Fewer than a half-dozen ‘superstar’ tech hubs today account for nearly all innovation-sector job growth—and Rochester is not one of them. But with help from Washington, could our region become a future star?
Four Questions
An innovation showcase
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The latest in optics, photonics and imaging technologies will be on display at Luminate’s “Light Tomorrow with Today” Demo Day. Slated for June 27, the startup accelerator program will also award $2 million in follow-on funding to its second cohort of startups.
GUEST OPINION
Why a forgotten Rochester heroine needs to be remembered
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A 19th century Canadian immigrant, groundbreaking beauty shop entrepreneur Martha Matilda Harper dreamed of a better life—and created one for herself and scores of women from poor backgrounds.
Innovation
How RIT and UR are enabling more students to pursue ideas and individualized studies
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Like all organizations in the 21st century, Rochester’s universities are evolving and innovating their “product.” More students today want the freedom to explore ideas and pursue degrees outside the confines of traditional classes.
Innovation
A digital tool designed for doctors
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UR graduate student Jesse Wang’s prototype of a virtual assistant for physicians, called the Digital Scribe, recently won the Audience Choice Award at the American College of Physicians’ Innovation Challenge.
Innovation
RIT students pitch their startups on investor demo night
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Teaching entrepreneurship lays the foundation for developing critical skills related to the creativity, persuasion and persistence one needs for success.
Innovation
Full steam ahead for Imagine RIT
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Returning for its 12th year, the annual festival has become a major showcase for creativity, innovation and problem-solving involving science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math.
Innovation
The Luminate wager
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Led by Sujatha Ramanujan, Luminate has the potential to further Rochester’s position at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies related to the manipulation of photons. If successful, it could silence skeptics who view the program as a passing fancy or believe the optics industry in Rochester is yesterday’s news.
Innovation
Martin Babinec’s 5 keys to startup success
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Entrepreneur Martin Babinec offered advice as the Spring Lecture speaker at the University of Rochester’s Ain Center for Entrepreneurship. His tips don’t include having a big idea but underscore the need to learn, give and deliver.
Innovation
Agriculture startups from granola to cannabis
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Entrepreneurial journeys can inspire other business owners, creating a community that celebrates innovation. Listen to a conversation with two agricultural entrepreneurs Michele Liddle and Zach Sarkis.
Innovation
A conversation with the inventor of the digital camera
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Kodak engineer Steven Sasson’s invention of digital photography and its aftermath still have many lessons for Rochester today. As Sasson says in an audio interview with the Beacon, nothing is forever, big changes are inevitable—and seemingly minor projects may someday become the basis for giant new industries.