A $15 million federal investment will fuel the next era of laser technology research, development and manufacturing in Rochester and the Finger Lakes.
The University of Rochester’s STELLAR Engine was awarded the funds as part of the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines Program, federal officials announced July 14. The program was designed to accelerate the domestic development of critical technologies through innovative clusters positioned across the U.S.
The STELLAR Engine will bring together colleges, research institutions and economic development partners to expand laser technology research, workforce training and manufacturing efforts in Western New York to a scale that can compete globally.
Most laser manufacturing takes place overseas and there is a critical shortage of skilled U.S. workers in the optics and photonics industry. The university’s proposal said a sustained investment in this area would help strengthen America’s technological edge and reduce reliance on foreign materials. Lasers are used in everything from smartphones to national defense, organizers said.
Meanwhile, more than 150 optics, photonics, imaging and laser supply-chain companies already call Rochester and the Finger Lakes home, making the region ripe for innovation.
“The same region that led revolutions in photography, xerography, optical physics, and precision optics is ideally positioned to lead the future of laser technology,” said Thomas Brown, the principal investigator for the STELLAR project. “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 project’s key partners include the Institute of Optics and Laboratory for Laser Energetics at the University of Rochester, Monroe Community College, Rochester Institute of Technology, Next Corps, Greater Rochester Enterprise and AmeriCOM.
The STELLAR Engine will receive $15 million from NSF over the next two years, on top of a $16 million state investment over the next six years. Additional funding from NSF is possible.
— Kayla Canne covers community safety for the Democrat and Chronicle with a focus on immigration, police accountability, government surveillance and how people are impacted by violence. Follow her on Instagram @bykaylacanne. Get in touch at kcanne@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Rochester laser initiative wins $15M federal investment
Reporting by Kayla Canne, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Kayla Canne, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle | USA TODAY Network
