Governor Glenn Youngkin | Governor.Virginia.gov

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RICHMOND, VA — Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that Laser Thermal, a Virginia-founded nanotechnology company that helps semiconductor and other small electronics manufacturers innovate their product portfolios and improve quality control, will invest $2.9 million to expand into the city of Charlottesville, creating an additional 28 new jobs at its manufacturing, research and development facility. Founded as a spin-off of the University of Virginia, Laser Thermal has developed an innovative thermal metrology process and equipment that can provide fast, accurate and reliable thermal measurements at the nanoscale.

“Laser Thermal’s decision to expand its research and development capacity in Charlottesville highlights the economic development generated by our world-class universities like the University of Virginia and the innovation and talent they produce,” Governor Glenn Youngkin said. “The company’s success also showcases the continued growth of Virginia’s technology sector and we look forward to continuing to partner.”

“The growth of this Virginia-founded company is a victory for Charlottesville, the Commonwealth and our technology and manufacturing sectors,” said Commerce and Commerce Secretary Caren Merrick. “Virginia Workforce Training Solutions helped secure these 28 new jobs and it is a priority to assist employers like Laser Thermal who choose to take root and grow in the Commonwealth.”

“As a Virginia native, there was nowhere else I wanted to start a company due to proximity to major shipping hubs and international airports, ability to maintain collaborative ties with the University of Virginia, and access to bright young talent from the world-class higher education network that exists here,” said John T. Gaskins, Ph.D., co-founder and CEO. “Many of our employees are originally from Virginia, or are happily transplanted, and love working at a high-tech company located in such a beautiful, friendly and innovative state.”

“On behalf of the City Council, we are pleased to support the next phase of growth for Laser Thermal in the City of Charlottesville,” said Mayor Lloyd Snook. “As a technology R&D company, Laser Thermal’s continued success aligns perfectly with our strategic economic development plan efforts.”

“Laser Thermal’s continued investment in our community highlights the vital importance of a strong higher education system to economic growth and success in the Commonwealth and reflects our region’s strength in the technology space,” said Senator R. Creigh Deeds. “The growth of the job will keep the talent and innovation here in Virginia which will provide a cascade of benefits for years to come.”

Laser Thermal, founded in Charlottesville, aims to advance materials science by providing simple, accurate, and rapid measurements and analysis of hard-to-measure nanoscale properties, including thermal, optical, and dimensional measurements, leading to greater customer innovation and higher quality products through improved knowledge of their materials. The company manufactures the Steady-State Thermoreflectance in Fiber Optics (SSTR-F) analysis tool, with several additional measurement tools planned for release in 2024 and beyond. Laser Thermal works with industry partners, academic institutions, and various branches of the Department of Defense as it markets unique technologies that serve cutting-edge test and measurement needs.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Charlottesville to secure the project for Virginia and will support Laser Thermal’s job creation through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP), which provides advisory services and financing to companies creating new jobs to support employee recruitment and training activities. As a business incentive to support economic development, VJIP reduces HR costs of new and expanding companies. VJIP is funded by the state, demonstrating Virginia’s commitment to improving employment opportunities for citizens.

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