EvolvOptic 2025: A Year of Intentional Evolution
2025 was a year of thoughtful progress for EvolvOptic—from a company rebrand and strategic acquisitions to expanded space-based mirror development and continued investment in people, capability, and scale.
As we close out the year, it’s worth pausing to reflect—not just on what EvolvOptic accomplished, but on why these milestones matter and what they signal about where we’re headed.
The past twelve months have been a period of meaningful, intentional evolution for our company. Not a departure from who we are, but a thoughtful expansion of our role within the optics industry—guided by customer needs, technical realities, and long-term vision.
From Advanced Glass Industries to EvolvOptic
January
Our rebrand from Advanced Glass Industries to EvolvOptic was the result of deep internal discussion about the future of the optics industry and our place within it. At our core, we remain committed to providing high-quality optical glass materials and blanks that serve as the foundation for demanding applications. That has not changed.
What has changed is the breadth and depth of conversations we’re having with customers and partners. The EvolvOptic name reflects forward motion, adaptability, and integration—while still honoring the technical rigor, reliability, and craftsmanship that have long defined our reputation.
Welcoming GlassFab, Inc.
March
The acquisition of GlassFab, Inc. was rooted in alignment—of values, expertise, and long-term vision. GlassFab’s legacy represents decades of institutional knowledge and trusted craftsmanship. Bringing that capability into EvolvOptic allows us to preserve and strengthen that expertise while supporting customers at greater scale, particularly in advanced fabrication and finishing.
Expanding Space & Mirror Development Capabilities
March–December
This year marked a significant step forward in EvolvOptic’s role supporting advanced optical systems for space and research applications.
In March, we were awarded our first space-based mirror contract, expanding our scope to include opto-mechanical design, error budgeting, and large-optics finishing and testing. This work represents a meaningful broadening of our technical responsibility and reflects customer confidence in our engineering depth.
That momentum continued throughout the year. In June, EvolvOptic was awarded its first SBIR with NASA, further validating our ability to contribute to next-generation optical development programs.
Most recently, in December, we were selected for a mirror development project with the University of Rochester / Laboratory for Laser Energetics, supporting advanced research initiatives and reinforcing our growing role in high-precision mirror development.
The DiMaxx Technologies Acquisition
August
The acquisition of DiMaxx Technologies brought complementary capabilities that enable us to better support increasingly complex optical programs. This addition reflects a deliberate strategy: expanding what we can offer customers while maintaining continuity, quality, and trust across every program we support.
Investing in People
Growth this year wasn’t limited to capabilities—it extended to our team. EvolvOptic grew from approximately 50 employees to more than 95 in 2025. We also welcomed experienced professionals, including Ryan Brunk, Dale Zajac, and Dan Willistein, strengthening our technical leadership and operational foundation.
In an industry driven by precision, judgment, and accountability, people remain our most important asset.
Meeting Growing Customer Demand
Across markets, customers are increasingly asking EvolvOptic to provide more than raw materials—seeking tighter tolerances, more precise blanks, polishing support, and higher-touch engagement. This evolution reflects a natural progression in how we support customers navigating more complex optical systems and tighter performance requirements.
Large Optics & Advanced Production at Scale
As optical systems grow in size and complexity, large-optics fabrication has become a more prominent focus. Through strategic investments and acquisitions, EvolvOptic is increasingly well positioned to support these needs while maintaining strict quality control and process discipline.
In 2025 alone, EvolvOptic delivered 731,295 optics to 285 customers worldwide—a scale that underscores both our manufacturing rigor and the trust customers place in us across industries and applications.
Strengthening Our Roots in Rochester
Our engagement with Greater Rochester Enterprise and the broader Rochester optics ecosystem continues to be a strategic advantage. Rochester’s deep talent base and optics heritage remain central to our growth and culture, and we’re proud to contribute to the region’s continued leadership in optics and photonics.
Looking Ahead
EvolvOptic will continue to evolve in a measured, intentional way—grounded in quality, reliability, and long-term customer partnerships. This past year wasn’t about change for its own sake. It was about thoughtful progress, earned capability, and building the right foundation for what comes next.
That mindset will continue to guide us forward as we enter 2026!