Empire State Development (ESD) has announced the five finalists for the ninth round of the GENIUS NY business accelerator program, which focuses on uncrewed systems and robotics. The selected teams will compete in Central New York for a total of $3 million in direct investment, including a grand prize of up to $1 million. The other four teams will each receive $500,000. This year’s competition drew a record number of applications from startups worldwide, with increased interest from U.S.-based companies.
The GENIUS NY 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 as part of the yearlong in-residence accelerator, which provides support in product development, business development, and networking opportunities.
“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,” Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said. “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 finalists include two teams from Central New York and one women-founded startup. The five selected companies are:
– Flox (Stockholm, Sweden): AI technology that interacts with wildlife using edge pods, drones, and trains to steer animals away from critical areas.
– Lamarr AI (New York, USA): Drones and AI used for building exterior inspections.
– Lighthouse Avionics (Ohio, USA): Optical solutions for monitoring low-altitude airspace.
– Modovolo (New York, USA): Modular drone aircraft designed for commercial and defense use.
– Skyfire AI (New Jersey, USA): Autonomous drone swarms with AI to assist first responders and defense teams.
Finalists will work on developing their go-to-market strategies before presenting at Innovation Night on May 7, 2026. This event has been moved from fall to spring to give participants more time to integrate into the community.
Kara Jones, Director of GENIUS NY, said: “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 is now hosting its first GENIUS NY cohort. It is recognized as New York’s largest business incubator with facilities such as a hardware center and testing deck for uncrewed systems.
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 in 42 companies globally; these firms have collectively raised over $350 million in follow-on funding while creating hundreds of jobs across New York state.
State Senator Rachel May stated: “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 regional leaders also expressed support for both GENIUS NY’s role in fostering innovation locally and its contribution toward job creation.
For more information about GENIUS NY visit https://geniusny.com/. Details about CenterState CEO can be found at https://centerstateceo.com/.
The announcement aligns with CNY Rising—Central New York’s economic development strategy focused on leveraging global market opportunities through entrepreneurship promotion.
