New York State and focuses on startups that are addressing problems in the areas of biophotonics, machine vision, autonomous vehicles, augmented and virtual reality, and other fields leveraging optical, imaging, or photonic technologies. Based in Rochester, New York that is touted as the imaging and optics capital of the U.S, the Luminate seeks to support entrepreneurs in their high tech development startups.
Jim Senall, the President of the business incubator High Tech Rochester, spoke about Luminate’s goal in a recent news release, saying that, “Our original vision behind the Luminate accelerator was to provide OPI enabled startups across the country with a truly unique experience that would improve their chance of succeeding in the marketplace. By spending 6 months in Rochester, with access to our specialized university labs, faculty, and established OPI companies, along with an intensive curriculum and experienced mentors, our startups will get an “unfair advantage”.”
The accelerator runs for 6 months, with chosen applicants receiving mentorship and coaching from Luminate’s staff and industry leaders, with a $100,000 initial investment and up to $2,000,000 additionally available for the top companies.
