Summary
This month we celebrate being accepted into the NSIN - National Security Innovation Network Propel New York 2023 program, participating in Upstate Capital Association of New York's Future of Air & Space and reading about Founder & CEO Zak Niazi in OPTICA's Optics & Photonics Magazine "Entrepreneurs to Watch."
We have had an incredible month and are happy to share our highlights.
Circle Optics was selected to be part of NSIN Propel New York, a collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Information Directorate, the premier research organization for command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) and cyber technologies for the U.S. Air Force (USAF), includes a cohort of ten startups focusing on resilient basing, moving target engagement and operationally focused Advanced Battle Management Systems (ABMS).
Startups in the NSIN Propel New York cohort will enable technology solutions that are prime for adaptation to address the operational imperatives of the USAF and the broader U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) community.
The accelerator aims to lower barriers to entering the defense industrial base for companies by attracting investment from trusted private capital and government end-users seeking further engagement with members of the cohort.
Decisive Point VCs, Jacqueline Blackburn shares a comprehensive recap of our experience, “Contrary to popular belief, New York City is not the only city in the state of New York focused on technology innovation. Roughly four hours from the Big Apple, the city of Rome is home to an emerging innovation ecosystem, thanks to the presence of the prestigious Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), a prominent scientific research organization within the United States Air Force that conducts cutting-edge research and development to advance aerospace technologies and enhance national defense capabilities. Caring about our national security posture means investing time and patient capital into defense. The seamless, in theory, but much more difficult in practice, integration of technology is a critical component in bolstering national security and propelling scientific advancements. The convergence of defense initiatives and technology integration in Rome, New York, serves as a beacon of progress, fueling breakthroughs that not only strengthen our nation’s defense capabilities but also have far-reaching implications in diverse industries and beyond.”
The July/August 2023 issue of OPN features the magazine’s biennial “Entrepreneurs to Watch.” This issue features our Founder & CEO Zak Niazi where he shares the backstory behind our “stitchless” 360-degree multi-camera system, which solves the problem of parallax using abutting polygonal lenses, and how we aim to both “democratize” immersive experiences and enhance safety and security.
We released two 360° Pulse Podcasts:
Making Imaging Science Accessible with Emmett Ientilucci From the cosmic to the microscopic, Imaging Science is everywhere. In discussion with Jennifer Sertl, Dr. Emmett Ientilucci shares his pathway to success, the importance of staying curious and provides a glimpse of how Imaging Science impacts our daily lives. Dr. Ientilucci is an Associate Professor and Graduate Admissions Chair in the Digital Image and Remote Sensing (DIRS) Lab at the Center for Imaging Science (CIS) at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), in Rochester, New York.
Good Solutions to Awkward Problems with David Ryan Bonelli Former U.S. Army Veteran and Pulsar Founder & CEO, David Ryan Bonelli, shares his approach to innovation. After working with Rokid, Osterhout Design Group, and KFS Industries, Bonelli is helping create solutions impacting everyday life in the metaverse with his AR and VR solutions that blend hardware, neuroscience, and optical expertise.
Finally, July 27th was National Intern Day and we did not want to miss an opportunity to share our dynamic interns:
- Mitchell Baller, Computer Science Intern ~”Working in computer science and working at Circle Optics are a lot like training for a marathon. It is nonstop effort, and you don’t get to see the results for a very long time-horizon. Daily execution and focus really matter for the long view.”
- Sonakshi Das , Business Administration Intern ~ “Having grown up in Boston, I was surrounded by learning opportunities and have always been rigorous in making sure I take advantage of all opportunities around me. Many people don’t apply for a co-op until they are juniors or seniors. As a sophomore, I wanted to apply to get practice on what skills were valuable to the immediate work environment. I was encouraged by my parents to always go after things even if I didn’t have all the requirements. I am such a learner that I know I will get there. That is my advice to others – take action now and be brave to learn.”
- Benjamin Margulies, Optical Engineering Intern Beyond his passion for optics, Margulies finds solace in the great outdoors. He enjoys photography, particularly capturing panoramas and stitching them together. Additionally, he indulges in activities such as hiking and backpacking, with a remarkable month-long backpacking trip in the Wind River Range of Wyoming under his belt. In that remarkable 143-mile, 28-day journey discovered the importance of perseverance and appreciation for the simplicity of life.
Thank you for being part of our community!
