Luminate NY encourages OPI startups to apply to win $1 million in funding by Sept. 24, 2018

Luminate NY (Rochester, NY), a business accelerator for startups with optics, photonics, and imaging (OPI)-enabled applications, is offering early-stage startups an opportunity to grow their businesses. Luminate NY provides significant support, including an initial $100,000 convertible note, expert mentorship, and a chance to win up to $1 million in follow-on funding, provided through the Finger Lakes Forward Upstate Revitalization Initiative. The deadline to compete for a spot in Cohort II of Luminate is quickly approaching, with applications due by 11:59 PM EST, September 24, 2018.

Technologies from Cohort 1 include several industry firsts: 3-D superresolution nanoscale imaging for scientists, medicine and pharma; 360/VR throwable tactical cameras for defense and public safety; collapsible pop-up displays for business and entertainment; high-resolution biomechanics imaging to improve optic disease diagnosis; and Gabor-domain optical coherence microscopy technology for noninvasive optical biopsies.

Luminate NY, which is a program of Rochester incubator NextCorps, will select 10 companies from a pool of applicants from around the world for this year's (2018) competition. The company's inaugural competition was held in June 2018 and awarded Boulder, Colorado-based Double Helix Optics as the winner of the first round. This year's winning companies will receive immediate investment and will be admitted to Luminate's six-month accelerator program in Rochester, New York, starting in January 2019.

Taking advantage of an extensive network of industry experts, the rigorous program provides customized, structured curriculum to guide startups through actionable business planning that is focused on commercializing and scaling their businesses. Members also benefit from working alongside peer OPI startups in the program, leveraging best practices and helping each other toward success. Upon graduation from the program in June 2019, the companies will compete for a total of $2 million in follow-on funding to further their business.

Application process -- the September 24, 2018 deadline is quickly approaching
Applicants for Luminate NY must be incorporated, have people working full-time on the business, and should have proven their core technology, preferably having developed a working prototype. Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM on September 24. Apply to Luminate at https://luminate.org/apply/.

For more information on Luminate NY, go to www.luminate.org.