Gekko Photonics has won the top $1 million investment in Round Nine of Luminate NY, New York State’s Rochester-based accelerator for optics, photonics and imaging startups. The state-backed program also awarded additional funding to other finalists and opened applications for Round 10 through Jan. 11, 2027.
Gekko Photonics takes the top award
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that Gekko Photonics was named Luminate NY’s “Company of the Year” at the 2026 finals in Rochester. The Wroclaw, Poland-based company received a $1 million follow-on investment funded through the state’s Finger Lakes Forward Upstate Revitalization Initiative.
Gekko Photonics develops systems that use Raman spectroscopy to monitor chemical processes continuously. Its technology is designed to give manufacturers faster information than traditional laboratory testing.
The company says its platform can be used in industries including chemicals, pharmaceuticals and food production. According to the state, Gekko plans to use the investment to expand into the Rochester region, establish a local operation and support U.S. customers.
Why Rochester is central to the program
Luminate NY is operated by NextCorps in Rochester and focuses on companies working in optics, photonics, imaging and related technologies. The region has a long history in optics and imaging, including major research institutions, manufacturers and a specialized workforce.
Empire State Development said the Round Nine cohort was selected from 138 applicants representing 33 countries. Ten startups were chosen for the accelerator earlier in 2026.
The program is designed to do more than award prize money. Startups receive business development support, technical guidance, access to investors and connections to regional industry resources.
More than $2 million awarded in Round Nine
The state says more than $2 million in follow-on funding was awarded through the competition. Gekko Photonics received the largest single investment at $1 million.
The awards are structured as investments rather than traditional cash prizes. That means the program is intended to help companies commercialize technology, hire workers and build operations while giving New York an economic stake in their growth.
State officials say the broader goal is to strengthen New York’s position in a technology sector that touches advanced manufacturing, medical devices, communications, defense, sensing and other industries.
What Gekko Photonics makes
Gekko’s technology uses light to analyze the chemical composition of materials during industrial production. The company’s Spectrally platform combines photonic hardware with data analysis tools to give manufacturers continuous information about what is happening inside a process.
In practical terms, that can help manufacturers identify problems sooner, reduce waste and improve consistency. Instead of waiting for a sample to be taken to a laboratory and tested, operators can receive information during production.
Gekko CEO Robert Stachurski said Rochester’s photonics workforce and supplier network made the region a logical place for the company to grow.
“Rochester’s photonics expertise makes it a natural place for our company to grow,” Stachurski said in the state announcement.
Round 10 applications are now open
New York has already committed to another round of Luminate NY. Applications for Round 10 are open through Jan. 11, 2027.
Each company accepted into the six-month hybrid accelerator will receive an upfront $50,000 investment, with part of that money committed to using regional resources. Companies will then compete for a share of $2 million in follow-on funding at the next Luminate Finals.
The state says Round 10 will also include expanded support for laser technology companies.
New laser initiative adds another layer of support
The next accelerator round will connect participants with the newly launched U.S. National Science Foundation STELLAR Engine, a University of Rochester-led initiative focused on laser science, manufacturing and workforce development.
The initiative is backed by $15 million in federal funding and matched by $16 million from New York State, according to the announcement. More than 90 organizations are participating.
New York is also providing a $4 million working-capital grant for another Luminate round, while State Senator Samra Brouk secured an additional $1 million for Round 10.
What the program means for Upstate New York
Although Luminate is based in Rochester, the program fits into a broader Upstate New York strategy centered on advanced manufacturing and technology commercialization.
For communities across the state, programs like Luminate are important because they try to turn research and startup activity into permanent jobs, suppliers and manufacturing operations. The challenge is making sure winning companies build a lasting presence in New York rather than simply passing through an accelerator.
Gekko’s announced plan to establish a local operation will therefore be an important measure of the program’s longer-term economic impact.
