NSF picks region as national hub for laser research

The National Science Foundation has selected the Rochester-Finger Lakes region as a national hub for laser innovation. The University of Rochester-led project will launch with $15 million in federal funds over the next two years.

The award for Science, Technology and Engineering for Laser and Laser Applications Research will be matched by $16 million in state funds over a six-year period.

The coalition is one of the latest 12 U.S. teams across 20 states to receive an NSF Regional Innovation Engines award, officials say. The program is intended to build and scale new innovation clusters that accelerate the development of critical technologies and grow regional economies.

The STELLAR project will establish a technology and innovation cluster focused on laser technologies, education, business expansion and attraction, manufacturing, and workforce development.

“NSF Engines investments in critical technologies and future industries will transform America’s innovation infrastructure for decades to come,” says Brian Stone, who is performing the duties of the NSF director. “The NSF STELLAR Engine will strengthen U.S. competitiveness in global markets by advancing lasers and laser application research for manufacturing, defense, communication and health care.”

The STELLAR project’s key partners include the Institute of Optics and Laboratory for Laser Energetics at URochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, Monroe Community College, NextCorps, Greater Rochester Enterprise, AmeriCOM, and New York State. More than 90 organizations, including industry, higher education, startups, state and local governments, venture capital, and nonprofits, have offered collaboration and support for the initiative. 

“This is a tremendous moment for the University of Rochester, our region, and the American public,” says URochester president Sarah Mangelsdorf. “On behalf of the university community, we’re gratified that our regional leaders have demonstrated that we have the talent and the teamwork needed to reposition our nation at the forefront of laser research, development, and manufacturing.”

The demand for laser products—from smartphones to complex defense systems—is on the rise. However, production is largely overseas. Other nations, including China, are investing heavily in emerging laser technologies. The STELLAR project is expected to sharpen the nation’s competitive edge.

“Lasers are critical for everything from everyday medical devices to quantum technology, but the U.S. relies too much on lasers manufactured abroad,” says Sujatha Ramanujan, managing director and chief investment officer of NextCorps’ Luminate Accelerator. “This investment to develop the Rochester-Finger Lakes region as a laser research and development hub will bolster national security, open new career pathways, and ensure America remains at the vanguard of technology.”

The region’s strength in optics, photonics, imaging, and laser supply-chain companies is well known. It houses more than 150 companies in these fields, as well as educational institutions with expertise in developing the next generation of scientists and the workforce.

“The same region that led revolutions in photography, xerography, optical physics, and precision optics is ideally positioned to lead the future of laser technology,” says Thomas Brown, director of URochester’s Institute of Optics and STELLAR principal investigator. “Pound for pound, Rochester’s brainpower in optics, photonics, imaging, and laser technology is unmatched, and we are immensely grateful for the support to help lead a national resurgence in laser technology.”

The seeds for STELLAR were sown in 2023 when URochester received $1 million to plan the proposal. The project was ultimately selected in a process that began with nearly 300 letters of intent.  STELLAR could eventually receive up to $160 million over the next decade.

Smriti Jacob is Rochester Beacon managing editor. 

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