Luminate accelerator cohort 10 for optics and photonics startups
Luminate cohort 10 gives optics, photonics and imaging startups $100K at the start and a shot at $1 million. Apply by 11 January 2027.
Luminate is looking for startups for cohort 10 of its accelerator. It is for companies that solve industry problems with technology that uses optics, photonics, imaging or lasers. The program runs for six months and is based in Rochester, New York.
Each company gets $100K at the start of the program. At the end, companies have a chance to receive $1 million in further funding. Luminate says it invests $3M each year and gives $1M to its Company of the Year. Members also get pitch meetings with more than 30 investors, mentors from the advisory board, and access to PitchBook, Zemax OpticStudio, MATLAB and SiliconExpert. They also get access to the New York photonics cluster, and there is weekly teaching on sales, marketing, IP protection and finance.
Your company must be incorporated. You must have proven your optics, photonics or imaging technology at least at lab scale. At least two team members must work on the business full time. Senior executives (C level) must be able to travel to Rochester. The program is hybrid, and members are expected in person for one week per month for meetings in Rochester or investor pitches.
Apply through the form on F6S. Applications close on 11 January 2027. Luminate runs virtual info sessions, and the next one is listed for 18 November from 1:00 to 2:00 PM EST.