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Greater Rochester Enterprise and New York Photonics have formed a strategic alliance, officials said Monday. The partnership will help both organizations promote the area’s strengths in optics, photonics, imaging and laser technologies, and attract businesses here.
“Partnering with New York Photonics enables us to better leverage our regional assets on a global scale, further accelerating the trend of world-class businesses choosing to grow in this region,” says Matt Hurlbutt, GRE president and CEO.
More than 150 companies in the OPIL sectors employ 19,000 people in the region, according to GRE. Since 2017, more than $1.1 billion in new capital investments have been made and 4,300 jobs have been created to fuel the sector’s regional growth, it says.
Additionally, Rochester’s research prowess in these fields is widely known—from the University of Rochester’s Institute of Optics and the Laboratory for Laser Energetics to Monroe Community College and Rochester Institute of Technology. The optics cluster has long been touted by economic development officials and employers alike.
The region is a finalist for a $160 million National Science Foundation Engines Award. The Science, Technology and Engineering of Laser and Laser Applications Research project could position the region as a hub for laser science.
“We have a strategic edge in optics, photonics, imaging, and laser technology that is second to none,” says Alexis Vogt, the newly appointed executive director of New York Photonics. “This partnership between GRE and New York Photonics turns that potential into progress. We’re excited to work together to tell our story and drive the economic growth our community deserves.”
This week, both GRE and NY Photonics will attend SPIE Photonics West, a flagship industry event in San Francisco, Calif.
Smriti Jacob is Rochester Beacon managing editor.
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Having been in optics for almost 40 years now, this is great news for the future of the Rochester area. It’s a great opportunity for a rewarding career for today’s youth.