Empire State Development Announces Five Teams Selected for Round 10 of GENIUS NY
Finalists From Around the World Will Compete in Milestone Program Year for the World’s Largest Accelerator for Drones and Robotics
Program is supported by “CNY Rising” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the five teams selected to take part in round 10 of the GENIUS NY business accelerator following a competitive application process. These teams will move to Central New York later this summer and compete for a total of $3 million in direct investment, with one grand prize of $1 million and four $500,000 awards. The program serves as the world’s largest accelerator for drones and robotics, bringing uncrewed systems startups to Central New York to participate in a yearlong in-residence accelerator since its launch in 2017. Those participating in the accelerator receive assistance with product and business development, as well as networking opportunities with investors and business leaders.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “By attracting and engaging next-generation entrepreneurs, the GENIUS NY accelerator is reinforcing Governor Hochul’s strategic efforts to establish Central New York as a hub for uncrewed aerial systems. New York’s ongoing UAS investments and commitments continue to create new high-tech jobs, spurring economic growth and further establishing the State as a global industry leader.”
The five companies selected will establish an office in Central New York and operate primarily out of CenterState’s INSPYRE Innovation Hub in downtown Syracuse. The teams will spend the next several months scaling their business, advancing their technology, and working within the robust regional uncrewed systems sector. The GENIUS NY program encourages all participants to put down roots in Central New York and stay in the region following the conclusion of the program.
The five selected finalists are:
Astrabeam (Scarsdale, New York, USA): Astrabeam develops advanced radar sensing technology and AI software that enables drones, robots and autonomous machines to safely navigate in complex and challenging environments. Its compact, high-performance sensors support commercial industries, such as construction and mining, while also offering significant potential for defense and space applications.
BonV Aero (Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India): BonV Aero designs autonomous heavy-lift aerial platforms capable of transporting critical supplies in some of the world's most demanding environments. Originally developed to support military operations in remote mountainous regions, its technology also serves emergency response and commercial logistics applications where traditional transportation is limited.
Full Spectrum Research (Taberg, New York, USA): Full Spectrum Research has developed PRISM, an operational intelligence platform that integrates data from drones, sensors, cameras and other technologies into a single real-time operating picture. The platform helps defense, public safety and critical infrastructure teams make faster, more informed decisions by improving situational awareness during complex operations.
Revolute Robotics (Boston, Massachusetts, USA): Revolute Robotics develops hybrid inspection robots that can both drive and fly, allowing them to access locations traditional robots cannot reach. Its technology enables industrial facilities to complete inspections more safely, quickly, and cost-effectively while reducing downtime and minimizing risk to workers.
Vigilare AI (Fayetteville, New York, USA): Vigilare AI is building the next generation of intelligent command software for drone and autonomous operations. Its AI-powered platform helps operators quickly understand live data, identify potential threats and make informed decisions, improving efficiency across defense, public safety and commercial industries
CenterState CEO, Vice President of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Craig Witmer, said, “The companies chosen for this round of GENIUS NY are symbolic of the program’s growth and success over 10 years. The teams in the beginning rounds of GENIUS NY arrived as early-stage companies and helped to establish a strong foundation upon which current cohorts are building. Companies participating in this current round are coming to us from around the globe, ready to validate their technology, generate revenue and expand the already robust drone and robotics sector in Central New York. I’m so excited to support the progress of these teams and see how they leverage the resources offered through GENIUS NY, as well as the broader ecosystem. Congratulations to all finalists!”
Since its launch in 2017, the program has supported more than 45 uncrewed systems and robotics startups in building and scaling their companies in Central New York, through $27 million in investments over nine rounds. Those companies have gone on to generate more than $500 million in follow-on funding and hundreds of jobs.
That impact is increasingly visible: Flox Intelligence, winner of the Cohort 9 grand prize, has moved into a larger office at CenterState’s INSPYRE Innovation Hub, making it its global headquarters. The company has also been selected to pitch for the competitive TechCrunch 2026 Startup Battlefield 200; Ascent AeroSystems, a Cohort 1 company, was acquired by Robinson Helicopter Company in 2024; and Aloft Technologies, a Cohort 7 company, was acquired by Versaterm in 2026 after building technology that has powered more than 1.6 million FAA-approved drone airspace authorizations. Together, these companies demonstrate how GENIUS NY helps founders turn emerging technologies into successful companies, attract investment and create lasting economic impact.
Program benefits also include access to experts and other founders specific to their industry, executive advisors, marketing and fundraising support, industry-focused events, the opportunity to apply for the UAS Job Fund, as well as access to platforms such as PitchBook, and offer companies AWS credits. GENIUS NY finalists also become a part of the CenerState CEO Network, granting them exclusive access to Central New York’s vibrant community of business owners, innovators and organizational leaders.
The program culminates with GENIUS NY Pitch Finals at the annual Innovation Night event in May 2027. The teams will pitch to a panel of industry judges and compete for the $1 million grand prize. All teams will receive investments of at least $500,000.
CenterState CEO, Chief Executive Officer Rob Simpson, said, “What started as a program to fund strategic areas of growth and opportunity in this region has transformed into a vital component of Central New York’s globally renowned ecosystem for drones and robotics. Through its 10 years of thoughtful, targeted programming and sustained investment, GENIUS NY has put this region on the map as one of the best places to start and grow uncrewed systems technologies. I’m certain the teams that are a part of GENIUS NY Round 10 will continue in this legacy and introduce transformational technologies to the field of drones and robotics.”
State Senator Chris Ryan said, "GENIUS NY has been critical in Central New York’s growing uncrewed systems and robotics industry. The success of previous cohorts shows what is possible when we invest in new ideas and give companies the resources they need to grow. I look forward to welcoming them to Central New York and seeing the innovation and technologies they bring to our community."
State Senator Rachel May said, “The GENIUS NY program continues to put Central New York at the forefront of next-generation technology and innovation. Congratulations to the teams selected for this year’s competition. I look forward to welcoming them to our community and seeing what they accomplish. We’re proud to support entrepreneurs who are bringing new ideas to our region, creating jobs, driving economic growth, and building the future of uncrewed systems here in Central New York.”
Assemblymember Pamela Hunter said,“GENIUS NY has become an important part of Central New York’s growing innovation economy, bringing new companies, new ideas and new opportunities to our region. As the program enters its tenth round, I’m proud to see Syracuse continuing to attract entrepreneurs from around the world and strengthen our position as a leader in drones and robotics.”
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said, “It is really incredible to see the emerging UAS industry continue to grow right here in downtown Syracuse. On behalf of Onondaga County, I want to congratulate these innovative teams and welcome them as they commit to establishing roots right here thanks to the GENIUS NY competition. I have no doubt that they will continue to play an important role in our region’s overall economic success."
Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens said, “Reaching the tenth round of GENIUS NY is a milestone for both the program and Central New York’s innovation ecosystem. This year’s finalists represent some of the most promising emerging companies in drones and robotics, and I am excited to welcome them as they develop technologies that will shape the future of uncrewed systems. The decision to build and grow in Syracuse strengthens the City’s momentum, fueling new high-tech jobs, attracting investment, and expanding the innovation economy transforming the region.”
Central New York Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Randy Wolken, President & CEO of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York and Le Moyne College President Linda M. LeMura said, “Congratulations to all of the amazing entrepreneurs selected to take part in the next round of GENIUS NY. We can’t wait to welcome these five teams to Central New York as they commit to growing their innovative business in our region creating new opportunities and jobs for residents here for generations to come."
For additional information about GENIUS NY, visit: https://geniusny.com/.
For additional information about CenterState CEO, visit: https://centerstateceo.com/.
Accelerating CNY Rising
Today's announcement complements “CNY Rising” the region’s comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on capitalizing on global market opportunities, strengthening entrepreneurship and creating an inclusive economy. More information is available here.
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NY" the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.
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