News
8.22.24:
Top Highlights – GENIUS NY Holds First Founder’s Retreat
Last week was a big one for GENIUS NY! We had the pleasure of welcoming our new Cohort 8 teams to Syracuse, NY, for their year-long journey in our accelerator program. On top of that, we co-sponsored The Future of Air and Space Show with Upstate Capital and hosted our very first GENIUS NY Founders Retreat. The week was jam-packed with discussions on the latest trends in the UAS and AAM sectors, catching up on what our teams have been achieving, and looking ahead to the future of the industry. Here are some of the key takeaways from our amazing speakers…
THE FUTURE OF AIR AND SPACE SHOW PRESENTED BY UPSTATE CAPITAL
Upstate Capital recently hosted its annual “Future of Air & Space” event, bringing together trailblazers from the aerospace, defense, and robotics sectors. Partnering with GENIUS NY and the Griffiss Institute, the event fostered in-depth discussions, strategic networking, and valuable insights from industry leaders like Matthew Byington of General Catalyst. The gathering highlighted the rapid growth and new opportunities emerging within the Air and Space industries, underscoring Upstate New York’s key role in driving innovation and investment. Explore how this event is shaping the future of the industry by reading more here.
“Standards development moves faster when more companies contribute”
Rear Admiral Philip Kenul
Session #1: Advancing UAS/AAM Industry Standards: ASTM F38 and GENIUS NY Impact
We kicked off the retreat with insights from Rear Admiral Phil Kenul, Vice Chair of the ASTM Committee on F38 on UAS. Phil gave us a deep dive into the world of UAS standards, highlighting the importance of having a seat at the table when it comes to shaping the rules that govern our industry. He emphasized that for young companies, getting involved with ASTM rule-making committees is a game-changer—it’s where you can influence the future, learn a ton, and build credibility.
Josh Ogden, CEO of AVSS (Cohort 6), shared his experience with ASTM standards, particularly how they played a role in AVSS securing FAA Category 2 approval for operations over people. And let’s not forget TruWeather Solutions (Cohort 2), who helped shape the ASTM F3673-23 standard for Weather Information Providers (WIPs).
It’s clear that engaging with these standards isn’t just important—it’s critical for success.
“Industry engagement is critical to create standards that are applicable and economically viable”
Josh Ogden
So, how do you get involved?
It’s simpler than you might think. Start by joining ASTM International – membership costs between $75 and $175 per year. Then, jump into committees like F38 on Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Getting involved not only keeps you in the loop but also lets you shape the standards to ensure they’re practical and relevant. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to build stronger relationships with other industry players and drive innovation.
Session #2: Fireside Chat – Unlocking Success in UAV Technology: Integrating Payloads, Building Products, and Navigating Business Growth
“The wins matter…for all of us and for the growth of this industry.”
Bobby Sakaki
Next up was Bobby Sakaki, Founder of UAS Nexus, who dropped some serious knowledge on the state of the UAS industry. Bobby, who’s got some GENIUS NY ties from his time with Ascent Aerosystems (Cohort 1), talked about the need for more collaboration on open standards, especially when it comes to hardware. He shared real-world examples where lack of standardization led to costly problems and stressed the importance of focusing on APIs and autopilots.
Bobby also touched on the growing interest from private equity firms in acquiring drone companies and the importance of educating investors on collaboration rather than monopolies. His big takeaway? Every win—whether it’s a new customer, an acquisition, or a milestone—is a win for the whole industry. And that’s what helps push us all forward.
Bobby concluded by highlighting the importance of user experience, using DJI’s interfaces as a benchmark. He suggested that more open, standardized UI frameworks could help improve user experience across the industry. With massive investments in autonomy already happening, Bobby predicts that it won’t be long before autonomy becomes a standard part of everyday operations.
“User experience remains a critical but often overlooked factor in enterprise adoption.”
Bobby Sakaki
Session #3: Behind the Drone Lens: Navigating Drone Manufacturers and Influencer Marketing Strategies
Our final speaker was Billy Kyle, a well-known UAS YouTuber and aerial imagery advocate. Billy offered up some great tips on social media and marketing strategies that are especially useful for startups. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent presence on LinkedIn and creating high-quality, original content. For UAS startups, this approach is key to building credibility and engaging with potential customers.
Billy also pointed out that understanding what UAS pilots prioritize—ease of use, efficiency, and a comprehensive ecosystem—should guide how startups communicate their technologies. By aligning marketing strategies with these preferences, UAS startups can better demonstrate the value of their solutions and attract attention from their target market.
“Align your marketing strategies to what UAS pilots prioritize.”
Billy Kyle
Conclusion: A Strong Start to a New Tradition
Looking back, I’d say our first-ever GENIUS NY Founders Retreat was a huge success! We had 19 companies from different cohorts come together, learn from each other, and dive deep into the challenges and opportunities in our industry. This retreat not only strengthened our community but also set the stage for even more collaboration and innovation in the years to come.
We’re excited to see where this momentum takes us—and we’re just getting started!
