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There’s still time to get your application in for GENIUS NY Cohort Eight.
GENIUS NY is the world’s largest business accelerator focused on uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), advanced air mobility (AAM) and automation.
Each year GENIUS NY invests $3M into five selected startups. The program has attracted more than 37 startups to Central New York since its inception in 2017 – some notable companies include; AVSS, Fotokite, Blueflite, ResilienX, Aloft and TruWeather Solutions.
The collective impact of the GENIUS NY portfolio has raised over $100 million in venture capital, as well as significantly bolstering job creation across the state of New York.
GENIUS NY is funded by New York State’s Empire State Development and managed by CenterState CEO at The Tech Garden incubator in downtown Syracuse.
Beyond the $3M in funding, winners receive free office space and amenities, workshops and events, business training, a dedicated group of executive advisors, industry mentors, and recruiting, marketing, and fundraising support.
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The accelerator also collaborates closely with its partner NUAIR to drive innovation within the aviation industry forward. NUAIR operates the Center of Excellence for Advanced Air Mobility in Syracuse Hancock International Airport and has over a decade of historical management of the only non-academic UAS test site in the United States. Through strategic partnerships with regional economic development agencies and industry stakeholders, NUAIR delivers the next generation of UAS/AAM solutions for the safety, societal, and economic benefits of New York State and beyond.
Cohort seven winner Blueflite received the top prize of $1 million in October 2023. The company has seen significant growth in Central New York and has partnered with several local providers and customers.
“In Syracuse, we’ve discovered a unique ecosystem perfectly suited for Blueflite’s ambitions,” said Blueflite cofounder Frank Noppel. “Firstly, we’ve found the opportunity to collaborate with top-tier manufacturing facilities for batch production using advanced 3D printing technology while adhering to the most stringent aerospace standards.
“Secondly, Syracuse provides access to the world’s most advanced drone test facility, which is required for our ongoing drone production and R&D efforts. Lastly, the city’s thriving community of drone tech companies that we can integrate onto our drone platform makes it one of the most competitive drone solutions out there. Together, these elements make Syracuse the ideal fit for Blueflite.”
GENIUS NY staff and portfolio companies will be attending AUVSI XPONENTIAL this April in San Diego, CA. Stop by the New York Pavilion to meet with GENIUS NY and talk with startups that have gone through the accelerator.
The accelerator is also now a Global Ecosystem Ally of the new XPO+ Launcher, the startup platform of AUVSI XPONENTIAL. Tech startups can showcase their latest product and service offerings, meet angels, VCs and other important stakeholders, test-run their pitch deck on the Innovation Stage and participate in the inaugural XPO+ Launcher Award Competition on April 24th.
The winning startup gets a fast pass to GENIUS NY’s 8th semi-finalist round and a free booth at XPONENTIAL EUROPE in Düsseldorf in February 2025.
