wiredInUSA August 2016

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Versalume will focus on developing smart, integrated products based on Corning’s Fibrance light-diffusing fiber

Shedding new light

Corning investing in Versalume LLC, a new company headquartered in California. Versalume will focus on developing smart, integrated products based on Corning’s Fibrance light-diffusing fiber. Fibrance optical fiber can be bent, curvedandwrappedaround almost anything, while maintaining bright, uniform light. Versalume will lead all commercial development efforts for Fibrance, serve as its exclusivedistributor, andoffer integrated technology solutions. Corning will leverage its long history and expertise in glass and materials science to manufacture Fibrance. Corning representatives will serve on Versalume’s board of directors. “Fibrance dramatically expands the toolbox for where and how light is delivered, and Versalume will make it easy Incorporated is

for designers to capture its potential. We look forward to witnessing the creativity and impact of the developing Fibrance ecosystem,” said Paul Then, director of early stage business development at Corning. Mario Paniccia, a Silicon Valley executive and entrepreneur, has been named Versalume’s chief executive officer. As Versalume’s founding leader, Paniccia brings his experience in the photonics and electronics industries, as well as his broad connections in Silicon Valley. “I am excited for the opportunity to lead Versalume,” Paniccia said. “We are already creating products that use Fibrance light-diffusing fiber and developing new commercial opportunities with some of the best industrial designers…[in] the world.”

wiredInUSA - August 2016

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