Join An Immersive Startup Accelerator Program Like No Other

Scale your startup in New York State with 3 Million in funding. Applications for Cohort 9 are open!

World’s Largest Accelerator in UAS and Robotics

Beyond the grand prize investments, participants benefit from access to some of the region’s premier startup programming.

GENIUS NY invests a total of $3 million annually into participating startups through a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE), with one company receiving the $1 million grand prize and others splitting the remaining $2 million. This funding provides critical early-stage capital to support growth and scale.

Gain access to experienced mentors, industry leaders, and executive advisors who provide strategic guidance, connections, and insights to help accelerate your business growth.

Leverage GENIUS NY’s extensive network of partners, including NUAIR, CenterState CEO, and regional stakeholders, to integrate into the growing unmanned systems ecosystem and access testing facilities, regulatory support, manufacturing support and business opportunities.

Participate in customized workshops, training sessions, and networking events designed to refine your business model, enhance your go-to-market strategy, and navigate the challenges of scaling a startup.

Some Past Speakers: Ken Stewart (NUAIR), Phil Kenul (ASTM), Jeff Causey (Causey Aviation), Peter Fuchs (CEO at Ascent Aerosystems), Matt Byington (General Catalyst), Lorenzo Murzilli (Murzilli Consulting)

Work from a fully equipped, modern office at our tech Innovation Hub in Syracuse, NY, with access to conference rooms, shared workspaces, makerspace and Hardware Center, high-speed internet, and additional resources to support your team’s daily operations.

Receive assistance in hiring key team members, accessing talent pipelines, and refining your fundraising strategy with investor introductions, pitch coaching, and capital-raising guidance.

Applying To Cohort 9

1

Submit your application online by May 28, 2025.
You will need to register first before applying.

2

Semi-finalists will be announced the week of June 23, 2025. Semi-finalist interviews will take place from July 9 to 11.

3

The finalists – the five startups that will participate in Cohort 9 – will be announced the week of August 11, 2025.

4

The accelerator begins the week of September 8, 2025 in Syracuse, NY.

5

The Pitch Finals take place and the Grand Prize Winner is decided the week of November 17, 2025.

Learn more about eligibility, judging criteria, and the application process on our Frequently Asked Questions page.

World-Leading UAS & AAM Industry Hub

Central New York is emerging as the epicenter for innovation in Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), solidifying New York’s status as a premier destination for drone-related businesses and growth.

Who We Are

GENIUS NY offers an opportunity to scale your business with funding and an immersive startup accelerator program like no other. Each year, we invest $3 million into five startups, and offer a host of program services – from mentorship and connections to investors and inroads to customers.

What Teams Are Saying

“If you’re doing something in the drone or robotics space, or something that might possibly have an application there, this is the premier program to do so. We’re learning a lot from other companies that have been here before about what people want in a drone product. That access to a group of mentors and companies that have been there and done that is invaluable.”

Circle Optics

“Everyone is very welcoming and very open. They do a lot to bring us together instead of keeping the competition up. I’ve already had intense discussions with four of the other winners about how we can do business together, and how we can bring our system together with their assistance, and basically develop a product that has a bigger added value.”

Airial Robotics

“The time we were there was truly awesome – working around creative and talented individuals was motivating and inspiring, and the space itself is a welcoming and beautiful work environment.”

DroneSeed

“The program was highly supportive and offered practical tools for evaluating the core business and the constant influx of “shinies” that attract our attention. It also fostered relationships between the participants and with the staff that persist to this day.”

DropCopter

“The workshops and social activities were a great opportunity for all startups to get to know each other – professionally and personally. TTG and CNY are a great ecosystem – not too busy and saturated so all startups have equal opportunities at succeeding in the space.”

BotsAndUs

“The People and Program are what make Genius NY exceptional. Nothing but great things to say about those we’ve been fortunate enough to work with.”

Airtonomy

“The GENIUS program is why we are the leader in UAS Weather and Services today. Thank you.”

TruWeather Solutions

“A collaborative entrepreneurial community focused on drone-related technology development combined with access to domain experts makes GENIUS NY a true win-win opportunity.”

EZ3D Technologies

“We were delighted to participate in the GENIUS NY program. We looked at a lot of other communities and considered a number of other opportunities, but this is where all of the ingredients came together in such a way that the decision to sink our roots here became a no-brainer.”

Ascent AeroSystems

“We felt welcomed and supported in Syracuse, and are able to maintain a presence at The Tech Garden with our CNY team members. We really like the Tech Garden space and environment.”

Geopipe

Applications for GENIUS NY Cohort 9 are now open! Apply by May 28, 2025. Join an immersive startup accelerator program like no other.