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July 20, 2026
Rochester's next big bet is on lasers
Rochester has always punched above its weight in optics, but the STELLAR Engine designation is something different — it's the federal government placing a national research infrastructure bet on this city. Here's what the award is, who's involved, and why it matters beyond the press release.
Rochester Just Became America's Laser Research Hub — What the STELLAR Engine Means for Our City
Rochester secured one of just 12 NSF Regional Innovation Engines nationally, bringing $31M in committed funding — $15M federal plus $16M from New York State — with potential for $160M over the next decade.
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