Empire State Development (ESD) has announced the selection of five finalists for the ninth round of the GENIUS NY business accelerator program. The chosen teams, which include startups from both the United States and abroad, will relocate to Central New York to compete for a total of $3 million in direct investment. One team will receive a grand prize of up to $1 million, while four others will each be awarded $500,000.
GENIUS NY is recognized as the largest business accelerator focused on uncrewed systems and robotics globally. The program is supported by the CNY Rising Upstate Revitalization Initiative and administered by CenterState CEO. Participants are required to operate their businesses in Central New York for at least one year and benefit from assistance with product development, business strategy, and networking opportunities with investors and industry leaders.
“The GENIUS NY accelerator has supported the state’s efforts to establish Central New York as a hub for the uncrewed aerial systems industry by attracting next-generation entrepreneurs to the region,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight. “New York’s ongoing UAS investments and commitment continue to create new high-tech jobs and growth, further establishing the State as an industry leader.”
This year’s cohort includes two teams from Central New York and one women-founded startup:
– Flox (Stockholm, Sweden): AI technology that interacts with wildlife using edge pods, drones, and trains.
– Lamarr AI (New York, USA): Drones combined with AI for building exterior inspections.
– Lighthouse Avionics (Ohio, USA): Optical solutions for monitoring low-altitude airspace.
– Modovolo (New York, USA): Low-cost modular drones designed for commercial and defense use.
– Skyfire AI (New Jersey, USA): Autonomous drone swarms using AI for first responders and defense.
The finalists will develop their go-to-market strategies before presenting at Innovation Night on May 7, 2026. This event has been moved from fall to spring to allow more time for community integration.
Kara Jones, Director of GENIUS NY, stated: “This year’s finalists bring the latest in uncrewed aerial and robotics technology right here to Central New York. Our community’s robust UAS ecosystem, resources and expertise make this region the perfect launching pad for these innovative startups. We’re excited that this year’s teams are further along in their businesses, many with proven traction, active pilots or commercial deployments. These companies are building technologies that solve real-world problems across defense, infrastructure, and public safety. We’re eager to introduce these businesses to the Central New York community and begin offering them the top-of-the-line assets and resources that GENIUS NY is known for as they become the first cohort to operate out of the INSPYRE Innovation Hub.”
The INSPYRE Innovation Hub operated by CenterState CEO serves as New York’s largest business incubator. It offers facilities such as a hardware center, makerspace, testing deck for uncrewed systems technology; participants also have access to expert advisors in their field as well as support services like marketing guidance.
Ben Sio, acting president of CenterState CEO said: “The success of the GENIUS NY program and the impact teams have had on the Central New York community perfectly illustrates why the region’s becoming a globally recognized leader in UAS spaces. We’re especially excited this year to welcome this cohort into the INSPYRE Innovation Hub, a physical symbol of the region’s growing innovation economy. INSPYRE was built with GENIUS NY in mind, and I look forward to seeing how the teams utilize all that the new space and this community has to offer for them to grow and thrive.”
Since its launch in 2017,GENIUS NY has invested nearly $24 million into 42 companies worldwide; these firms have collectively raised over $350 million in additional funding while creating hundreds of jobs within New York state.
State Senator Rachel May commented: “It’s exciting to see the continued success of the GENIUS NY business Accelerator. Now in its ninth round, this program has become an integral part of our growing drone industry… Congratulations to the five teams selected for this latest round…”
Other local officials echoed support for both GENIUS NY participants and regional economic growth through programs like CenterState CEO. Assemblymember Pamela Hunter remarked: “GENIUS NY continues to be a powerful driver of innovation… By attracting top talent…this program is helping position our region as a national leader…”
Central New York Regional Economic Development Council co-chairs Randy Wolken (MACNY) & Linda M. LeMura (Le Moyne College) added: “Congratulations… Through regional council support we are ensuring that New York state remains at forefront…”
These developments align with CNY Rising—Central New York’s comprehensive plan aimed at boosting economic growth through entrepreneurship.More information about CNY Rising can be found here.
Empire State Development serves as New York’s main economic development agency promoting job creation statewide.Learn more about ESD here.
