Luminate

A Polish startup has won the $1 million grand prize at the Luminate NY competition in Rochester, New York. The accelerator program, focused on optics, photonics and imaging technologies, awards funding to early-stage companies from around the world. The win marks a notable international success for the Polish company, giving it capital and a foothold in the US market.

Luminator Technology Group, long known as a supplier of passenger information and signage hardware for public transit, is broadening its business to become a full digital technology partner for transit operators. The move signals a shift toward software, data and connected services that complement its existing displays and information systems, positioning the company to compete in the growing market for smart transit solutions.

The Luminate startup accelerator held its finals at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center, awarding $1 million in prize money to local entrepreneurs. The competition recognizes early-stage companies in the Rochester, New York region and distributes funding to help winning startups grow their businesses locally.

The Gresham Japanese Garden in Gresham, Oregon, is preparing an autumn illumination event designed to showcase the garden's fall colors after dark. Local outlets including the Estacada News and The Outlook are covering the seasonal display, which highlights the garden's maples and traditional landscaping during the peak of the autumn season.

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the winners of the ninth round of the Luminate NY startup accelerator and competition in New York. The program, based in Rochester, supports early-stage optics, photonics and imaging companies with funding and mentorship. Details of the winning companies and prize amounts were carried in the announcement.