Empire State Development Announces Applications Open for GENIUS NY Cohort 10

The World’s Largest Business Accelerator for Uncrewed Systems is Accepting Applications through May 27, 2026

GENIUS NY awards a total of $3 million to high-growth companies

The Competition is Supported by “CNY Rising” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy

Read the full release from Empire State Development

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that GENIUS NY is now accepting applications for Round 10 of the yearlong program. GENIUS NY, operated by CenterState CEO and funded by Empire State Development, is the world’s largest accelerator program focused on drones, robotics and autonomous systems. The in-residence accelerator will invest more than $3 million in five finalist companies, including a $1 million grand prize awarded at the GENIUS NY Pitch Finals during CenterState CEO’s annual Innovation Night event.  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, “New York’s strategic investments in the uncrewed aerial systems industry, bolstered by the GENIUS NY accelerator, continue to promote and fuel new growth. This renowned program in Central New York attracts and welcomes forward-thinking UAS innovators from around the world, ensuring that pioneering ideas take flight in the region."

Interested applicants can apply at geniusny.com through May 17, 2026. Early-stage technology startups building solutions in drones, robotics, autonomy and related systems are encouraged to apply. GENIUS NY participants are required to operate their business in Central New York for at least one year.

“Opening applications for our 10th cohort is an exciting moment for GENIUS NY and for the companies considering the program,” said Kara Jones, Director of GENIUS NY. “We look forward to welcoming five new companies who are ready to scale: hiring talent, raising capital and embedding themselves in Central New York. Cohort 10 builds on nearly a decade of momentum in Central New York and a growing track record of real impact from the GENIUS NY program.”

Finalists are given office space in New York's largest business incubator, INSPYRE Innovation Hub by CenterState. The state-of-the-art innovation hub in downtown Syracuse offers direct access to specialized facilities, hardware resources and a collaborative ecosystem designed to support complex, capital-intensive technologies. In addition to funding, GENIUS NY provides tailored programming, hands-on mentorship and strategic connections to customers, investors and partners to help companies accelerate commercialization.

Applications are evaluated by a panel of industry experts, investors and technical leaders. Semifinalists will be invited to present demos and pitches, with five companies selected to participate in the cohort. The program begins this fall, and selected teams should plan to relocate to Central New York starting in September 2026.

Past GENIUS NY companies continue to show strong momentum across hiring, commercialization and capital formation. Recent participants such as Flyhound and Modovolo expanded their presence in Central New York, while FLOX and Lamarr.AI have made local hires to grow their teams and advance their technologies. Other GENIUS NY alumni are actively closing investment rounds, securing new customers and deepening partnerships with industry and government stakeholders, demonstrating how GENIUS NY supports long-term growth well beyond the program year.

The GENIUS NY accelerator has attracted more than 45 startups to Central New York since its inception in 2017. To date, nearly $27 million has been invested in the innovative teams, which have gone on to raise more than $500 million in follow-on funding.

Senator Rachel May, said, “It’s exciting to see the ongoing success of the GENIUS NY Accelerator. Now, as we reach the 10th round, this program has become a key part of our expanding drone industry, drawing more tech businesses to Central New York and boosting the local economy. Welcoming these companies to the GENIUS NY Accelerator has brought many benefits to our community. I look forward to the innovations these companies will bring to the region.”

Senator Christopher J. Ryan, said, “GENIUS NY is a powerful engine for job creation and economic growth in Central New York. By attracting innovative companies in drones, robotics, and autonomous systems, this program helps build a skilled local workforce, creates good-paying jobs, and ensures our region is prepared to compete in the industries of the future. This 10th cohort continues a proven strategy that turns innovation into real economic opportunity for our communities.”

Assemblymember William B. Magnarelli, said, “The GENIUS NY competition continues to help Central New York maintain its status as a hub for innovative companies exploring uncrewed aerial systems and other leading-edge technologies. The partnerships and opportunities created locally during the entrepreneurial stage create a catalyst for growth and industry leadership."

Assemblymember Pamela Hunter, said, “For nearly a decade, GENIUS NY has helped position Central New York as a global hub for innovation in uncrewed systems, while creating real opportunities for job growth, investment, and entrepreneurship right here in our region. By supporting cutting-edge companies and connecting them with the talent, resources, and partnerships they need to succeed, this program continues to strengthen our economy and ensure that Central New York remains at the forefront of emerging technologies.”  

Assemblyman Al Stirpe, said, “Now reaching a decade, the world’s largest accelerator for unmanned systems is back for another year of defining the next frontier of the UAS industry. We have created the nation’s premier cluster for unmanned systems, and companies from across the globe know about GENIUS NY and flock to Central NY in hopes of being one of the five innovators chosen to commercialize their ideas. The INSPYRE Innovation Hub provides unmatched resources to help these startups accelerate their growth and provide products that solve real world problems. We can’t wait to see what’s next!”

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 10th 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 Sharon Owens said, “Innovation is the heartbeat of Syracuse’s future, and we are proud to see programs like GENIUS NY leading the way. With Empire State Development announcing open applications for the 10th round accelerator targeting drones, robotics and autonomous systems, we are grateful for these investments and for the leadership of CenterState CEO and ESD in driving this work forward. This program promotes ideas and businesses that strengthen our economy and move our community ahead, complementing other critical investments in housing and neighborhood revitalization. Together, through initiatives like these, we are building a stronger, more vibrant Syracuse for everyone.”

Central New York Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Randy Wolken, President and CEO of MACNY-The Manufacturers Association, 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.