Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Lighting Research Center is starting a new program to help support lighting companies in New York state.

The new program, called the Lighting Technology Greenhouse, will help facilitate the commercialization of new lighting products and services that are environmentally friendly.

The program is a collaboration with Linc, a nonprofit company that was created with funding from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. The program will offer companies access to the Lighting Research Center's resources as well as provide networking opportunities with business, finance, and research organizations interested in lighting-related businesses.

"This is a new model for technology commercialization, business development, and technology evaluation in the lighting industry," said Eugene Schuler, Linc's executive director.