by Jennifer Sertl
Recently the Circle Optics team gathered on the rooftop of NextCorps, where Circle Optics is headquartered. Here we celebrated Bob Metzger’s contributions to our team as he departs to further develop his own business, Rochester Optical Systems (ROS), where his focus is providing optical engineering services in the optics industry.
Chief Research Officer Andrew Kurtz adds, “It has been a pleasure to work with Bob Metzger, as a colleague at Kodak, and then IMAX, and finally here at Circle Optics. Bob was actively engaged and very much wanted to get new products out the door.”
One of Bob’s achievements at Circle Optics during his three-year tenure was the successful completion of the D2P2 (Direct to Phase 2) Discovery project, backed by an AFWERX grant of $750,000 (USD). Spearheaded by Bob as the Principal Investigator, the team delivered a preliminary opto-mechanical design alongside a multi-telescopic camera channel breadboard. The ultimate goal is to harness high-resolution, panoramic, swath-scan imaging of our planet.
The completion of Discovery marked a significant milestone in the Circle Optics’ roadmap, reaffirming its commitment to pushing the boundaries of optical technology. “We’re here to shape the future technological landscape,” said Bob.
With ROS, Bob continues to innovate and expand his entrepreneurial venture. He respects the culture of innovation at Circle Optics and considers the transition to ROS as a natural one; as he says, “The entrepreneurial spirit of Circle Optics and NextCorps has inspired me to take ROS to the next level.” Working with an array of companies, ROS is engaged in the design, prototype and production of optical systems for a range of industries.
NextCorps offers invaluable resources to help accelerate growth and scale manufacturing capabilities, a process Bob profoundly values. “I really appreciated the opportunity to attend the Manufacturing Accelerator course at NextCorps. This is a fantastic offering for anyone looking to bring products from inception to production.” As a prominent member of the optical community, Bob remains connected to the Rochester innovation ecosystem, as cultivated by Circle Optics and the whole of NextCorps, and he is eager to contribute to the broader entrepreneurial landscape.
Other Bob Metzger Circle Optics Feature Article
The company is dedicated to continuous research and development, always pushing the boundaries of what is possible in optical technology. With this accomplishment, Circle Optics reiterates its commitment to contributing to a future where advanced imaging becomes an indispensable tool for understanding our ever-evolving world. “We’re here to shape the future technological landscape,” said Robert Metzger, Discovery’s Principal Investigator. PAVING THE WAY FOR ADVANCED PANORAMIC EARTH IMAGING, CIRCLE OPTICS COMPLETES AFWERX DIRECT TO PHASE II GRANT PROJECT
Rochester, New York, is globally recognized for cutting-edge developments in smart energy, research and development, health imaging, food and beverage manufacturing and especially optics and imaging. Circle Optics’ headquarters is located in the heart of the city at NextCorps. One of the benefits of being at NextCorps is participating in their many resources to help accelerate both growth and scale manufacturing capabilities. We are currently participating in the Manufacturing Accelerator and feel it is a program to amplify. CIRCLE OPTICS PARTICIPATES IN NEXTCORPS’ MANUFACTURING ACCELERATOR
