Summary
The University of Rochester-led STELLAR (Science, Technology and Engineering for Laser and Laser Applications Research) Engine has been selected by the National Science Foundation as one of only 12 Regional Innovation Engines nationwide from nearly 300 applicants. The initiative received an initial $15 million NSF award, matched by $16 million from New York State, to accelerate laser innovation, commercialization, workforce development, and advanced manufacturing across the Rochester, Finger Lakes, and Southern Tier regions. As a graduate of the Luminate Accelerator and a member of the NextCorps innovation ecosystem, Circle Optics is proud to support Rochester's continued leadership in optics, photonics, and laser technologies that serve a $16 trillion global marketplace.
After a highly competitive national selection process that began with nearly 300 applicants, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has named the University of Rochester-led STELLAR (Science, Technology and Engineering for Laser and Laser Applications Research) Engine one of only 12 Regional Innovation Engines in the United States. The initiative received an initial $15 million NSF award over the next two years, matched by $16 million from New York State over six years, with the opportunity to earn up to $160 million in federal funding over the next decade.
A Community Aligned Around the Future.
Congressman Joe Morelle, who helped establish the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program, described the award as “the entire community coming together with a focus on the future.” He emphasized that optics, photonics, microprocessors, and lasers are fundamental to industries ranging from semiconductor manufacturing and communications to national defense, adding, “The greatest days of Rochester are ahead of us. The future is Rochester, and Rochester is going to lead the way.”
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello reinforced that message, noting that Rochester distinguished itself because universities, industry, workforce organizations, government, and community partners “came together for a common purpose.” Bello explained that the National Science Foundation recognized Rochester’s commitment to “true collaboration, not just cooperation,” describing it as a defining characteristic of the region’s past, present, and future”
What This Means for Circle Optics
For Circle Optics, the STELLAR Engine represents more than a research investment. It strengthens the ecosystem that enables advanced technologies to move from laboratory innovation to commercial deployment.
As a graduate of the Luminate Accelerator and headquartered at NextCorps, Circle Optics has experienced firsthand how Rochester’s collaborative model brings together researchers, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, investors, economic development organizations, and government leaders to accelerate innovation.The opportunity is significant. As Bello noted during the announcement, laser technologies support a $16 trillion global marketplace, with applications spanning semiconductor manufacturing, communications, healthcare, energy, computing, and national defense. The STELLAR Engine positions Rochester to play an even larger role in developing and commercializing the technologies that will drive this global economy.
Circle Optics Chief Operating Officer Ian Gauger believes the award reflects what makes Rochester’s innovation community unique.“It was great to see so many leaders from our community come together to secure this opportunity. Representative Joe Morelle has been a tremendous champion for Rochester’s innovation ecosystem, including companies like Circle Optics. The collaboration between government, academia, economic development organizations, and innovative companies is what makes this region unique, and the NSF STELLAR Engine will create new opportunities to accelerate the commercialization of breakthrough technologies.”
As Circle Optics continues advancing panoramic imaging systems for defense, autonomy, aerospace, and industrial applications, the company sees the STELLAR Engine as an important catalyst for strengthening research partnerships, developing the next generation of talent, and accelerating commercialization across Rochester’s world-renowned optics and photonics ecosystem.
