The TechRochester‘s 2024 GREAT Awards ceremony showcased the talent and innovation driving Rochester’s tech community forward. With industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers gathered, it was a night to celebrate the incredible achievements that define the region’s commitment to progress. Congressman Joe Morelle highlighted the importance of Rochester’s innovation ecosystem, emphasizing the region’s pivotal role in shaping the future of technology, while Simon Johnson’s recent Nobel Prize win further underscored the area’s growing reputation as a global tech hub.
Susan Ippoliti Kavanagh, TechRochester President shared some opening remarks, “On behalf of the TechRochester Board of Directors, it is my honor to welcome you to the 2024 GREAT Awards. These awards are a testament to the hard work, creativity, and collaboration that fuel our region and make Rochester a hub for technology and innovation. I am proud of the achievements we are recognizing and the people and organizations driving change across New York, the US, and around the globe.”
Congressman Joe Morelle joined us for the keynote address to discuss the NY Smart I-Corridor Tech Hub and what it means for this region. “It’s a privilege to be here with so many innovators and creators who make this community extraordinary. Tonight, we’re not just celebrating technology—we’re honoring the spirit of innovation. That’s the spark that transforms an idea into something real and tangible, something that changes lives and moves the world forward. Rochester has a long history of this creative energy, from pioneers like George Eastman at Kodak to the emerging companies shaping the future today. Innovation has always been part of Rochester’s DNA, setting us apart from other cities. Whether in manufacturing or research at institutions like the University of Rochester and RIT, this region continues to be a hub for ideas that make an impact. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners of the GREAT Awards. Your hard work and creativity are what keep this community and the world moving forward.”
Jump-Starting America, co-authored by Simon Johnson and Jonathan Gruber, was published in April 2019. The book outlined a plan to revitalize the U.S. economy by significantly increasing public investment in scientific research and development across underutilized regions in the country. Their proposal emphasized the importance of fostering new technology hubs in cities outside the coastal areas, which have the potential to drive innovation and job growth, contributing to a more equitable economic future. Simon Johnson has just been awarded the 2024 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences. Rochester is indeed working towards thriving as a technology hub.
Circle Optics was nominated in two categories at the GREAT Awards: Chief Research Officer Allen Krisiloff for Agile Project Manager and our Hydra II team for Outstanding Technology Team. We had 11 of our 17 employees at the event to share in the celebration and recognize all the nominees.
Circle Optics’ culture is built on synergy, innovation, and know-how. Participating as leaders in the region highlights how we fulfill our commitment to synergy. COO Ian Gauger and Director of Marketing Jennifer Sertl are board members of TechRochester. TechRochester is a non-profit organization that focuses on bringing technology professionals together within the community. We support professional growth on an individual level, in the hopes that together we can encourage the growth of technology within the Rochester region. We are dedicated to galvanizing a network of experienced technology professionals who are passionate about their work and willing to share their knowledge.
Read More About Circle Optics Participation in the TEch Hub
COO Ian Gauger “For many, Upstate New York evokes images of historical landmarks and “Rustbelt” manufacturing towns. However, beneath this surface lies a burgeoning tech corridor brimming with potential and opportunity. The Greater Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region is challenging the traditional Silicon Valley narrative, rapidly emerging as a dynamic tech scene. Recently designated as the NY SMART I-Corridor, this region is bolstered by a new federal grant of $40 million awarded under the CHIPS & Science Act of 2023. This initial investment has the potential to unlock billions in future funding to support the region’s focus on semiconductor manufacturing, innovation, and workforce development.
As the COO of Circle Optics, a startup at the forefront of panoramic camera technology for defense and aerospace, I’ve witnessed firsthand the exceptional environment Upstate New York provides for companies like ours to thrive. Nowhere else can you find such a deep well of technical talent, research institutions, affordability, and community support. Having lived and worked in New York City and Berlin, we chose to locate Circle Optics in Rochester because of the startup ecosystem that fosters collaboration over competition.”
