GENIUS NY Round 10: Meet the 5 Drone Startups Competing for $3 Million

Program Overview

GENIUS NY is the world’s largest accelerator focused on uncrewed aerial systems and robotics, launched in 2017 as part of the "CNY Rising" economic strategy. For Round 10, five finalists will relocate to downtown Syracuse, operate from CenterState CEO’s INSPYRE Innovation Hub, and tap into the region’s uncrewed test corridor. The program provides guaranteed investment, executive mentorship, fundraising support, AWS credits, PitchBook access, and entry into the regional UAS Job Fund.

Track Record

Over ten cohorts, $27 million in state investments have helped participating startups raise more than $500 million in follow-on funding and create hundreds of high-tech jobs. Alumni include Ascent AeroSystems, acquired by Robinson Helicopter Company in 2024; Aloft Technologies, acquired by Versaterm; and Flox Intelligence, the Cohort 9 grand prize winner, which recently set up its global headquarters at the INSPYRE Innovation Hub.

Round 10 Finalists

The five selected teams cover AI command software, heavy-lift logistics, hybrid robotics, and advanced sensing. Astrabeam (Scarsdale, NY) builds compact radar sensors and AI navigation software for low-visibility environments. BonV Aero (Bhubaneswar, India) develops autonomous heavy-lift aerial platforms for high-altitude logistics and emergency response. Full Spectrum Research (Taberg, NY) offers PRISM, an operational intelligence platform integrating live drone, sensor, and camera feeds. Revolute Robotics (Boston, MA) creates hybrid robots that both drive and fly for industrial inspections. Vigilare AI (Fayetteville, NY) builds AI-driven command software for autonomous fleets.

What’s Next

The yearlong in-residence program culminates at the GENIUS NY Pitch Finals during Innovation Night in May 2027, where teams will pitch for a $1 million grand prize, with four additional $500,000 awards available. The competition will spotlight how these startups are shaping the future of autonomous systems and robotics.