Recently, Circle Optics participated in the Convergence: Forging an Agile Industrial Base—the 4th Annual Defense & Government Contracting Forum and Matchmaker in Rochester, NY—hosted by U.S. Congressman Joseph Morelle, Monroe County Executive Adam Bellow, and Monroe County & Finger Lakes APEX Accelerator Anna Vulaj Fitzsimmons.
The program included the following content:
- Forging Immediate & Long Term Supplier Diversity Programs with Micron Technology’s Mr. El-Java Abdul-Qadir, PhD
- The Rapid Integrated Scalable Enterprise (RISE) with Mr. David Busigo, DoD Office of Small Business Programs [ the RISE program provides a way for small businesses to mature their innovation technologies and get them rapidly inserted into acquisition programs that meet specific defense needs ]
- Working With Department of Defense SBIR / STTR
- Small Business Directors’ Fire Side Chat: Air & Space Force
Presentations for all of these sessions are available on the Monroe County & Finger Lakes APEX Accelerator Events Page.
Given Circle Optics’ SpaceWERX Phase I, it was a wonderful opportunity to meet Mr. Jeff Mellott from Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), Mr. Ronald Hobbs from the Air Force Sustainment Center, Mr. Matthew Chartier from the U.S. Space Force, Mr. Luke Schultz from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), and Mr. Brian S. McJilton from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).
Circle Optics had the opportunity to showcase a technology demonstration to the community. One of the many benefits of being part of the Monroe County & Finger Lakes APEX Accelerator is the invaluable chance to engage more closely with key stakeholders and gain additional time with industry leaders. Founder and CEO Zak Niazi comments, “It was a privilege to meet with key decision-makers from the Department of Defense who are dedicated to ensuring the department achieves its goals in fostering innovation and collaboration with small businesses.“
Circle Optics has cultivated a culture rooted in innovation, technical expertise, and collaboration, which drives the company forward in advancing its cutting-edge camera systems. With an impressive $9.4 million in Department of Defense (DoD) funding, the company is focused on accelerating mission readiness in critical areas like drone swarming and immersive learning technologies. These innovations are poised to enhance DoD operations by delivering unparalleled visual capabilities, making Circle Optics a key player in shaping the future of military technology. By leveraging its deep technical know-how and fostering a synergistic work environment, Circle Optics continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in high-performance optical systems.
Monroe County & Finger Lakes APEX Accelerator
Anna Vulaj Fitzsimmons brings 30 years of experience in government contracting and business development. As the Program Director for Monroe County Finger Lakes APEX Accelerator since 2015, she has facilitated over $629 million in government contract awards for small businesses. Anna is an active member of several prominent councils and boards, including the Department of Defense East Regional Council and the National APEX Accelerator Alliance.
