About Us

The Smart Lighting Engineering Research Center (ERC) was founded in 2008 by NSF. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is the lead institution, with core partners Boston University and The University of New Mexico. Outreach partners are Howard University, Morgan State University, and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.

• Almost $40 million is expected over 10 years from NSF
• Additional funding comes from Empire State Development/ NYSTAR as well as our industrial members
• Interdisciplinary, multi-institution teams of more than 30 investigators

Vision

Revolutionary, intelligent lighting systems promoting improved human health and well being, increasing human productivity and comfort, sensing and communicating with their environment, while delivering significantly greater energy savings through a fusion advanced light sources, sensors and integrated control systems.

Mission

• Engage in research leading to smart lighting systems with adaptive and controllable properties.
• Develop a culture of innovation and engage industry to help shape the center's research and commercialize its results.
• Educate a diverse, world-class workforce that will be needed to grow the business of Smart Lighting.