Data-transfer tech, 3D-thermal camera, surgical sensors win at Startup Challenge 2021

08 Jun 2021

SPIE’s annual pitch competition features two photonics-focused tracks, honoring six winners in healthcare and deep tech.

Six startups have been awarded industry accolades as well as sharing $35,000 at the 11th annual SPIE Startup Challenge. The pitch competition, which took place online this year, is an integral part of the industry and entrepreneurship programs of SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics.

The Startup Challenge includes two distinct tracks: Healthcare and Deep Tech. In the weeks leading up to the finals, semi-finalists and finalists had multiple opportunities for mentorship, industry advice, and feedback from the Challenge's network of experts as they prepared and honed their final pitches.

This year’s winners

In the Deep Tech track, In A Blink, whose WINK-ol provides virtual fiber-optic technology to enable massive data transfer from public-transport and industrial vehicles to a smart grid, won first place; Owl Autonomous Imaging, whose 3D ranging thermal camera provides safer robotic mobility, came in second; and Ki3 Photonics landed third with its solutions for secure quantum communications.

In Healthcare, Advanced Optronics was the top winner with its flexible surgical sensor for use with cochlear implants, while LASE Innovation won second place with its technology for improving single-cell analysis. Prebeo, whose kidney viability assessment system aims to make kidney transplants safer and more efficient, was honored with third place. In A Blink and Advanced Optronics took home checks for $10,000 from Jenoptik; Owl Autonomous Imaging and LASE Innovation received $5,000; and Ki3 Photonics and Prebeo took home $2,500.

“We are thrilled to have received first place in the Deep Tech track of the SPIE Startup Challenge,” said In A Blink Co-Founder Eric Garzon. “SPIE has opened its arms to our startup, offering coaching, advice and support of the highest quality, and we are looking forward to more collaboration with SPIE as we grow our business in the coming months. We're especially proud to see that our innovation is being recognized by giants in the industry.”

“The SPIE Startup Challenge has been a great opportunity to learn and network with an inspiring cohort of photonics startups,” noted Advanced Optronics CEO Jay Reddy. “The opportunities to learn from industry experts and refine our pitch have made the case for Advanced Optronics much stronger.

He continued, “In fact, this is the first time we have pitched the company publicly, so the final result is a testament to the quality of the training program. It was amazing to see the caliber of all of the pitches, and with such fierce competition, we are humbled by the judges' decision. I would also very much like to thank the sponsors who made this Challenge possible.”

The SPIE Startup Challenge, which showcases new businesses, products, and technologies that are addressing critical needs with photonics, is enabled this year by Founding Partner Jenoptik; Lead Sponsors MKS Instruments and Hamamatsu; and Strategic Partners Luminate and LDV Capital.