In addition to providing the ability to participate in both programs concurrently, the partnership will increase startup access to connections, collaborations, and funding. Luminate and Silicon Catalyst will collaborate on startup recruitment and selection, with a focus on elevating women and minority owned companies to ensure equitable access to comprehensive support. The organizations will also leverage their investor networks and portfolios to improve funding opportunities.

Silicon Catalyst provides critical support to semiconductor hardware startups as they move from idea through prototype to initial product. Since its founding in 2015, it has reviewed over 700 early-stage companies and admitted 88 startups into its incubator. The companies get access to tools and services from a comprehensive network of In-Kind Partners (IKPs) - including design tools, simulation software, design services, foundry PDK access and MPW runs, test program development, and tester access - which dramatically reduces the cost of chip development. Additionally, the startups tap into the world-class Silicon Catalyst ecosystem of advisors, investors and academic research organizations. In 2021, Silicon Catalyst was named Semiconductor Review’s Top-10 Solutions Company award winner with its portfolio companies currently valued at over $1.5 billion.

Since its inception in 2018, Luminate has reviewed nearly 600 early-stage companies from around the world for entrance into its competitive, six-month accelerator program, and has accepted and invested $15 million in 53 startups. The companies in the portfolio now share a net worth of over $400 million, and many are establishing U.S. operations or some aspect of research and manufacturing in the Rochester and Finger Lakes New York region, which has long been viewed as the optics and imaging capital of the world.

Luminate is now recruiting for Cohort 6. Startups interested in applying are encouraged to register for an upcoming information session, or apply by Jan. 9, 2023.