Connected Know

10/02/2026

Big news for Rochester’s growing deep-tech ecosystem. 🔬

Five startups secured more than $2 million in investment through Luminate NY, with Gekko Photonics taking home the $1 million top prize — and planning to establish operations right here in the Rochester region.

We break down the five companies, what they’re building and why their growth matters for Rochester.

Read the full story on Connected Know 👇

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Five deep-tech startups developing technologies across photonics, lasers, advanced imaging and medical devices have secured more than $2 million in investments through the ninth round of Luminate NY.Gekko Photonics, a startup based in Wroclaw, Poland, took home the program’s to...

09/21/2026

NextCorps's Luminate Accelerator Finals will be held on Sept. 30 in Rochester. The pitch competition will bring together companies building technology across AI, semiconductors, healthcare, quantum, advanced manufacturing and more to compete for $2M in funding

Meet the 10 companies pitching👇

Luminate Finals 2026 will bring emerging technologies in AI, semiconductors, healthcare, quantum and advanced manufacturing to the stage in Rochester.ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Ten deep-tech startups will take the stage in Rochester on Sept. 30 with technologies spanning artificial intelligence, semiconduc...

08/13/2026

A new Finger Lakes Small Business Development Center initiative with support from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is helping small businesses in learn how to compete for contracts with major employers, healthcare systems, universities, manufacturers and other large regional buyers.

For local businesses, the next major customer could be closer than they think.

New eight-week program targets a persistent growth opportunity for Western New York companies: learning how to sell to the region’s largest employers and institutions while scaling.BROCKPORT, N.Y. — Small businesses across Genesee County and western Monroe County will soon have a new pathway to ...

08/09/2026

AI is moving beyond the chatbot. In our latest Connected Know guest article, Adam Martocello, Founder of Lilac Automation, explores the shift from AI tools that answer questions to AI agents that can actually execute work and what that means for professional services firms.

08/05/2026

Connected Ideas Is Back In August & This Month's Community Partner is the Rochester Fringe Fest - Get Your Tickets Now: https://luma.com/v23g5aga

07/28/2026

Tickets For August's Connected Ideas Are Now Live - We will be welcoming ESL Rochester Fringe Festival as this month's community partner. RSVP On Luma.

Connected Ideas | August Edition Supporting TBD Join us for Connected Ideas, a new monthly event series hosted by Connected Know. Designed for Rochester's…

07/13/2026

Brown and White Ventures has announced an investment in Buffalo-based Bounce Imaging, supporting the company's next phase of growth as demand for its tactical imaging technology expands across defense and public safety.

Read how the investment reflects the strength of Western New York's defense and advanced manufacturing ecosystem.

Link in comments

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Brown & White Ventures has invested in Buffalo-based Bounce Imaging, a developer of tactical imaging technology used by military, law enforcement, and first responders, as the company looks to expand manufacturing and accelerate the development of its next generation of situational...

07/09/2026

Connected Cocktails is now CONNECTED IDEAS - A monthly business social mixer. Get your tickets now for our July 21 event.

Connected Ideas | July Edition Supporting TechRochester Join us for the inaugural Connected Ideas, a new monthly event series hosted by Connected…

07/01/2026

Andluca has secured a strategic SAFE investment as it prepares for Series A, a move that pairs capital with global glass manufacturing capabilities and industry expertise to accelerate commercialization of its AI-driven smart glass platform.

Read the full update:

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rochester-based advanced materials company Andluca has secured a SAFE investment from an undisclosed strategic investor as the company prepares for its upcoming Series A fundraising round and expands commercialization of its intelligent glass technology.The investment, announced ...

06/23/2026

JUST IN: Rochester-based Moka Energy and CEO Tom Seymour, CPP have signed a major distribution deal with RAINFOREST DISTRIBUTION LTD.

The partnership launches July 1 and is expected to place Moka bars in 250 stores across the East Coast within the first 90 days.

The Rochester startup behind an edible coffee energy bar will launch in 250 stores through a new partnership with East Coast distributor Rainforest Distribution beginning July 1.ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rochester-based startup Moka Energy has signed a major distribution agreement with Rainforest Distribu...