RIT joins laser technology hub
A new NSF-backed initiative in New York aims to strengthen the U.S. laser and photonics ecosystem, supporting integrated photonics, semiconductor research, manufacturing, and workforce development.
The Rochester/Finger Lakes region of New York has secured a $15 million National Science Foundation (NSF) Regional Innovation Engine award to establish a national hub for laser technology development, with the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) serving as a key partner.
The STELLAR (Science, Technology and Engineering for Laser and Laser Applications Research) initiative will receive additional support through $16 million in New York state funding and aims to build a globally competitive ecosystem for laser research, manufacturing, education, and commercialization.
RIT researchers will contribute expertise in photonic integrated circuits (PICs), semiconductor fabrication, optical manufacturing, and photonics education.
Stefan Preble, a professor of microsystems engineering and an expert in photonic integrated circuits, is part of the STELLAR leadership team.
The initiative will leverage RIT’s semiconductor nanofabrication capabilities, including facilities for fabricating semiconductor, laser, and photonic devices, to support next-generation optical technologies.
The STELLAR hub brings together universities, industry partners, startups, and economic development organizations across the Rochester region, including the University of Rochester’s Institute of Optics and Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Monroe Community College, NextCorps Luminate, and Greater Rochester Enterprise.
The program aims to address growing demand for domestic capabilities in laser and photonics manufacturing, while developing the skilled workforce needed to advance technologies used in communications, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, defense, and optical sensing.
By strengthening collaboration between research institutions and industry, STELLAR is expected to accelerate innovation in integrated photonics and help expand the U.S. supply chain for advanced optical technologies.
