Empire State Development Announces Application Window for GENIUS NY Round 9 Now Open

The World’s Largest Business Accelerator for Uncrewed Systems is Accepting Applications through May 28, 2025

GENIUS NY is Supported by Empire State Development and Operated by CenterState CEO

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that GENIUS NY is now accepting applications for the ninth round of the yearlong program. GENIUS NY, operated by CenterState CEO, is the world’s largest business accelerator focused on uncrewed aerial systems. The in-residence accelerator will invest more than $3 million in five finalist companies, including a $1 million grand prize awarded at a pitch finals event.  GENIUS NY participants are required to operate their business in Central New York for at least one year. The program is funded through the CNY Rising Upstate Revitalization Initiative (URI), the region’s award-winning strategic plan to generate robust economic growth and community development.

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The GENIUS NY accelerator continues to fuel New York State’s thriving uncrewed aerial systems industry. This world-renowned program is attracting forward-thinking innovators to Central New York, ensuring that their pioneering ideas take flight thanks to the area's unmatched UAS assets, infrastructure and high technology industry promise."

Applications are being accepted at www.geniusny.com through May 28, 2025, from tech startups focused on uncrewed aerial systems, automation and advanced air mobility (AAM). Subsets may include precision and remote sensing, smart city applications, data collection and analytics, guidance or communication systems, and sensors, among other technological categories.

This year, finalists will operate out of Central New York’s newly renovated, state-of-the-art innovation hub in downtown Syracuse. The upgraded facility will include a brand-new maker space, an expanded hardware center and a roof terrace for uncrewed aerial systems companies to launch and test drones. The program also offers a comprehensive suite of business resources, tailored programming, expert mentorship and strategic networking opportunities. These tools are designed to help startups sharpen their sales strategies, build strong investor relationships, and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the rapidly evolving UAS industry.

“The GENIUS NY program helps make the Central New York UAS ecosystem a world-class hub for this technology.” said Kara Jones, director of GENIUS NY. “Each year, GENIUS NY teams bring industry disrupting technology to the region, and we are excited to welcome the future Cohort 9 finalists into a brand-new facility, designed to help them scale faster and push the boundaries of their technologies. I’m eager to see what new ideas and technologies come from this year’s application pool.”

Applications are evaluated by a panel of judges, and semifinalists will be selected to present demos and pitches this summer. Five companies will advance to participate in the program, which is structured as a unique programmed incubator and accelerator experience. The selected teams will enter CenterState CEO’s in-person accelerator later this summer, where they will be immersed in the expanded incubator's events, resource pool and mentoring. Applicants should be prepared to relocate to Central New York to participate in the program starting in August 2025.

To date, the program has attracted more than 42 startups to Central New York since its inception in 2017. To date, nearly $24 million has been invested in the innovative teams, which have gone on to raise more than $350 million in follow-on funding.

Round eight winner Aviant received the top prize of $1 million in October 2024 and is utilizing the Central New York drone ecosystem to enter the U.S. market. Other GENIUS NY Cohort 8 teams are finding partnership opportunities with local institutions. Upstate Medical University is using INVOLI’s system to maintain awareness of aircraft within their drone operations.

Senator Rachel May said, “It’s exciting to see the continued success of the GENIUS NY Accelerator. With the beginning of its ninth round, this program is now integral to our burgeoning drone industry. It ensures that more tech businesses will call Central New York home, bringing high-paying jobs to the area. Undoubtedly, welcoming these innovative companies to the GENIUS NY Accelerator will benefit our community in many ways. Congratulations on the program, and I’m looking forward to many more successful years.”

Assemblymember William B. Magnarelli said, “The Genius NY accelerator program is an opportunity for companies to show how their innovative and technologically advanced ideas can transform the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) industry. Genius NY attracts entrepreneurs from across the United States and countries around the world. The dozens of companies and millions of dollars awarded in previous rounds of Genius NY have made Syracuse and Central New York the continued leader in this important and growing sector of our local economy.”

Assemblymember Pamela J. Hunter said, “I am proud to support the GENIUS NY accelerator and its role in driving innovation in Central New York. As we work to foster economic growth and create jobs through initiatives like CNY Rising, I am thrilled that the GENIUS NY program is helping position our region as a global leader in uncrewed systems technology. I look forward to seeing the groundbreaking companies this program attracts and the lasting impact it will have on our community's development and prosperity.”

Assemblyman Al Stripe said, “The GENIUS NY Accelerator program recognizes that uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) are the next frontier of aviation. GENIUS NY highlights Central New York as a place of innovation and support for the UAS industry and this ninth round builds upon the program’s success.  We have already seen the program’s importance in developing solutions to advance fundamental and applied technology and this research in turn drives economic development as UAS are increasingly being used throughout society. I am excited to see the talent and potential coming from this round of applicants.”

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said, “The GENIUS NY accelerator is making a real impact here in Central New York. I have no doubt that the ninth round of this accelerator will continue to build on that success as these incredible innovators from across the globe bring their ideas to Onondaga County. This focused program provides businesses with all of the tools and resources they need to ensure their long-term success here and we are looking forward to seeing the groundbreaking work that emerges from this latest round."

City of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said, “The GENUIS NY program has successfully attracted and retained world-class startups in Syracuse, fostering the growth of cutting-edge technologies, creating local jobs, and drawing top talent to our region. The ninth round of this competition promises exciting breakthroughs, further solidifying Central New York’s leadership in Uncrewed Aerial Systems technology. I’m grateful for Empire State Development’s ongoing support and look forward to welcoming the next cohort of innovators to Syracuse.”

Central New York Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Randy Wolken, President and CEO of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY), and Le Moyne College President Linda M. LeMura said, " The GENIUS NY accelerator has proven to be a remarkable success. We are so excited to see what the next round and these innovative entrepreneurs will bring to the table. This focused program is helping to ensure that New York state and Central New York remain at the forefront of the growing UAS industry, creating new opportunities and jobs for residents in the region for decades to come."

To apply and learn more about GENIUS NY visit, www.geniusny.com.

To learn more about CenterState CEO, visit: www.centerstateceo.com.

Accelerating CNY Rising

Today's announcement complements “CNY Rising” the region’s comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on capitalizing on global market opportunities, strengthening entrepreneurship and creating an inclusive economy. More information is available here.

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more