GENIUS NY is the world’s largest business accelerator, sponsored by Empire State Development, that invests $3M annually into seed-stage startups focused on uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), automation and advanced air mobility (AAM). Each year, GENIUS NY awards $3 million dollars to five start-up companies looking to grow their businesses in Central New York. The program is administered by CenterState CEO and housed at The Tech Garden incubator in Syracuse, NY.

GENIUS NY builds on the progress of CNY Rising – The Region’s comprehensive strategy to create good jobs and attract businesses to Central New York. To date, GENIUS NY has invested more than $21 million in 37 start-ups from around the world, who have gone on to raise over $100 million in follow-on funding. 

Naming:

GENIUS NY is an acronym that stands for Growing ENtrepreneurs & Innovators in UpState New York. 

Mission:

To attract and retain high-growth technology startups to Syracuse.

We invest in start-ups focused on uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), automation, and advanced air mobility (AAM). Our continued investment in UAS businesses is helping to ensure that New York remains the leader in the industry and brings quality jobs and economic growth to Central New York.