Come see what is in store for the future of Optics and Photonics! Top finalists from around the world pitch their innovations in front of a panel of judges and compete for $10,000 first place prize. Many use this opportunity to build connections with up-and-coming businesses, find promising investment opportunities, and learn about new technologies entering the optics and photonics space. This session is open to all attendees with a badge and is held on the Expo Stage within the exhibition space. Startup Challenge finals concludes with a small network reception where you can meet teams and congratulate winners.

2025 SPIE Startup Challenge Finalists

Atzeyo Biosensors Photonic Resonance Absorption Microscopy. The first molecular diagnostic platform for the physician’s office addressing cancer care.

Max-IR Labs AquaCarbon Monitor. Empowering carbon credits with precise CO2 monitoring in water systems.

Photosynthetic B.V. Volumetric Micro-Lithography. Enabling the rapid production of complex 3D devices with submicron features.

OptiCardio OptiCardio. A spectroscopy-enabled device for real-time guidance to reduce the recurrence rate of ablation procedures for atrial fibrillation.

iSLight Surface-Emitting SLED (Superluminescent LED). iSLight supplies superior lighting solutions to manufacturers of industrial quality-control systems, smart glasses, and imaging instruments.

SureVision SureVision. A method that evaluates refractive error in the human eye, with a disruptive, flicker-minimization method that is five times faster and two times more precise than the current gold-standard method.

Modendo, Inc NeuroVu. Ultra-thin endoscopes for deep-brain imaging.

Thank you to Founding Partner, Jenoptik, for supporting this year's Startup Challenge

Additional thank you to our 2025 Lead Sponsor, Hamamatsu, and supporting sponsor, Nextcorps Luminate for supporting this year's Startup Challenge.

 

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Event Details

FORMAT: Pitch presentations followed by judge panel Q&A.
MENU: Coffee, decaf, and tea will be available nearby.
SETUP: Theater style seating.