GENIUS NY Names Grand Prize Winner for Round 9

Posted On
May 8, 2026
Image
Group on stage at Innovation Night

GENIUS NY, funded by Empire State Development and operated by CenterState CEO with support from National Grid, awarded Flox Intelligence the $1 million grand prize at this year's Innovation Night. Innovation Night is an annual celebration of Central New York's broader entrepreneur and technology community, and GENIUS NY pitch finals serves as a cornerstone of the event. Syracuse.com described the Innovation Night's  atmosphere while announcing the winner:

"Innovation Night was equal parts competition and community celebration. The ballroom was standing-room only, with teams clustered together, supporters capturing the moment on their phones, and applause building after each presentation."

Read Syracuse.com's full coverage.

Read more

CNY Central

Other
Media Coverage

Image
Amazon PrimeAir drone
Media Coverage | 05/01/2026

Amazon Explores Next Steps for Launching Drone Deliveries from Clay, New York

Syracuse.com highlights how Amazon could soon be adding the Syracuse area to the growing list of communities where it uses drones to deliver products in as little as one to two hours.

Image
NewsChannel 9 WSYR Interview
Media Coverage | 05/01/2026

CenterState CEO, NUAIR Share Outlook on the Future of Drone Delivery in CNY

Centerstate CEO Chief Executive Officer Rob Simpson and NUAIR CEO Craig Marcinkowski talked with NewsChannel 9 WSYR's Jeff Kulikowski about how close Central New York is to regular Amazon drone deliveries, as well as the upcoming…

Image
Annual Meeting 2026 Manish Crowd
Media Coverage | 04/23/2026

Micron's Manish Bhatia Shares Micron CNY Project Update at CenterState CEO Annual Meeting

Manish Bhatia shared updates on Micron's project in Clay, NY and how these fabs will fit into the global semiconductor ecosystem.

Image
CNY Works Construction Career Information Session
Media Coverage | 04/08/2026

Syracuse Build Hosts Construction Careers Information Session During Micron Community Week

CenterState CEO's Danielle Szabo presents at a construction careers information session during Micron Community Week.

Image
Abell Foundation Graphic
Media Coverage | 03/17/2026

Vehicles to Work Program Highlighted in Baltimore-Area Foundation Report

The Abell Foundation recently highlighted the Vehicles to Work program in its report on transportation solutions for the Baltimore area.

Image
CH9 Rob Simpson Screenshot
Media Coverage | 01/30/2026

CenterState CEO's Rob Simpson Talks Next Steps After Micron Groundbreaking

Rob Simpson speaks with NewsChannel 9 following Micron's groundbreaking.

Image
Kara Jones at INSPYRE Innovation Hub
Media Coverage | 12/17/2025

CenterState CEO's Kara Jones Featured in Syracuse.com's Leadership Series

Syracuse.com featured CenterState CEO's Director of Programs and Engagement Kara Jones as a part of its weekly "Conversations on Leadership."

Image
Dr. J City & State Responsible 100
Media Coverage | 12/17/2025

Dr. Juhanna Rogers Named to City & State New York’s 2025 Responsible 100

The list by City & State New York recognizes 100 state leaders who share a commitment to making the world a better place.

Image
T&C Page Adobe Stock
Media Coverage | 12/12/2025

CenterState CEO's Workforce Innovation Efforts Featured on Syracuse.com

CenterState CEO's Aimee Durfee recently spoke with Syracuse.com on efforts to address employment disparities for Black and Hispanic Syracuse residents.