Pensievision wins $1M top prize in Luminate NY competition

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Pensievision has been named the Company of the Year in Round Eight of the Luminate NY optics, photonics, and imaging (OPI) startup accelerator competition. The San Diego, Calif.-based firm received the top award during the Luminate NY Finals 2025 event, held live at Arbor Midtown in downtown Rochester and streamed online. 

As the top winner, Pensievision will receive a $1 million investment from New York State through the Finger Lakes Forward Upstate Revitalization Initiative. 

The company’s breakthrough 3D imaging technology is designed for demanding environments — from medical diagnostics and factory floors to orbital missions — using a miniaturized single-lens setup, artificial intelligence, and astronomy-inspired optics to deliver high-precision insights in compact or complex spaces where traditional imaging systems fall short. 

“Luminate gave us unmatched access to optics expertise, precision manufacturers, and advisors who helped shape our business model and customer acquisition strategy,” said Tal Almog, Pensievision president. “It has fast-tracked our ability to validate use cases, secure pilots, and prepare for institutional funding. This follow-on funding will help us to reinforce Rochester’s role as a global hub for optics and photonics innovation.” 

Pensievision plans to use the funding to anchor its growth in the Rochester region by working with local supply chains, hiring engineering talent from area universities, and partnering with local design and manufacturing firms. 

Other Top Awards 

amPICQ, originally from Hyderabad, India, and now based in Rochester, received the Outstanding Graduate Award and $500,000 in follow-on funding. The company is developing Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) for quantum-safe security applications across Quantumcom, Datacom and Telecom sectors. 

For the first time, three companies tied for the Distinguished Graduate Award, each receiving $200,000: 

• Oblate Optics (San Diego, Calif.) – makes ultra-thin lenses that maintain laser focus even on curved surfaces. 
• Pixel Photonics (Münster, Germany) – advancing superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors with a waveguide-integrating design. 
• SNOChip (Princeton, N.J.) – developing on-chip optical components like microlens arrays and metasurfaces for semiconductor integration. 

LirOptic received the Audience Choice Award and $10,000 in follow-on funding. 

Administered by NextCorps, Luminate NY is the world’s largest accelerator for emerging OPI technologies. The program, now in its eighth year, supports startups through investment, mentorship, and regional partnerships. The Luminate portfolio includes more than 80 companies with a combined estimated market value of $700 million. 

All competition winners are required to establish operations in the Rochester region for at least 18 months. 

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