Eleven companies have been named semi–finalists in GENIUS NY seventh round. GENIUS NY remains one the largest and most well known accelerators for uncrewed aerial systems in the world. The semi-finalists will now compete to see which five are selected to the program at CenterState CEO’s The Tech Garden in Syracuse, NY. The companies, which are developing innovations in the uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and robotics industries, were selected from a highly competitive pool of more than 450 submissions from over 50 countries. Of the eleven semi–finalists, four are international teams representing Canada, Israel, and United Kingdom. Four teams are from New York state. 

2023 Semi-Finalists:
Aloft – Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
Avol Aerospace – Brooklyn, New York, USA
Blueflite – Detroit Metropolitan Area, Michigan, USA
FlightOps – Herzelia Pituch, Israel
Flyhound – New York, New York, USA
Greenjets – Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
Landing Zones – Ontario, Canada
T2D2 – New York, New York, USA
Vizgard – London, United Kingdom
Voltela – Brooklyn, New York, USA
Votix – Weston, Florida, USA

Semi–finalists must present their technologies and business plans to a panel of executive advisers. Advisers are looking for companies that will stay in the Central New York area; participate in and contribute to the region’s growing UAS ecosystem; will scale and be successful; and represent diversity of technology focus and team makeup. Finalists will be announced in late June/early July. In July, the five finalists will arrive in Central New York to begin the program. 

This year’s Pitch Finals will be held on October 4, 2023, where teams pitch their innovations live before a panel of judges and audience. Each team has five minutes to make the case for their product, and the grand prize winner is awarded a $1 million investment. The remaining four teams each walk away with a $500,000 investment.  

“We continue to see incredibly strong interest from across the globe from innovative teams seeking to grow their business here in Central New York,” said Kara Jones, director of GENIUS NY. “The range of technologies in our applicant pool, as well as the continued geographic diversity represented by these semifinalists, will contribute to another strong program this year. Our advisers have a challenging selection process ahead of them to determine this year’s finalists, but I am excited to soon welcome another group of promising startups to Syracuse and The Tech Garden, where we will work with them on other growth opportunities as well.” 

Since 2017, GENIUS NY has invested $18 million in 32 companies from around the world. The program brings companies to Central New York to participate in the yearlong in-residence accelerator where they receive assistance with product development, business development, as well as networking opportunities with investors and business leaders. In addition, GENIUS NY companies have raised more than $100 million in follow-on funding and have created more than 80 jobs in Upstate New York. 

Beyond the grand prize investments, participants benefit from access to the region’s premier startup programming, including business planning, industry specific mentorship and access to vetted service providers offering startup friendly terms. Participants are integrated into the larger regional effort to grow uncrewed aerial systems in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley, gain access to world-leading infrastructure and testing assets, and have opportunities to connect with investors for follow-on funding. 

To learn more about GENIUS NY, visit www.geniusny.com.