Five Innovative Startups Chosen for GENIUS NY's Ninth Round of Competition in Uncrewed Systems

Five Cutting-Edge Startups Selected for GENIUS NY

The GENIUS NY business accelerator, known as the world's largest program supporting uncrewed systems, has announced its five finalists for the ninth round. These startups were chosen after a competitive evaluation process that garnered applications from around the globe, particularly showing significant interest from U.S. companies.

With a remarkable total of $3 million up for grabs in direct investments, including a grand prize of up to $1 million along with four additional awards of $500,000, this program continues to be a vital incubator for innovators in the robotics field. The accelerator is part of New York’s CNY Rising initiative which aims to revitalize local communities while fostering economic growth.

Participants will spend a year in Central New York, engaging in a comprehensive program that offers mentorship in product and business development, as well as invaluable networking opportunities with seasoned investors and industry leaders. Importantly, all teams are required to establish their operations in Central New York for a minimum of one year, promoting local economic development.

Empire State Development CEO Hope Knight emphasized the significance of the GENIUS NY program in elevating Central New York as a hub for the uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) industry. “The program attracts next-generation entrepreneurs, showcasing New York’s commitment to fostering tech growth and job creation,” Knight stated.

Among the five selected finalists this year, two teams hail from Central New York, including a women-founded startup, reflecting the program's diversity commitment. The finalists are:

1. Flox (Stockholm, Sweden): An innovative AI-driven solution designed to understand and communicate with wildlife through Edge pods, drones, and trains, aimed at steering animals away from critical areas.
2. Lamarr AI (New York, USA): A ground-breaking company utilizing drones and AI for inspecting building exteriors, offering enhanced speed, affordability, and accuracy compared to traditional methods.
3. Lighthouse Avionics (Ohio, USA): This startup provides low-cost optical solutions for monitoring low-altitude airspace, focusing on drone threats, bird strikes, and FAA compliance.
4. Modovolo (New York, USA): Building low-cost, modular aircraft designed for extensive commercial and defense uses, with extended flight times, this company aims to revolutionize the drone industry.
5. Skyfire AI (New Jersey, USA): This startup deploys autonomous drone swarms and AI technology to enhance situational awareness and response times for first responders and defense organizations.

The finalists’ journey includes integrating into the Central New York community, honing their business strategies, and refining their pitches in preparation for the Innovation Night scheduled for May 7, 2026. This strategic shift to spring aims to provide participants with more extensive community access and engagement opportunities.

Kara Jones, Director of GENIUS NY, highlighted the advanced stage of this year’s finalists, many of whom have active pilots or commercial deployments already. “Our region provides a robust UAS ecosystem, making it an ideal launching pad for these innovators,” she stated, adding that the community will offer premier resources necessary for their growth.

The INSPYRE Innovation Hub, operated by CenterState CEO, will host this year's cohort. Recognized as New York's largest business incubator, this recently expanded facility features essential resources like a hardware center and testing deck for uncrewed systems, as well as access to industry experts and funding sources.

Since its inception in 2017, GENIUS NY has distributed nearly $24 million across 42 global startups, facilitating the raising of over $350 million in further investments, while creating hundreds of jobs within New York State.

State Senator Rachel May voiced her excitement regarding the program's impact, stating, “The GENIUS NY accelerator has become crucial in our region's growing drone industry and it's attracting more tech businesses, strengthening our local economy.”

Likewise, State Senator Chris Ryan reiterated the importance of UAS development in Central New York, applauding the program for its role in nurturing innovative businesses.

As Central New York broadens its economic horizon, the GENIUS NY competition exemplifies New York's leading position in the UAS sector, fostering innovation, job creation, and sustained economic growth. With these five pioneering startups now set to embark on their journey within this supportive community, the anticipation builds for what innovative solutions they will introduce in the coming year.

For more details about GENIUS NY, please visit geniusny.com.