Grow Faster at Luminate
the world's only accelerator for startups with optics, photonics, and imaging-enabled technologies
WHO WE ARE
Luminate is an accelerator and investment fund that awards $3 million annually to 10 companies from around the world developing emerging solutions in almost every industry.
We’re looking for cohort 9! Applications are open through January 12, 2026.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
Finals winners announced
Pensievision awarded $1M and four others secure follow-on funding.
Partnership to boost global photonics
Luminate and PhotonDelta have entered into a strategic collaboration.
Help fuel innovation
Get involved in the world’s only accelerator for OPI. Our sponsors receive a host of benefits.
WHY LUMINATE
If you’re developing innovative technology, we’ll help you succeed with capital, connections, and a community of resources.
FUNDING
$100K investment upon acceptance with an additional $2M available to the top companies per cohort
CONNECTIONS
Access to our extensive network of domain experts, corporate sponsors, and investors
COACHING
Advice and mentoring from industry leaders, including our actively involved advisory board
Luminate has been an absolutely transformative opportunity for us—from tapping into industry expertise to establishing strategic partnerships and synergies with the unrivaled Rochester optics and photonics ecosystem.”
Luís Valente, founder & CEO, iLof (cohort 6)
OUR PORTFOLIO
The startups in our portfolio are solving problems in AR/VR, cybersecurity, defense, healthcare, IoT, quantum, and other industries.
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