RIT and a coalition of regional partners have been named finalists for major federal funding aimed at strengthening the Rochester area’s leadership in laser expertise and innovation

Rochester, New York – The Rochester and Finger Lakes region is once again in the spotlight of American science and technology. A powerful coalition that includes researchers from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) has been named a finalist in the National Science Foundation’s highly competitive Regional Innovation Engines program, a recognition that could reshape the area’s role in advanced laser technologies.

The project, known as Science, Technology and Engineering of Laser and Laser Applications Research—STELLAR for short—brings together universities, colleges, industry partners, and state-level organizations. Their shared mission is straightforward but ambitious: to transform the region into a national leader in laser science, innovation, workforce training, and high-tech manufacturing. Out of nearly 300 letters of intent submitted across the country, only 15 proposals made it to the finalist stage. STELLAR stands among them.

The University of Rochester is spearheading the effort, but the network of partners reaches across the community. Monroe Community College, Nextcorps, Luminate, Greater Rochester Enterprise, AmeriCOM, and representatives from New York State are all active participants. At RIT, the team is led by Stefan Preble, the Bausch and Lomb Professor in Microsystems Engineering. He is joined by co-principal investigators Linda Bryant, director of NTID’s Learning Consortium and Online Learning Initiatives; Seth Hubbard, head of the School of Physics and Astronomy; and Jie Qiao, associate professor in the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science.

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“We are excited to be part of the STELLAR team to drive the next wave of innovation in lasers and their applications by building on Rochester’s and RIT’s leadership in optics, photonics, imaging, semiconductor, and microelectronic research and education,” said Preble. “Together with our partners, we will advance laser technologies and develop a highly skilled workforce to ensure our region remains a global leader in optics, photonics, and laser-enabled solutions.”

Building on Rochester’s Legacy

The announcement highlights the Rochester area’s long-standing ties to optics and photonics. For decades, local companies and universities have been at the center of innovation in imaging systems, fiber optics, and semiconductor technologies. That foundation gives the region a unique advantage as lasers continue to expand into new industries.

Lasers are now used for everything from precision manufacturing and advanced communications to defense applications and environmental monitoring. By focusing on building a workforce pipeline alongside research and product development, the STELLAR project hopes to ensure that Rochester and the Finger Lakes not only keep pace but lead the nation in this evolving field.

Next Steps Toward Funding

The NSF process is not yet complete. Finalist teams like STELLAR will undergo rigorous in-person interviews designed to test how well each coalition can manage risks, harness resources, and adapt to rapid changes. The winners, which will be announced in early 2026, will receive long-term funding to carry out their proposals.

If awarded, the STELLAR initiative plans to build a manufacturing ecosystem specifically designed for laser technologies. This will include creating pathways for new companies, providing research and development support for emerging businesses, and strengthening connections between academia and industry. Another key component will be education—teachers from middle schools, high schools, and colleges will receive support to build curricula that prepare students for high-demand careers in laser-related fields.

Regional Impact

For local leaders, the STELLAR recognition underscores what many in Rochester already know—that the region’s combination of expertise, industry base, and academic power makes it a natural hub for photonics and laser innovation. A successful award could bring new jobs, attract investment, and help the region retain its edge in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

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The collaboration also reflects a broader movement to align scientific research with workforce needs. As technology evolves, having skilled workers trained in areas such as optics, photonics, and microelectronics will be just as critical as having the laboratories and equipment to push research forward.

While the NSF’s final decision is still months away, the fact that Rochester and its partners have reached this stage offers a signal of confidence in the region’s capacity to deliver. Whether for national defense, health care technology, or next-generation communications systems, lasers will continue to shape the future—and Rochester is positioning itself at the heart of that story.

More details about the NSF Engines program and the 15 finalist teams can be found on the agency’s official website.