NY wins $600 million hub for photonics research, development

Photonics uses light to create advanced electronics products, from robotics to medical imaging and other technology. Proposed as part of President Obama’s National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI), the IP-IMI was established to bring government, industry and academia together to advance state-of-the-art photonics technology and better position the United States relative to global competition in this critical field. Southern California and central Florida also were in the running.

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter says the institute could shape the region’s economy for decades.

The Rochester area has been competing for the photonics hub for more than three years.

Rochester already is the home of the largest photonics cluster in the country, with 24,000 people already working in the sector.

The integrated photonics manufacturing institute is envisioned as a photonics “ecosystem” that includes domestic foundry access, automated packaging, assembly and workforce development. Slaughter said it’s a game changer and a major economic boost for the Rochester area.

Academic and industrial partners from all across the nation, including the University of Rochester, RIT, and SUNY Polytechnic Institute would also be behind the institute.

Greece, NY- Vice President Joe Biden will be in our area today to formally announce plans for the Defense Department’s National Photonics Center.

The Photonics Manufacturing Institute is a $110 million investment from the Department of Defense. While other countries have heavily invested in advancing their optics and photonics industries, the United States’ lead in this cutting-edge technology has dwindled.

For the military, photonics could improve battlefield imaging equipment and radar technology.