Founded 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.
VectorScribe LLCVectorScribe LLC is a Bethlehem, Pennsylvania photonics startup built around making advanced optical microfabrication more accessible. It uses proprietary, maskless laser direct writing to create custom optical microstructures for researchers and companies developing authentication features or testing new optical designs, with prototype turnaround typically about a week.BETHLEHEM, PA
Geminatio, IncFounded in 2021, Schenectady-based Geminatio develops semiconductor materials and lithography infrastructure aimed at enabling lower-cost paths to integrated-circuit shrink. The venture brings together specialists in advanced photolithography and resolution enhancement, including co-founder Jim Wiley, who previously led EUV and high-NA EUV infrastructure strategy at ASML and built Brion Technologies’ computational-lithography business. Its technical team combines experience in polymer chemistry, EUV photoresists, process integration, and high-volume semiconductor manufacturing.SCHENECTADY, NY
RAITH GmbHHeadquartered in Dortmund, RAITH GmbH develops maskless nanofabrication and characterization systems for research and industrial device production. Its high-precision electron-beam and laser lithography tools, alongside imaging and analysis systems, support work in fields such as semiconductors, photonics and quantum technology. RAITH combines more than 40 years of nanofabrication experience with a global network of offices, experience centers and service specialists.TROY, NY
ASMLASML develops and manufactures lithography systems and related technologies used by semiconductor makers to produce microchips. Its Berlin site specializes in optical fabrication and high-precision manufacturing, producing key lithography-system components including wafer tables and reticle chucks. ASML is headquartered in Veldhoven, the Netherlands, and operates in more than 60 locations worldwide.MALTA, NY