Phi Optics instruments target interest areas where live cell imaging is the main method of observation: fundamental cell science, disease identification, drug discovery, embryo and stem cells manipulation. Phi Optics patented disruptive technology - Spatial Light Interference Microscopy (SLIM) - provides faster and more sensitive imaging of live cells and tissues than currently possible with the state-of-the-art technology. Phi Optics focus is supported by local and out-of-state VC funding, the NSF SBIR program and industry partners. The company is a graduate of the NSF Innovation Corps program (March 2012 cohort) and currently located in the University of Illinois Enterprise Works Research Park hub. Phi Optics was founded in 2009 by Prof. Gabriel Popescu and commercializes technology developed at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Phi Optics launched its first commercial product in February 2014 and had its first sale the same year. A second generation instrument was launched in February 2015 to pave the way for Phi Optics entry in the clinical market.