This year’s GENIUS NY finalists; Aloft, Blueflite, Greenjets, Voltela, and Votix, have arrived in Syracuse, New York, ready to participate in the uncrewed aerial systems, robotics and big data accelerator program

These businesses were selected from a competitive group of applicants to participate in the program, which is focused on uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), robotics and big data startups. The teams will spend the next twelve months working out of Central New York’s premiere tech hub incubator, CenterState CEO’s The Tech Garden, where they will build out their operations and continue to scale.

As is true with each GENIUS NY cohort, these finalists are developing highly advanced products and services in terms of technology and application:

Blueflite designs and manufactures large drone platforms for faster and greener deliveries. The drone is all electric and can be used in emergency response for rapid delivery of medical or life-saving equipment such as defibrillators, or medications.

Greenjets is building electric ducted fan propulsion systems that are quieter and safer for drones.

Voltela is working on network connectivity for unlimited safety of autonomous commercial drone operations.

Both Votix and Aloft provide robust software solutions for the advancement and safety of UAS flight and usage.

The teams have wasted no time in immersing themselves in the vibrant Central New York and Syracuse communities, engaging with local entrepreneurs, and exploring the region’s tech ecosystem. The day after orientation, the teams attended the Upstate Capital Future of Air & Space event at the Innovare Advancement Center in Rome, NY where, in addition to networking, they had the opportunity to learn about what’s happening in Upstate NY in UAS and uncrewed systems, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), edge & quantum computing, and their applications.

The annual highlight of the accelerator is Innovation Night featuring the GENIUS NY Pitch Finals, to be held on October 4, 2023 in Syracuse, where a total of $3 million will be awarded. The teams pitch their product to a panel of judges with one team receiving a grand prize investment of $1 million and the remaining four teams receiving $500,000 awards. The night is always one of excitement filled with local entrepreneurs, community business leaders, investors, and supporters of innovation.

GENIUS NY is aligned with efforts to highlight and support a growing smart systems cluster in Syracuse. Beyond the financial support, the participating teams gain access to Central New York’s unique startup programming, invaluable mentorships, and a wide range of resources.

This comprehensive ecosystem equips them with the tools necessary to transform their ideas into scalable and sustainable businesses. With one year of dedicated support ahead of them, Aloft, Blueflite, Greenjets, Voltela, and Votix will become part of this ecosystem and build networks, share new ideas, attract talent and investments, and help the Syracuse economy grow.