In Austin, Texas, where innovatioon and opportunity converge, La Luce Cristallina has emerged as a trailblazer in advanced materials science. Founded by Alex Demkov and Agham Posadas, the company specializes in the development of barium titanate materials, a cornerstone for cutting-edge silicon photonics technology. This high-tech small business exemplifies the spirit of innovation that has made Austin a hub for technology and creativity while also contributing to Texas’s long-standing reputation as a leader in small business and technological advancement.
Despite a year of unsuccessful attempts to secure funding for essential capital equipment, La Luce Cristallina’s journey took a transformative turn after partnering with the Texas State University SBDC. Business advisor Orlando Colmenero, alongside SBA consultant Rocio Vallejo and associate advisor Susana Arango Mesa, worked with the company to craft robust financial projections, align their business plan with lender expectations, and identify viable funding sources. This strategic collaboration led to the approval of a $3.3 million SBA loan from Verity Credit Union and an additional $255,960 in owner investment, enabling a critical expansion.
Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Alex Demkov shared, “We had been trying unsuccessfully to raise money for necessary capital equipment during all of 2022. Then, we met with the SBDC team and things immediately turned for the better. With the help of the SBDC, we were able to make a purchase possible which will make La Luce Cristallina the only commercial source of integrated barium titanate, the emerging platform for low-power, fast optical communications in the United States.”
The impact of this expansion is profound, not only for the company but for Texas’s leadership in next-generation silicon photonics. La Luce Cristallina’s innovative materials have wide-ranging applications, including sensor technology and optical computing. The company has also created one full-time and two part-time positions, with plans to attract qualified minority personnel to further its mission.
As La Luce Cristallina continues to break new ground in material science, it serves as a beacon of how small businesses drive economic growth and technological innovation in Texas. Their journey highlights the indispensable role of entrepreneurial ingenuity in shaping a brighter, more advanced future for Texas.
