LRC and Linc team up to create Lighting Technology Greenhouse

Troy, N.Y. — The Lighting Research Center (LRC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has launched an initiative to support the growth of new and existing lighting companies in and around New York state. Called the Lighting Technology Greenhouse, the program will help facilitate the commercialization of new lighting products and services that enhance sustainability.

In collaboration with Linc — a not-for-profit corporation created through funding by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to cultivate collaborations between lighting businesses, LRC researchers, and the investment community — the program offers companies the opportunity to tap the technical and intellectual resources found at the LRC along with the business insight and knowledge found at Linc.

Mature and startup companies will have access to networking opportunities with business, finance, and research organizations interested in the growth of lighting-related businesses; contacts with lighting manufacturers, distributers, and service companies; and technical and market assessment assistance for companies trying to benchmark and improve their products or provide due diligence for technical evaluations; among other incentives, according to LRC Director Mark Rea.

“Commercializing innovations can be a challenging—and sometimes daunting—process, so we are pleased to work with Linc as they help lighting companies bring their products and services to market,” says Rea. “As the world’s leading independent authority on lighting science and technology, the Lighting Research Center hopes to provide unique guidance to lighting-related businesses as they develop and move toward the commercialization of sustainable, energy-efficient lighting technologies.” 

Representatives from NYSERDA, established lighting companies, the LRC, and the Rensselaer Technology Park, among others, act as LTG advisers, providing a sounding board for the Greenhouse’s policies and activities, according to Eugene Schuler, the executive director of Linc.

“This is a new model for technology commercialization, business development, and technology evaluation in the lighting industry,” says Schuler. “Linc is partnering with the Lighting Research Center to create the Lighting Technology Greenhouse in order to bridge the worlds of research, technology transfer, and manufacturing.”

For more information about the program, visit www.lightingtechnologygreenhouse.org.

About the Lighting Research Center
The Lighting Research Center (LRC) is part of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute of Troy, N.Y., and is the leading university-based research center devoted to lighting. The LRC offers the world’s premier graduate education in lighting, including one- and two-year master’s programs and a Ph.D. program. Since 1988 the LRC has built an international reputation as a reliable source for objective information about lighting technologies, applications, and products. The LRC also provides training programs for government agencies, utilities, contractors, lighting designers, and other lighting professionals. Visit www.lrc.rpi.edu.

Contact: Amber Cleveland
Phone: (518) 276-2146
E-mail: clevea@rpi.edu