Active Surfaces Flexes New Technology for the Future of Solar
Active Surfaces envisions a future where any surface can be solar. The proprietary, MIT-patented technology makes it possible to apply flexible, light-weight solar panels to any surface. The technology is […]
How Commitment to Company Culture Pays Off at Optimax
Optimax Systems, Inc. was a small startup operating out of a barn in the mid-90s, and today it’s America’s largest precision optics manufacturer. Optimax employs 460 people and counting in […]
How PlankeApp is Designing the Future of Boutique Fitness Hiring
In the boutique fitness industry, the ability to form personal connections matters more than a resume or list of credentials. Traditional job posting platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed are not […]
How Circle Optics is Revolutionizing the Way We View the World
Meet two key members of the team that’s building the world’s first seamless 360° camera. Circle Optics‘ Chief Operating Officer, Ian Gauger, and Director of Marketing, Jennifer Sertl, sit down […]
How Optica Plays Matchmaker for Startups and Industry
What trends are exciting to the Chief Technology Officer of the world’s leading optics and photonics association? Dr. Jose Pozo, CTO of Optica, met up with Luminate’s Dr. Sujatha Ramanujan […]
How Launch NY is Funding Startups with One of the Most Active Seed Funds in the Country
Startup businesses less than five years old are now the greatest generator of new jobs. Launch NY’s mission is to identify, support, and fund these high-growth-potential startup businesses, and it […]
VPIphotonics Brings Cutting-Edge Capabilities to Rochester
VPIphotonics of Berlin, Germany recently relocated its U.S. office from Boston to Rochester and now shares a building with NextCorps and the Luminate accelerator. Chris Maloney, Managing Director of the […]
Securing Government Contracts: Tips for Entrepreneurs
There are many opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to work with the government — on the local and federal levels, as well as with branches of the military. […]
Grant Writing from the Ground Up
To have a successful career in science, you must be able to convince strangers to give you enormous sums of money. Unfortunately, many scientists miss the mark and write terrible […]
Spotlight on Instant Input: Connecting Community Members to Projects They Care About
When Tanya Mooza Zwahlen’s neighborhood playground disappeared overnight, she was inspired to develop a solution that would give people insight into projects going on in their communities. Hear from […]
Optica (formerly OSA), a New Name for the Leading Global Society in Light Science and Technology
After more than a century, the world’s leading champion for optics and photonics has a new name. Optica (formerly The Optical Society of America) is a reflection of the society’s […]
Spotlight on Layer Metrics: Enabling Reliable 3D Metal Printing
Manufacturers of mission-critical components like facial implants and aircraft engine pieces are currently using metal printing to produce multiple parts to get one good one. It’s a problem that costs […]
Spotlight on 2EyesVision: Empowering Personalized Assessment of Multifocal Corrections
Multifocal corrections in the form of contact lenses or intraocular lenses are the best options for an expanding number of patients with presbyopia and cataracts. However, multifocal vision is a […]
Spotlight on Momentum Optics: Delivering Affordable Custom Optics, Ultra-Fast
Custom, high-precision optical components are found everywhere, but getting them produced at mass comes with astronomical lead times and costs that are out of reach for many companies. <a […]
Spotlight on Mesodyne: Building Generators that Fit in the Palm of Your Hand
The demand for portable power is constantly growing, and there’s currently no solution for lightweight, portable power generation. Mesodyne, a startup in the Luminate accelerator’s fourth cohort, is developing a […]
Spotlight on OSCP: Transforming Motion Sensing for Autonomous Vehicles
Current autonomous vehicles rely on Global Navigation Satellite System sensors. In GPS-denied environments, like parking garages or tunnels, the vehicle may get misguided, increasing the chance of collision. One Silicon […]
Spotlight on PreAct Technologies: Saving Lives with Car Crash Prevention
Today’s automotive safety systems are designed to either avoid or respond to collisions. PreAct Technologies, a startup in cohort 4 of the Luminate accelerator, is focused on detecting car crashes […]
Spotlight on Organic Robotics Corporation: Measuring Muscle Activity at the Speed of Light
For professional athletes, every move matters. And for those training to reach the pro level, more information can help them achieve their goals. Organic Robotic Corporation‘s wearable Light Lace™ sensors […]
DIEMlife: Changing the Way We Change the World
If you’re looking for a way to make a difference and create change in your own life, one startup has a unique solution. DIEMlife offers a simple online platform for […]
Spotlight on Andluca Technologies: Making Glass Smarter and More Efficient
Inefficient windows account for about $52 billion in wasted energy every year. Smart glass solutions help, but current products have external wires that make them challenging or impossible to implement […]
Partner Spotlight: Rev Ithaca Startup Works
In this episode, we spotlight our New York Neighbors at Rev Ithaca Startup Works and their Director, Ken Rother. Rev Ithaca Startup Works has a long history of serving entrepreneurs. […]
Spotlight on Infrascreen: Bringing Better Climate Control to Greenhouse Growers
High-tech greenhouses — the only way to grow fruits and vegetables without pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides — are evolving quickly. While many companies are focused on advancing greenhouses through automation […]
Spotlight on Dynocardia: Changing the Way We Measure and Manage Blood Pressure
Cuff-based devices, which have been used for more than a century to measure blood pressure, are largely inaccurate. Even if you manage to get an accurate reading, cuffs cannot provide […]
Dan O’Connell’s Climate Tech Success Story
Dan O’Connell, now plant manager for Plug Power, has launched several companies rooted in his passions for environmentalism, cars, and Rochester. Dan was previously the co-founder and CEO of American […]
How Climate-Conscious Companies Can Start Sustainable Practices
Environmental responsibility is becoming a more important consideration for consumers, but it can be intimidating for companies looking to get started. Kim Bawden, Senior Pollution Engineer with the NYS Pollution […]
Growing a Family at Sydor Optics
What started as a father-son operation in a garage is now a booming family business with nearly 90 employees. Sydor Optics carved out a niche in ultra precision flat optics, […]
Starting a Business and a Family
Teri Dankovich, Co-Founder of Folia Materials, and Bertha Jimenez, Co-Founder of Rise Products, not only started new businesses and participated in cohort 2 of the Scale For ClimateTech program, but […]
The Optical Systems Technology Program at MCC
Optics is the industry of the future, revolutionizing everything from the smart phones in our pockets to our national security. But there are more jobs for optical technicians than there […]
Spotlight on Sniffy Labs: Putting Personalized, On-Demand Dog Training in Your Pocket
In-person dog training classes can be helpful, but they’re not for everyone (especially during a pandemic). Sniffy Labs has developed an app that packages professional training plans, in-depth video tutorials, […]
Utilizing Smarter Supply Chains to Scale Your Business and Climate Solutions
Supply chains affect everything we buy, sell, and use, and have taken center stage in the news between COVID-19 vaccine rollout, ketchup shortages, and ships stuck in the Suez Canal. […]
Leveraging Customer Experiences to Implement Climate Solutions
How do you empower your customers and company with the information to make sustainable and healthy decisions? How do you make celebrating differences a core characteristic of your company? Rasha […]
Finger Lakes Forward: A Vision for Our Region’s Future
The Finger Lakes Region and its urban core, Rochester, are undergoing a fundamental economic transformation. Finger Lakes Forward, a strategic plan developed by the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council […]
From AgTech to Accelerator with Zoe Welz
Meet Zoe Welz. Zoe got her start as a CEO and Co-founder in the AgTech sector with her company, Drovr, using smart-movable fences to help transform livestock management. From there […]
Spotlight on OVITZ: Delivering Life-Changing Vision Improvements
Almost everyone has some form of inconsistency or “aberration” with the shape or surface of their eyes. Some have more complex vision errors called higher order aberrations (HOAs), such as […]
Advice from a Serial Software Entrepreneur
For Aaron Newman, chasing the bleeding edge has paid off time and time again. Executive Chairman and Founder of CloudCheckr, Aaron also founded and sold three other successful startups: Techrigy, […]
Spotlight on Rubitection: Advancing Early Bedsore Detection
The impact on the healthcare system can be up to $45,000 to treat a single bedsore, and some pay the ultimate price. 60,000 people in the U.S. alone die each […]
Celebrating Black Leaders in Climate Tech
To meaningfully address present and future impacts of the climate crisis, diverse leaders, perspectives, and voices are critical for sustainable solutions. Chante Harris, Sr. Manager of Venture For ClimateTech, highlights […]
Manufacturing Accelerators Partner Up to Form Scale For ClimateTech
Manufacturing accelerators, M-Corps administered by SecondMuse and Hardware Scaleup administered by NextCorps, have formally partnered up under one name as Scale For ClimateTech to fully capitalize on climate tech manufacturing […]
Mergers & Acquisitions
President of global technology group Jenoptik Optical Systems, Jay Kumler got his start in the defense industry designing and building reconnaissance lenses and has since been on both the buy- […]
A New Voice and Venture for ClimateTech
There has never been a better time to launch, invest in, or work for a climate tech company. Our future depends on the speedy adoption of climate tech solutions to […]
Spotlight on Kavyar: Revolutionizing How Creative is Bought and Sold
For photographers and creatives in the fashion and beauty industry, getting published is everything. Sean Charles Morris, Co-Founder of Kavyar, shares how his company pivoted from a portfolio network to […]
Spotlight on Haqean: Fighting Counterfeiting with Quantum Technology
By 2022, counterfeit goods will drain trillions of dollars from the economy and cost millions of jobs. Haqean, a Luminate cohort 3 startup, is helping to combat counterfeiting in the […]
What You’ll See at the OIDA Technology Showcase
Looking for new products for your organization and information about the latest technology? Sujatha Ramanujan, PhD, Managing Director of Luminate NY, speaks with Simin Cai, President and CEO of Go!Foton, […]
Spotlight on AkknaTek: Reducing Postoperative Surprises After Cataract Surgery
As the most frequently performed surgery in the United States, cataract surgery presents minimal patient risk. However, the visual outcome is not always optimal due to dislocations of premium intraocular […]
Working the Room with Sandy Sloane
NextCorps Marketing Director, Holly Barrett, speaks with Founder and President of Solutions by Sloane and NextCorps Events Consultant, Sandy Sloane, about the ins and outs of networking. Making connections can […]
Spotlight on Kilo Medical Solutions: Modernizing the NICU
The light and noise environment in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has important effects on the health and development of premature infants. NICU nurses currently place fabric blankets over […]
Spotlight on Black Button Distilling: Spirits, Hand Sanitizer, & Cross-Industry Success
Black Button Distilling is now eight years in the making, the fastest-growing distillery in the northeast, and second in the nation. With expansion from three to 14 states suddenly put […]
Spotlight on What’s Good: Using Trends to Pivot
As an entrepreneur, being able to quickly adjust in the face of an unforeseen challenge can be crucial. Holly Barrett, NextCorps Marketing Director, welcomes back Jennifer Young, Founder of What’s […]
Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy
Darius Sankey, Luminate Board Member and Advisor, General Partner at Moore Ventures, and former President of Ocean Tomo China, explains the importance of having an intellectual property strategy, what it […]
Patenting on an International Scale
Darius Sankey, Luminate Board Member and Advisor, General Partner at Moore Ventures, and former President of Ocean Tomo China discusses the importance of patenting. He shares his insights on patenting […]
Spotlight on Nordetect: Biochemical Analysis Tools for Sustainable Precision Agriculture
Nordetect, a Denmark-based company and Luminate cohort III startup, is working to transform the future of the agriculture industry through chemical analysis systems for agricultural and environmental testing that would […]
Spotlight on Herogard: Lessons Learned When Launching a Second Startup
When the COVID-19 pandemic began to hit the U.S., the food industry was undoubtedly going to face repercussions. While medical institutions were at the top of the list for receiving […]
What Businesses Can Do to Overcome Digital Transformation Challenges
Embracing data is a challenge for many organizations. It requires accountability from leadership and a culture of change. Amy Gurske, Director of Client Strategy at Cause+Effect Strategy, talks with NextCorps […]
Business Insight Center
In 2019 alone, the Business Insight Center (BIC) at the Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County saved the community $1.5 million in market research costs. Kate Meddaugh, Manager of […]
Patents & Intellectual Property
There are only five Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) in New York State, and 85 in the entire country. The Carlson Center for Intellectual Property at the Central Library […]
Spotlight on ExPrimary: Improving Access to Bioanalytical Tools
A typical person goes to their physician once a year, which provides just one set of data points around their personal health. ExPrimary, a Luminate cohort III startup, is working […]
Spotlight on Augmentiqs: Redefining Digital Pathology
When a patient is diagnosed with cancer today, a pathologist will look at a tumor sample and attempt to suggest the best treatment based on what they see in the […]
SBA Loan Assistance: Coronavirus Relief Options
With the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, small businesses are facing unprecedented disruption. NextCorps President, Jim Senall, talks with Virginia Smith, Branch Manager for the Small Business Administration in Buffalo and Rochester, […]
Spotlight on SaNoor: Enabling the Internet of Underwater Things
You’ve heard of WiFi, but what about LiFi? Chao Shen, PhD, CTO and Technical Leader of SaNoor Technologies, sits down with Luminate Technology Program Manager, Dr. Damon Diehl, to share […]
Spotlight on ShopLocalli: Helping Local Artists and Retailers Get Discovered
Outside of art festivals and the public market, it can be challenging for local artists and small businesses to get discovered. ShopLocalli is an online marketplace for printmakers, jewelers, furniture crafters, […]
Spotlight on Sanatela: Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment
Despite advancements in cancer therapies, testing is performed inside a patient’s body with no lab standard to determine which treatment will work best. Sanatela Medical is helping doctors get closer […]
Spotlight on VPG Medical: Making Cardiac Monitoring Effortless
Wearable health monitoring solutions can be extremely valuable to both physicians and patients, but only if there is compliance. VPG Medical is reducing the need for behavior change by putting […]
Spotlight on Think Biosolution: Enabling Customized Remote Patient Monitoring
Patient monitoring typically takes place in hospital or clinical settings, meaning doctors lack a complete picture of their patients to be able to effectively individualize care and prevent rehospitalizations. Think […]
The Impact of 5G
5G has been in development for years, and we are now on the cusp of dramatic changes in terms of capacity, speed, timeliness, and reliability of wireless communications. Osmund deSouza, […]
Spotlight on What’s Good: Encouraging Consumers to Shop with Purpose
Many consumers want to shop from environmentally and socially conscious brands, but they are limited by choice and challenged by inconvenience. Jennifer Young, Founder of What’s Good, talks about some […]
Spotlight on SunDensity: Solving Inefficiencies in Photonics
Dr. Nish Sonwalkar, Founder and CEO of SunDensity, has developed a Photonic Smart Coating (PSC™) technology that improves the efficiency of solar panels as well as electronic devices and architectural […]
Attributes of a Successful Startup
What do investors look for in a company? NextCorps President, Jim Senall, sits down with Don Golini, founder of SANICA Ventures and QED Technologies International, successful entrepreneur, startup mentor, chairman […]
Business Models for Investing and Resources
In part three of his conversation with Luminate Managing Director, Dr. Sujatha Ramanujan, Dr. Milton Chang gives his thoughts on how and when to exit a business and tips for […]
Navigating Investment
In part two of a three-part conversation with Luminate Managing Director, Dr. Sujatha Ramanujan, Dr. Milton Chang describes the different types of investments and misconceptions around the challenges of raising […]
The Path to Entrepreneurship
Dr. Sujatha Ramanujan, Managing Director of the Luminate accelerator, sits down with Dr. Milton Chang, Managing Partner of Incubic Management, author of Toward Entrepreneurship, and Luminate Board Member. In part […]
Flower City Pro-Am Hackathon
Scott Root, Professional Development Manager from Wegmans’ IT Department, shares how to get involved with Wegmans’ Flower City Pro-Am Hackathon, a 24-hour hackathon taking placing March 28-29, 2020. Focused on […]
Spotlight on Gian: Empowering Healthier Grocery Choices
Ameet Bhattacharya, Co-Founder and CEO of Gian, shares how HealthCart, his company’s innovative health software platform and application, empowers grocery shoppers to make healthy choices online and in-store based on […]
Copyright and Trademark Tips
David K. Hou, Partner at Boylan Code, shares his expertise in copyright and trademark law with Holly Barrett, NextCorps Marketing Director. David describes what makes a strong trademark, how to […]
Designing for the Customer Experience
Ben Zombek, Founder and Principal of BZDesign, discusses the tenets of good design that puts the end user first with Kate Leonard, Digital Marketing Manager at NextCorps. Ben talks through […]
What is Optics?
Damon Diehl, PhD, Technology Program Manager at the Luminate accelerator program, speaks with Ben Guerrero, Digital Media Manager at NextCorps, about his start in optics and how this enormous field […]
Why Startups are Incubating at NextCorps
Andy Simon, Client Engagement Manager at NextCorps, interviews Matt Foley, Director of Startup Incubation at NextCorps. Matt explains the difference between business incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces, discusses some of […]
