The Momentum Continues GRE closed out 2025 with 33 project wins, driving $239 million in new capital investment, 887 new jobs, and 1,546 jobs retained across the Greater Rochester, NY region. Companies like EvolvOptic, QED Technologies, and Toyota Material Handling continue to choose Rochester for its talent, R&D strength, and high-quality sites. Looking ahead, GRE’s 2026 pipeline … Continued

Leading the Laser Revolution The Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) is working on the NSF OPAL project, which will advance the frontier of ultra-high intensity laser-matter interactions. EvolvOptic is collaborating with LLE and developing fast, cost-effective solutions by leveraging Rochester’s optics and photonics expertise. The collaboration supports NSF’s STELLAR proposal, which could bring $160M to … Continued

Strengthening ROC’s Optics Legacy Sydor Optics invested $3 million in MCC to strengthen its optics program, which is the first U.S. community college to offer an optical systems technology degree. The new Sydor Optics Advanced Technology Center will provide modern, industry-aligned labs to address workforce shortages and fuel regional growth. Sydor’s gift reflects a commitment … Continued

Global leader in Precision Optics Grows in Rochester QED Technologies, a global leader in precision optics, is significantly expanding its footprint in the Greater Rochester, NY region. Acknowledging Rochester’s status as the “precision optics capital of the world,” QED Technologies is establishing a world-class fabrication and customer experience center here. This expansion is designed to … Continued

From Strategy to Slime Board games rule this year’s National Toy Hall of Fame class! Shane Rhinewald, Senior Director of Communications at The Strong Museum, reveals the newest inductees: Battleship, Trivial Pursuit, and Slime. These timeless toys have sparked strategy, creativity, and knowledge for generations, and this year’s announcement even made headlines on the TODAY … Continued

Innovation Takes Center Stage This year’s $1M grand prize went to Brekland, a company that has developed a biodegradable foam coating that brings new, in-field functionality to crop protection products. Grow-NY positively impacts the food, farming, and agricultural economy, with many finalists staying in the region to set up operations, create jobs, and stimulate economic activity … Continued

Made With Love, Not Alcohol Founder and Flavor Maven Shelley Elkovich has brought her woman-owned, family-run business, For Bitter For Worse, to Rochester, NY, where it now operates out of a historic former distillery. For Bitter For Worse is known for crafting complex, non-alcoholic cocktails using locally farmed and foraged botanicals. The company was drawn to Rochester … Continued

Optics is Everywhere, and it’s Essential. This week, Rochester, NY, hosts SPIE’s Optifab conference and Luminate Finals, spotlighting the region’s leadership in optics, photonics, imaging, and lasers. SPIE’s CEO Kent Rochford highlights Optifab’s 20-year history in Rochester, driven by its strong academic and industry base. He explains in this GRE Why ROC segment how optics powers everyday … Continued

Your DNA, Your Health, Your Future Rochester Regional Health has launched a no-cost genetic screening program to help you understand your risk for certain cancers, heart conditions, and even traits like caffeine sensitivity. Open to adults 18+, GenoWell is a chance to learn more about your health and contribute to groundbreaking research that’s shaping the … Continued

People-First, Future-Focused Linden Digital Marketing is making waves in ROC. Linden Digital Marketing, a full-service digital marketing agency, leads with a people-first approach. The company recently invested in a new building to support in-person collaboration and create a “content house” for creative work. Lindsay Connelly, Linden’s President, discusses how her team keeps an eye on emerging technologies like … Continued

Print On Demand Leader RPI Print is thriving in Rochester, powering millions of personalized products for top brands like Canva and Blurb. With decades of experience and a tech-forward approach, RPI delivers high-quality, on-demand printing solutions from the Greater Rochester, NY region, which is known for its rich imaging history, skilled talent pool, and strategic location. Andy … Continued

Coffee That Lifts Everyone Joe Bean Coffee has been a Rochester staple for more than 20 years, thriving through a commitment to quality, consistency, and ethical sourcing. As a B Corp, its mission, “coffee that lifts everyone”, is reflected in its strong relationships with farming partners. In response to rising global tariffs, including a recent 50% … Continued

Designing With Purpose #ROC’s CPL is celebrating its 50th anniversary. While the firm has expanded across multiple states, Rochester remains its home and foundation. CPL’s growth has been driven by impactful projects across a range of industries, including healthcare, education, infrastructure, and community development, demonstrating their commitment to smart, purpose-driven design rooted in long-standing local partnerships. Todd … Continued

From Sketch to Prototype KEK Design, a third-generation family business in Rochester, has been innovating for more than 55 years. Known for turning ideas into prototypes, KEK Design has designed products like McDonald’s cash registers, L3Harris fire radios, and even Callaway rangefinders. They tap into local talent, particularly from RIT, while also leveraging programs like the GRE Economic Gardening to fuel growth. Check … Continued