Syracuse.com Highlights GENIUS NY, Central New York's UAS Ecosystem

Posted On
October 8, 2024

Image
GENIUS NY Winner 2023 - blueflite

A recent article on Syracuse.com takes a close look at the thriving UAS ecosystem in Central New York, including GENIUS NY program administered by CenterState CEO. GENIUS NY program director Kara Jones and blueflite CEO Frank Noppel are both featured in the story. 

"[Frank] Noppel at the time said that in Syracuse his company had 'discovered a unique ecosystem perfectly suited' for its operations. He then hired staff, set up a satellite office within the GENIUS NY space at the Tech Garden and began working with past GENIUS cohorts to build his business.

As a result, the next batch of blueflite drones will be partially manufactured in New York, Noppel said

GENIUS NY launched in 2017 from the $500 million state grant. Since then, it has awarded more than $21 million to 37 companies – 14 of them international – which have raised more than $100 million in venture capital, said Kara Jones, director of GENIUS NY."

Read the full article.

Other
Media Coverage

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.

Image
CenterState CEO Generic
Media Coverage | 12/03/2025

CenterState CEO Staff Named to Syracuse Mayor-Elect Sharon Owens

Rob Simpson, Dr. Juhanna Rogers and Kevin Schwab will serve on Syracuse Mayor-Elect Sharon Owen's transition team.

Image
IIH from above
Media Coverage | 11/25/2025

Site Selection Features New York in Area Spotlight

Site Selection Magazine featured upstate New York in its Area Spotlight.

Image
Op-Ed: Energy Strategy
Media Coverage | 11/20/2025

Upstate Business Community Leaders Call For 'All-Of-The-Above' Energy Generation Strategy

Leaders in Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo published opinion piece on the need for reliable, carbon-free energy.

Image
ribbon cutting at INSPYRE
Media Coverage | 09/19/2025

INSPYRE Innovation Hub Opens in Downtown Syracuse

CenterState CEO with its public and private sector partners celebrated the opening of CenterState's INSPYRE Innovation Hub in downtown Syracuse.

Image
Constellation NY Nuclear
Media Coverage | 09/04/2025

Carbon Free NY Shares New Report on Impact of Nuclear Power in New York

Carbon Free NY shares a report that explores the impact of nuclear power and the ZEC program.

Image
UAS drone operator
Media Coverage | 09/03/2025

GENIUS NY Finalist Shares CNY UAS Ecosystem Insights on Syracuse.com

Modovolo CEO Justin Call shares Central New York's strengths in the uncrewed aerial systems sector in Syracuse.com opinion article.

Image
Ben Sio and Greg Lancette on Newsmakers
Media Coverage | 08/29/2025

CenterState CEO Shares Insights on Community Preparation for Micron on Newsmakers

Ben Sio and Greg Lancette appeared on Newsmakers with Andrew Donovan.