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Optics, Photonics, Imaging & Lasers
Rochester, NY is the world leader in optics, photonics, imaging, and laser technologies.
Photo by J. Adam Fenster / University of Rochester
Home to 150+ Businesses Focused on Optics, Photonics, Imaging, and Lasers
From the Mars Rover to the James Webb Space Telescope, viewing new worlds is possible thanks to scientists and engineers in Rochester, NY, the world leader in optics, photonics, imaging, and laser technologies.
This region’s imaging history is unparalleled. It’s the birthplace of forward-looking companies such as Eastman Kodak Company, Xerox Corporation, and Bausch + Lomb. To all optics, photonics, imaging, and laser companies: we invite you to take advantage of our area’s educated workforce and industry expertise. Approximately 19,000 Rochester residents are employed in the industry. More than 60 percent of all optics degrees conferred in the US are conferred right here in Rochester. In addition, Monroe Community College is the first U.S. community college to offer an associate degree in optical systems technology.
With an economic output of more than $3.5 billion annually, our region is the most robust, sophisticated and highly integrated optics, photonics, imaging and laser supply chain in the nation. Rochester’s optics industry is diverse, including remote-sensing companies such as L3Harris, sophisticated supply-chain firms such as Corning, Thorlabs Lens Systems, Rochester Precision Optics, IDEX Health and Science, and smaller ventures such as Lumetrics, and VisualDx. We’re a research and manufacturing hub supported by the University of Rochester’s Institute of Optics, the Laboratory for Laser Energetics and Rochester’s Institute of Technology’s Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science and Lobozzo Photonics and Optical Characterization Lab. It’s no surprise that the region also generates a vast number of the nation’s patents in optics, photonics, imaging, and laser technologies.
Notable Optics, Photonics, Imaging & Laser Companies in Rochester, NY
Document systems, software, services and supplies.
Graphic communications, digital printing, packaging, micro 3-D printing and packaging.
Midsize to large precision optics and optical systems including mirrors, mounted optical assemblies and metering structures.
Soft contact lenses and related products.
Contact lenses.
Optical components including aspheres, cylinders, prisms and spheres for ultraviolet, visible and infrared application.
Geospatial software, aerial imagery, and analytics.
Rochester Precision Optics LLC
Manufacturer of complex optical components, assemblies and electro-optical systems for visible and infrared applications.
Medical and healthcare IT solutions and X-ray film and digital X-ray products.
Quality Vision International Inc.
Designs and builds dimensional measuring machines combining optical imaging, laser, and contact sensors.
Optics, Photonics, Imaging & Laser Research and Development Resources
The American Institute for Manufacturing Integrated Photonics (AIM Photonics)
AIM Photonics brings the nation’s leading talent from companies, universities, and federal research institutions together under one entity to develop the next generation of integrated photonics and deliver global manufacturing leadership. AIM Photonics Test, Assembly, and Packaging (TAP) facility is in Rochester, NY.
Luminate NY
Luminate NY is the world’s largest business accelerator for startup firms in the optics, photonics and imaging industries. This program, administered by NextCorps, provides resources for entrepreneurs interested in solving challenging optics, photonics and imaging problems, including but not limited to: machine vision, inspection, biophotonics, security, surveillance, augmented and virtual reality, and autonomous vehicles.
The Center for Emerging & Innovative Sciences
The Center for Emerging & Innovative Sciences (CEIS) is a New York State Office of Science, Technology and Academic Research (NYSTAR) designated center for advanced technology. The Center develops and transfers technology to industry for commercialization and educates the next generation of leaders in the fields of imaging and microelectronics design.
The University of Rochester’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics
The University of Rochester’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics hosts two of the highest energy lasers in the world, Omega and Omega EP. Researchers from universities and agencies come from around the world to use this facility for research.
New York Photonics Industry Association
Responsible for world-changing technologies like television, instant copying, fiber optics, and consumer photography, New York businesses and research centers are now developing—and exporting around the world—breakthrough applications for adaptive optics, high-speed communications, geospatial imaging, photonic computing, nanolithography, and biomedical imaging. New York Photonics provides problem-solving expertise with a collaborative ethic that maintains rigorous standards and understands the importance of speed to market for optics, photonics, and imaging companies.
World-Class Talent at Competitive Rates Below the National Average
| Position | Rochester Annual Mean Wage | National Annual Mean Wage | Rochester Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $155,940 | $172,290 | 9.5% |
| Chemical Engineers | $82,750 | $122,910 | 32.7% |
| Chemical Technicians | $58,720 | $60,920 | 3.6% |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | $72,580 | $78,640 | 7.7% |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $67,710 | $74,440 | 9.0% |
| Electrical Engineers | $103,530 | $117,680 | 12.0% |
| Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers | $40,700 | $43,740 | 7.0% |
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | $65,960 | $72,430 | 8.9% |
| Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | $101,750 | $124,190 | 18.1% |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $59,880 | $75,290 | 20.5% |
| Engineers, All Other | $107,820 | $118,350 | 8.9% |
| Machinists | $52,180 | $54,600 | 4.4% |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $64,940 | $67,990 | 4.5% |
| Mechanical Engineers | $92,610 | $105,220 | 12.0% |
| Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians | $38,840 | $41,280 | 5.9% |
| Physicists | $137,850 | $158,270 | 12.9% |
| Production Workers, All Other | $37,700 | $41,000 | 8.0% |
| Sales Engineers | $110,660 | $130,550 | 15.2% |
| Software Developers | $115,160 | $138,110 | 16.6% |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $100,190 | $108,460 | 7.6% |
Rochester is an optics center of the world. There are really talented people here. Everything about Rochester just fits really well with what Vuzix does.
Paul Travers
Founder and CEO, Vuzix
Learn More About Optics, Photonics, Imaging, & Laser Technologies in Rochester, NY
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High tech companies know Rochester as the optics mecca in the United States.
Matt Sydor
Vice President, Sales and Compliance, Sydor Optics
At Toyota Material Handling North America, which is comprised of two main group companies – Toyota Material Handling and The Raymond Corporation – we are committed to leading the way in energy innovation. We believe that the Greater Rochester, NY region shares that commitment, and is the ideal location to establish our cutting-edge energy storage and fuel cell development center.”
Jennifer Lupo
Vice President of Energy Solutions, Supply Chain, and Leasing, The Raymond Corporation
Rochester has a great work base. They’re loyal. They’re smart. They’re well educated and they want to succeed.
Jim Continenza
Executive Chairman and CEO, Eastman Kodak
We keep and maintain and are investing specifically in Rochester because that is where the talent is. We don’t succeed without the right talent.
David Velasquez
Vice President and General Manager, Corning Incorporated
Rochester has the manufacturing capability, testing capability, and intellectual horsepower.
Matt Fronk
Past Chairman, NY BEST
Rochester has a deep talent pool around all of the things that we need to do to commercialize advanced materials for the energy economy.
Ben Britton
Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Ionomr
The decision to expand locally was a relatively easy one for CooperVision. The Rochester area has provided so many of the elements necessary for a successful operation.
Jerry Warner
President, CooperVision
The proximity to top colleges and industry-leading companies, in addition to the quality of life in Western New York, made the decision to open our second office in Rochester an easy one.
Mike Pinch
Director, Security Risk Advisors
“Rochester is world famous for precision optics manufacturing and photonics.”
Jennifer Cable
President, Thorlabs
We have a long history of people skilled in aerospace technology and precision optical assembly. We take advantage of the industrial base in the Rochester area. We also take advantage of the skill sets developed by our local technical institutions like MCC, RIT, or the University of Rochester.”
Tony Whitman
Cryogenic Optical Test Director for James Webb Space Telescope, L3 Harris
We have inherited an exceptional quality of life thanks to an impressive cluster of cultural organizations, unparalleled natural resources, and a resilient and welcoming spirit of community.
David Munson
President, Rochester Insititute of Technology
Once people get here and their families get used to short commute times, low home prices, the fact we have all kinds of recreational sporting activities, the quality of schools, they don’t want to leave.
Arunas Chesonis
CEO and Chairman, Sweetwater Energy
Rochester has provided ID Signsystems with the ability to grow and develop by tapping into the region’s large pool of design-focused talent, technicians, engineers and sign makers.
Paul Dudley
President, ID Signsystems
Our network of local universities, colleges, and optics companies has created a workforce pipeline that is unmatched anywhere in the United States.
Joseph Spilman
CEO, Optimax
GRE’s direction and guidance proved to be well worth our investment. Their passion to make the business environment in the Rochester area greater is very apparent.
Scott MacCaull
Workplace Interiors
There is unlimited, untapped technical talent in the area and I hope we start a wave of other companies moving to Rochester.
Austin McChord
Founder, Datto
Rochester has a long history of being a hub for telecommunications. There is a rich ecosystem of talent and services to support business growth.
Jai Ramachandran
Founder and CEO, Wire3
Rochester is the perfect size city to get business done. I’m always one connection away from anything I’m looking for.
Zack Phillips
President, Kink BMX
We have access to talent graduating from our businesses and technical institutions capable of perpetuating our success for years to come.
Marc Iacona
President & CEO, Simcona Electronics
The Rochester region provided convenient access to both railroads and major highways, as well as proximity to Barilla’s customer base in the Northeast.
Fabio Pettenati
Vice President of Supply Chain, Barilla America
We’re excited about this area. There’s high-quality milk in the region. There’s a lot of top talent. The industry, the innovation, the technical experience , the work ethic is all attractive to us.
Phil LaMothe
Vice President of Manufacturing, fairlife
The country is starting to recognize Rochester as a technical city outside of just software. We have optics and manufacturing that’s exceeding most of the baselines around the country.
Craig Lamb
Co-owner, Envative
Rochester has the resources optics companies need to transform their concepts into reality.
Dr. Duncan T. Moore
Vice Provost for Entrepreneurship and Professor of Optical Engineering
Rochester has a great base of intellectual capital in the science and technology fields at local businesses and universities.
Daniel J. Burns
Area Executive for Upstate NY, Western NY, and Pennsylvania, M&T Bank Corporation
We’ve developed vaccines to prevent cervical cancer right here in Rochester.
Peter Robinson
Vice President and COO, University of Rochester Medical Center
Among many great options, none could match Rochester in terms of talent, local supplier networks, and opportunities to partner with top-tier research institutions.
Andy Marsh
CEO, Plug Power