This Optica startup summit is an intensive, two-day workshop designed to inspire and equip professionals and researchers in the optics and photonics sector to explore entrepreneurship. Tailored for participants with limited business experience, the program bridges the gap between academia, industry, and startup ventures. Through expert-led discussions, hands-on exercises, and structured networking, attendees gain practical tools, strategic insights, and the confidence to transform ideas into viable, high-impact businesses.

Optica Startup and Entrepreneurship Meeting

The Optica Startup and Entrepreneurship Program is a transformative, two-day workshop tailored for researchers, engineers, and early-career professionals in the optics and photonics community. Designed for those with minimal business experience, the program delivers the tools, insights, and connections needed to translate cutting-edge research into successful, scalable startups.

From understanding business fundamentals to pitching investors, this is your gateway to becoming a confident, capable entrepreneur in deep tech.

Dates: June 24-25, 2026
Location: Optica Headquarters, Washington, D.C.

Program Objectives

• This project proposes the planning and execution of the Optica Two-Day Startup Accelerator Program in Washington DC. The event is designed to empower early-stage founders, researchers, and engineers with practical startup knowledge, mentorship, and investor readiness skills, aligned with Optica’s mission to advance entrepreneurship within the science and technology community.
   
• The program will deliver an immersive, in-person experience combining expert-led workshops, keynote sessions, hands-on pitch development, and structured networking opportunities.

Who Should Attend?

	Early-stage startup founders		Researchers and scientists exploring commercialization
	Engineers and technologists interested in entrepreneurship		Graduate students and postdoctoral researchers
	First-time entrepreneurs and innovators		Anyone exploring startup pathways in optics and photonics.

Ideas are easy. Implementation is hard.

The biggest risk is not taking any risk.