See the next wave of deep tech at Luminate Finals 2026
There’s a steady pulse to progress. Meet 10 startups adding to the beat in Rochester.
At Luminate Finals 2026 on Wednesday, September 30, the deep-tech teams of Luminate cohort 9 will graduate from the accelerator—farther along in their commercialization journeys, and more deeply embedded in our region’s innovation ecosystem.
Watch as they present technologies tackling high‑stakes challenges in healthcare, defense, manufacturing, quantum, and beyond. Up to $2 million in follow‑on funding will be awarded, including a $1 million investment for Company of the Year. You’ll also have a chance to vote live for the Audience Choice Award and hear how the new NSF‑backed STELLAR laser innovation hub strengthens Rochester’s role in laser research and advanced manufacturing.
Hosted as part of Optica’s Frontiers in Optics + Laser Science (FiO LS) at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center, Luminate Finals is your front‑row seat to the next chapter of these companies—and the story we’re writing together as a region.
Secure your spot (in person or online) to experience the next wave of the future, one breakthrough at a time.
Lunch is provided if joining in person.