Summary
Circle Optics mechanical engineers Carlos Terrero and Bob Stanchus recently participated in a Lunch & Learn for this year’s Luminate Accelerator cohort, sharing insights on rapid prototyping, engineering iteration, and product development. Alongside presenters from SunDensity and BZDesign, the discussion explored how intentional design and manufacturing strategies can accelerate innovation, improve usability, and support startup growth. Read more about how collaboration across the Rochester innovation ecosystem continues to strengthen the next generation of technology companies.
Circle Optics‘s mechanical engineers Carlos M. Terrero and Bob Stanchus participated in a Lunch & Learn organized for this year’s Luminate Accelerator cohort, focused on the role design, rapid prototyping, and engineering iteration play in bringing innovative technologies to market.
The program created an opportunity for startup teams to hear directly from organizations that have navigated the realities of product development, manufacturing, and commercialization. Discussions centered on how intentional design decisions can accelerate iteration cycles, improve usability, reduce engineering risk, and strengthen a company’s ability to secure funding and customer confidence.
The session also featured insights from Greg Gresock of SunDensity Inc. and Benjamin Zombek of BZDesign, Inc., creating a broader conversation around engineering, product development, industrial design, and startup growth.
“Circle Optics has made great strides in no small part due to the resources available at NextCorps. BZDesign plays a key role in that,” said Bob Stanchus. “Presenting how we have used some of those resources through every phase of our engineering and manufacturing process was a great way to pay it forward.”
Carlos Terrero’s presentation focused on how rapid prototyping supports product functionality, usability, and development efficiency across engineering workflows.
“Rapid prototyping allows us to evaluate ideas earlier, iterate faster, and reduce risk throughout development,” said Carlos Terrero. “From concept exploration to manufacturing and validation, these tools help bridge the gap between design intent and the final product.”
Special thanks were also extended to NextCorps for coordinating the event and continuing to create opportunities for startups, engineers, founders, and innovators to connect across the Rochester technology community.
As Circle Optics continues advancing real time panoramic imaging systems for defense, autonomy, and immersive applications, participation in programs like this reflects the company’s broader commitment to supporting collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation across the Upstate New York ecosystem.
