Dayton Photonics, a Dayton technology startup, develops free-space optical communication systems that deliver broadband without physical fiber. Its Theia™ link uses beam-steering laser technology to provide 10 Gbps connectivity in places where conventional fiber is costly or impractical, including rural areas and other hard-to-reach environments. Founded by optical-communications specialists Emily Fehrman Cory, Ph.D., and Cullen Bradley, the company is bringing fiberless networks from its Ohio base to market.
Exciting Technology LLCFounded by Dr. Paul McManamon in 2008 and based at the University of Dayton, Exciting Technology LLC develops free-space laser communications, application-specific LiDAR systems, and optical beam-steering technology. Its research-driven team also operates a crystal-growth lab and has pursued more than a dozen funded projects spanning beam steering, laser vibrometry, LiDAR, and optical communications. The company’s work is reflected in published research, patents, and products such as its portable BLS200 benchtop LiDAR system.DAYTON, OH
Nabu Optical SystemsFounded in 2022 from University of Dayton photonics research, Dayton-based Nabu Optical Systems develops maskless optical lithography tools for semiconductor prototyping and production. Its platform uses virtual masks to combine projection lithography’s speed with direct laser writing’s flexibility, serving startups, research institutions and smaller chip manufacturers that need a more accessible path to fabrication. The company won the startup competition at the 2025 International Conference on Electron, Ion, and Photon Beam Technology and Nanofabrication.DUBLIN, OH
Precision Optical Technologies (Precision OT)Precision Optical Technologies (Precision OT) builds optical networking equipment and custom fiber-optic components, pairing OEM-compatible transceivers with specialty fiber solutions under its Opticonx line. From its Rochester headquarters, the company supports network integration with more than 10,000 square feet of telco-grade laboratory space and over 100 host platforms spanning 25 network equipment vendors. Opticonx also takes custom fiber projects from concept and design through manufacturing, including short-run cable work and customer-supplied fiber.ROCHESTER, NY
Liteway, IncSince 2000, Hicksville-based Liteway, Inc. has designed and manufactured U.S.-made fiber-optic communication equipment that carries analog and digital electrical signals over optical cable. Its three brands—LuxLink, LiteLink and MIDIExtender—serve distinct transmission needs, while the company also adapts existing designs or develops private-label and custom products. Founded by Irwin Math after his earlier work in fiber-optic engineering, Liteway holds CAGE Code 1TGU2 and supplies systems used in instrumentation, industrial control and military applications.HICKSVILLE, NY