Oblate Optics Earns Distinguished Graduate Award at Luminate NY Finals 2025

We're thrilled to announce that Oblate Optics has been recognized as a Distinguished Graduate at the Luminate NY Finals 2025, earning $200,000 in follow-on funding from New York State. This prestigious award validates our breakthrough technology and positions us for accelerated growth in the global optics and photonics market.

A Milestone Achievement

At the Finals event held at Arbor Midtown in downtown Rochester, Oblate Optics was one of only three companies to receive the Distinguished Graduate Award—marking the first time in Luminate's history that three companies tied for this honor. Our ultra-thin lenses that keep laser beams in perfect focus on curved or uneven surfaces impressed judges from the OPI industry and venture capital community, who scored companies based on business pitches and comprehensive due diligence completed during the seven-month accelerator program.

Luminate NY's Finals Transformative Impact

The Luminate NY accelerator provided unparalleled access to Rochester's world-class optics ecosystem, connecting us with precision manufacturers, industry experts, and strategic partners. Through more than 200 hours of instruction and mentorship, we refined our technology, validated market opportunities, and built the foundation for commercial success.

This investment will enable Oblate Optics to deepen our engagement with Rochester's robust supply chain, expand our engineering team with talent from local universities, and accelerate partnerships with regional design and manufacturing firms.

Joining an Elite Portfolio

Oblate Optics now joins Luminate NY's impressive portfolio of more than 80 companies with a combined estimated market value of $700 million. Since its inception, the program has invested $21 million in 85 startups, collectively creating over 210 jobs in New York State and generating $21.6 million in spending with regional companies.

Looking Forward

This recognition from Luminate NY validates our mission to revolutionize laser manufacturing through AI-optimized meta-optics. With this follow-on funding, we're positioned to scale our DeepFocus™ metalens technology and bring transformative solutions to industries ranging from aerospace and electronics to medical devices and semiconductor manufacturing.

As we continue to establish our operations in Rochester—a global hub for optics and photonics innovation—we remain committed to driving technological advancement while contributing to the region's rich legacy of optical excellence.

Applications for Luminate NY Round Nine are now being accepted through January 12, 2026. Learn more at luminate.org.