Are you developing technology that makes use of imaging, photonics, or optics to address industry challenges? The Luminate Accelerator Program 2026 is now accepting applications. Interested candidates are urged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and to apply.
About Luminate Accelerator Program
Opportunity Details
The Luminate Accelerator, a program of NextCorps based in Rochester, New York, is inviting applications from startups developing innovative technologies using optics, photonics, or imaging, offering funding, mentorship, and investor access to help them scale and enhance investability.
Benefits of Luminate Accelerator Program
- $100K at program start, and a chance to receive $1 million in follow-on funding at the end of the program
- Opportunities to pitch to 30+ investors, including Samsung, Sony, Corning, J&J, and Launchpad Ventures Boston
- Mentorship from our world-class advisory board
- Access to PitchBook, Zemax OpticStudio, MATLAB, and SiliconExpert
- Access to the New York Photonics cluster and its 160+ OPI companies
- Connections to skilled talent, optical assembly and manufacturing facilities, state and federal research facilities, and other resources to grow your business
- Weekly instruction on business topics from sales and marketing to IP protection and finance
Luminate Accelerator Program Requirements
To qualify for Luminate’s cohort-based program:
- Your company must be incorporated.
- You must have proven your optics, photonics, or imaging enabled technology at least at the lab scale.
- You must have a team of at least two members working on the business full-time.
- You must have C-level team members able to travel to Rochester to participate in the hybrid-remote* program for seven months.
Application Date and Process
- Click on the link to the application website to apply.
Application Deadline
12 January, 2026
Scholarship Application Portal
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Luminate Accelerator Program
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