Calling companies developing the next generation of optical and photonics technologies.
LightCounting and the IEEE Photonics Society invite innovative start-ups to participate in the 2026 Start-Up Competition at the IEEE Photonics Conference (IPC) in Denver, Colorado.
Open to start-ups developing products and solutions based on optical technologies, the competition offers emerging companies an opportunity to showcase their innovations, gain industry visibility, and connect with potential customers, partners, and technology leaders. Priority consideration will be given to companies.
Why Participate?
The Start-Up Competition provides an opportunity to:
- Showcase your technology to leaders across the photonics community
- Gain visibility for your company and products
- Connect with potential customers, partners, and industry experts
- Receive recognition from the IEEE Photonics Society
- Gain additional exposure through a LightCounting research note featuring the event
Three awards will recognize excellence in Product Innovation, Technology Innovation, and Business Strategy. Winners and finalists will receive recognition certificates from the IEEE Photonics Society and will be profiled in a LightCounting research note highlighting the competition.
Round 1: Review Round
Start-ups are invited to submit a short document or presentation outlining their products, technologies, and business strategies by 21 September 2026.
A panel of industry experts will review the submitted materials and select seven companies to advance to the final, in-person round at IPC 2026. Finalists will be notified by 1 October 2026.
Present Your Technology to Industry Leaders
Submissions will be reviewed by a judging panel featuring experts from:
- Arista
- GlobalFoundries
- LightCounting
- Marvell
- Microsoft
Round 2: Live at IPC 2026
11 November 2026, Denver, Colorado
The seven finalists will present their companies and technologies live at the IEEE Photonics Conference, followed by questions from the judging panel.
8:30–10:00 AM
Finalist Presentations & Judging
1:30–3:00 PM
Awards Presentation & Judges Panel Discussion
3:30–5:00 PM
Panel Discussion with leading academic researchers on future directions in science and technology
Ready to Put Your Technology in the Spotlight?
Submit a short document or presentation describing your products, technologies, and business strategies by 21 September 2026.
