Nothing can dim the light that shines from within (-Maya Angelou). That is why RAF Electronics is such a cool company. With ambition, Dick Flasck (cofounder), followed advice connecting with California’s education system and cleantech economy.

 RAF Electronics is a 2019 CALSEED awardee pioneering new technologies to dramatically improve directional lighting by using nonimaging optics (optimal transfer of light radiation between a source and a target) to produce high technology lighting.  The RAF lighting solution offers a line of cool running, ultra-efficient, full-spectrum Theatrical Spotlights.   Looking like traditional Theater Spotlights, they differ by using proprietary technology of nonimaging reflector optics to reduce energy consumption for both customers and utilities.

RAF Electronics started out of curiosity when Dick Flask was developing light engines for HD projectors. He encountered difficulty placing light from the light source on small target areas no matter how hard he tried. His solution to that was etendue matching and nonimaging optics which has been the backbone behind the success of the company.

Initially pushed by his Vice President to pursue developing the technology RAF Electronics engaged their network and connected to California colleges and universities to work with students refining their project. RAF connected with CleanStart Partner Blue Tech Valley and Fresno State’s business school to accelerate their development. Doing so helped them identify beachhead markets and build a business model.  For example, after identifying Stage Lights and Theater Companies RAF connected with Fresno State’s Theater Arts Department Professor Liz Crifasi, to better understand the customer and make better decisions regarding the functional aspects of the spotlights.  Central Valley technical support also comes from UC Merced and Blue Dolphin Engineering. 

We are excited to watch RAF Electronics grow as Dick Flask bootstraps his company with his Vice President.  We will be inviting them to a future CleanStart event to share how they have leveraged the resources in California to grow.