GENIUS NY Grand Prize Winner Partners with CNY Manufacturer to Scale Drone Production

Posted On
October 15, 2024

Image
blueflite and Think Variant partner for drone manufacturing

Blueflite, a leading provider of advanced drone logistics solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Think Variant, a New York-based high-precision manufacturing specialist, to scale up production of their state-of-the-art drones. This collaboration leverages Think Variant’s cutting-edge additive manufacturing techniques to meet the growing demand for high-performance drones in both the commercial and defense sectors. 

This partnership underscores the vibrant innovation ecosystem thriving in Central New York. With blueflite’s success as the grand prize winner in the 2023 GENIUS NY competition, the largest accelerator for unmanned systems in the world and administered by CenterState CEO, the company has capitalized on the region’s cutting-edge resources and talent to fuel its growth.

Central New York is fast becoming a major hub for drone technology and advanced manufacturing,” said Kara Jones, Director of GENIUS NY. “The collaboration between blueflite and Think Variant demonstrates the synergy between local innovation and global potential, and this is exactly the kind of partnership our program aims to foster.”

Production will begin this month at Think Variant’s facility in Upstate New York, further cementing the region’s role as a center of excellence for high-tech manufacturing. 

Read the full press release.

Read the article by CNYBJ.

Other
CEO News

Image
Economic Champions Nominations 2026
CEO News | 07/15/2026

Be recognized as an Economic Champion!

Now accepting submissions for Economic Champions! Nominate your company or others for contributing to the growth of the Central New York economy in the past year.

Image
Micron Concrete Pouring
CEO News | 07/09/2026

Micron Pours First Concrete at Central New York Fab

Construction progresses ahead of schedule at Micron's fab in Clay, NY.

Image
Genius NY Semifinalists Annouced, Round 10
CEO News | 07/09/2026

GENIUS NY Announces Semifinalists for Cohort 10

Twelve teams will compete for one of five spots for GENIUS NY Cohort 10

Image
Graphic CenterState Data Center Op Ed
CEO News | 07/08/2026

NY Doesn't Need a Moratorium to Say No to Data Centers, But Does Need a Framework Before We Say Yes

Rob Simpson shares strategy to provide a framework for data center development in New York.

Image
CenterState Signal Graphic
CEO News | 06/30/2026

CenterState Signal: The Affordability Challenge Demands a Local Growth Strategy

CenterState Signal is a quarterly column by CenterState CEO's Jared Shepard that takes a closer look at economic trends and their impact on the regional economy.

Image
Applications Web Graphic
CEO News | 06/24/2026

GENIUS NY Program Receives Hundreds of Applications for Round 10

Hundreds applied for five spots in the GENIUS NY program, the world's largest accelerator for uncrewed systems.

Image
NHN Updated 2026
CEO News | 06/24/2026

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Across our community, many families face food insecurity, housing instability and limited access to basic but essential items to support their daily needs. Community support for nonprofits and service organizations, and direct giving is…

Image
TTM Expansion Facility
CEO News | 06/22/2026

TTM Marks Official Opening of $130 Million Manufacturing Facility in Dewitt

TTM Technologies new facility will create up to 400 new jobs in Central New York.

Image
Novelis Reopening Graphic
CEO News | 06/12/2026

CenterState CEO, GOFCC Share Comment Following Reopening of Novelis Hot Mill in Oswego

CenterState CEO's Rob Simpson and the GOFCC's Sara Broadwell share a statement regarding restarted production at Novelis's hot mill.