GENIUS NY

GENIUS NY is an accelerator program located in Syracuse, New York, established in 2017. It focuses on fostering innovation by investing in companies involved in technology sectors such as uncrewed aerial systems, the Internet of Things, big data, precision and remote sensing, smart city applications, data collection and analytics, guidance and communication systems, sensors, and robotics. The program is known for its significant investment opportunities, offering grand prizes of up to $1 million, along with additional funding, stipends, housing, resources, and programming support. With backing from Empire State Development, GENIUS NY stands as one of the largest competitions of its kind globally, aiming to cultivate growth and development within the tech ecosystem.

Kara Jones

Director

32 past transactions

Aerialoop Corp

Grant in 2024
Aerialoop is focused on creating a drone delivery network aimed at enhancing accessibility and closing delivery gaps. The company is developing advanced technologies to establish a drone delivery airline that adheres to the high safety and operational standards found in the civilian airline industry. This innovative network enables clients to transport goods efficiently by allowing them to schedule deliveries, choose routes, and set the timing, frequency, and volume of shipments. Aerialoop's mission is to facilitate easy access to essential products and services for communities, ultimately improving the quality of life through advanced drone delivery solutions.

Blueflite

Grant in 2023
Blueflite previously Flugauto is a B2B tech company developing a world-class platform for aerial delivery of industrial cargo for the energy industry. For businesses that want to transport cargo, we offer the benefits of a helicopter, speed, and access to remote locations, but at the cost of ground transportation. We do this by leveraging our proprietary UAS technology which we provide as a Platform-as-a-Service. This helps companies streamline their material management, reduce costs and carbon emissions associated with logistics, warehousing, and unplanned maintenance, as well as reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities.

Fusion Engineering

Seed Round in 2022
Fusion Engineering specializes in creating advanced flight controllers tailored for the commercial drone industry. The company's innovative remote piloting systems are designed to provide reliable and adaptable flight control, optimizing hardware for multirotor drones. With integrated control algorithms, these systems ensure precise positioning, effective disturbance rejection, and fault tolerance. By enhancing performance and reliability, Fusion Engineering aims to facilitate regulatory compliance and simplify user experience for drone manufacturers, ultimately promoting the safe and dependable integration of drone technology into everyday life.

AVSS - Aerial Vehicle Safety Solutions

Seed Round in 2022
Aerial Vehicle Safety Solutions Inc. (AVSS) specializes in developing safety technologies for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and air-taxis, focusing on parachute recovery systems designed for commercial drones. Founded in 2017 and based in Rothesay, Canada, AVSS provides solutions for various drone models, including the DJI M200 Series and Aeryon Labs/FLIR SkyRanger. Their innovative parachute pods enable users to deploy a spring-loaded parachute quickly, allowing for on-site replacement without significant downtime or the need to ship the system for repacking. This technology enhances safety for drone operations, allowing pilots to operate confidently over populated areas or beyond their line of sight.

Wonder Robotics

Seed Round in 2022
Wonder Robotics specializes in developing advanced autonomous systems for drones, including electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles and urban air mobility (UAM) applications. The company employs sophisticated computer vision technology that mimics human visual perception, combining short-range 3D depth sensing with long-range 2D vision. This innovative approach significantly enhances a drone's ability to perceive its environment, allowing for more accurate classification and motion detection. One of its flagship products, WonderLand, enables drones to autonomously land on uncharted and unprepared sites without the need for operator supervision. It conducts complex geometric analyses using 3D sensors and proprietary algorithms to assess landing areas for obstacles and hazards, ensuring safe and precise landings. This technology not only enhances operational safety but also expands the potential applications of drones in various sectors, including commercial delivery, infrastructure inspection, and mapping.

Archangel Imaging

Seed Round in 2022
Archangel Imaging is a veteran-founded company that specializes in developing advanced artificial intelligence systems to enhance the effectiveness of human-machine teams in challenging environments. Operating in both the UK and the US, the company focuses on providing solutions for remote monitoring and asset protection, catering to sectors such as law enforcement, emergency services, and non-governmental organizations. Their technology includes smart cameras and navigation systems designed to function independently of traditional infrastructure, making them resilient against disruptions like GPS jamming. Archangel Imaging's Xnaut AI co-pilots enable uncrewed vehicles to make informed navigation decisions in real time, while the Argonaut smart cameras offer self-contained power and connectivity. Additionally, their Cerebella software facilitates seamless integration of various machines into people-centered workflows, enhancing operational efficiency and response capabilities in vast and remote areas.

Dronehub

Grant in 2022
Dronehub is a prominent European manufacturer specializing in autonomous drone technologies, focusing on the creation of intelligent cloud software and automated 'gas stations' for drones. The company develops solutions tailored for organizations with extensive infrastructure, allowing them to reduce monitoring costs and obtain real-time aerial data without human intervention. Dronehub's technology enables the collection and processing of precise visual data, automating operations and integrating an ecosystem of autonomous drones, ground infrastructure, and artificial intelligence-powered software. This innovation provides clients, including notable organizations like the European Defence Agency and the European Space Agency, with capabilities such as automatic battery replacement and remote data control, ultimately transforming aerial data into actionable business insights. Recognized as one of the fastest-growing tech companies in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe, Dronehub is at the forefront of advancing drone technology and its applications.

Thread

Grant in 2021
Airtonomy, Inc. specializes in the development of innovative aerial imagery solutions and aircraft detection systems. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Grand Forks, North Dakota, the company aims to enhance the safety of air travel by manufacturing aircraft detection lighting systems that activate red lights on wind turbines, making them visible to nearby aircraft. In addition to this, Airtonomy is focused on creating a comprehensive framework for secure, remote, autonomous multi-drone operations. Their approach integrates technical, methodological, and policy aspects to provide a holistic solution that offers significant time, cost, and accuracy benefits compared to traditional specialist contractors.

Vumo

Grant in 2021
Vumo is a global AI-powered software company that revolutionizes car imaging and visual inspection of vehicles. As a trusted, independent partner for the automotive industry it sets new standards while optimizing the operations of many players in the field. Vumo’s state-of-the-art technology, based on artificial intelligence algorithms, automates and standardizes car imaging processes and brings a whole new level of accuracy and transparency for used car valuation across vehicle lifetime. car inspection, car imaging, imaging machine, car scanner, artificial intelligence, AI, mechatronics, robotics i VM detection

Circle Optics

Grant in 2021
Circle Optics, Inc. specializes in developing innovative camera technology that enables real-time, high-definition virtual reality video. Its parallax-free camera utilizes multiple polygonal lenses to capture panoramic images seamlessly, eliminating the need for image stitching. This technology serves a variety of sectors, including aerospace, autonomous systems, and entertainment. By providing an accurate representation of scenes without post-processing, Circle Optics enhances the delivery of critical resources, ensures safety in aerospace applications, improves surveillance capabilities, and transforms immersive experiences for content creators.

Geopipe

Seed Round in 2020
Geopipe is a New York-based company founded in 2016 that utilizes machine learning to create immersive digital twins of the real world. The firm develops subscription-based software tools that analyze extensive geographic and numeric data, including satellite imagery, maps, and laser scans. By employing advanced algorithmic techniques, Geopipe reconstructs entire cities swiftly, allowing applications in gaming, simulation, architecture, and more. This innovative approach aids real estate developers in expediting their projects, ultimately saving time and costs.

Eget Liber

Grant in 2020
Eget Liber focuses on creating eco-friendly solutions to address environmental challenges, specifically the issue of blue-green algae, or cyanobacterium, in freshwater lakes. The company has developed an autonomous, semi-submersible, remotely operated underwater vehicle that employs ultraviolet light to eliminate these harmful algal blooms. This innovative technology is designed to receive command coordinates from an aerial drone, which uses spectral analysis to identify algae blooms efficiently. By offering a chemical-free method for mitigating the effects of harmful algal blooms, Eget Liber provides affordable and environmentally responsible options for freshwater lake associations and lakefront property owners.

Mast Reforestation

Grant in 2020
Mast Reforestation is a provider of vertically integrated reforestation services focused on restoring forests damaged by wildfires. The company addresses barriers to reforestation, including financial, procedural, and seed supply challenges, facilitating the reforestation of millions of acres. By acquiring two legacy businesses, Mast has become the largest seed and seedling vendor in the Western United States, which is crucial for overcoming reforestation bottlenecks. The company offers a comprehensive suite of services, including seed collection, seedling cultivation, site preparation, planting, and ongoing monitoring. Additionally, Mast leverages project finance to generate high-quality carbon removal credits, allowing landowners to reforest their land at no cost while contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions and making reforestation scalable to combat climate change.

Dexory

Grant in 2020
Dexory specializes in warehouse operations by utilizing fully autonomous robots and Artificial Intelligence to capture real-time insights. The company develops mobile and modular robots that can measure, track, and locate goods within warehouses without disrupting existing workflows. By automating data collection, Dexory enhances the efficiency of receiving, storing, and dispatching goods, providing companies with unprecedented access to operational information. The real-time data generated by these robots is integrated into digital twin technology, allowing logistics and warehouse managers to swiftly address daily operational challenges. Ultimately, Dexory's solutions aim to reduce costs and save time by minimizing the resources spent on locating missing goods.

Skyy Network

Grant in 2020
Skyy Network is an innovative company that develops an open-source protocol based on Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) aimed at facilitating the autonomous and efficient operation of large-scale drone networks. The protocol is designed to ensure Byzantine Fault Tolerance, which protects the network from data corruption. Additionally, Skyy Network offers traffic management software that assists governments in monitoring aerial infrastructure, thereby enhancing drone traffic management. This technology provides a transparent record of airspace utilization, allowing various stakeholders, including governments, operators, and businesses, to optimize logistics and transportation. By enabling access to airspace data, Skyy Network aims to transform logistics and economic activities related to aerial transport.

Dexory

Seed Round in 2020
Dexory specializes in warehouse operations by utilizing fully autonomous robots and Artificial Intelligence to capture real-time insights. The company develops mobile and modular robots that can measure, track, and locate goods within warehouses without disrupting existing workflows. By automating data collection, Dexory enhances the efficiency of receiving, storing, and dispatching goods, providing companies with unprecedented access to operational information. The real-time data generated by these robots is integrated into digital twin technology, allowing logistics and warehouse managers to swiftly address daily operational challenges. Ultimately, Dexory's solutions aim to reduce costs and save time by minimizing the resources spent on locating missing goods.

EagleHawk

Grant in 2019
EagleHawk is a drone-enabled technology company that specializes in asset inspection and management for commercial clients. Utilizing advanced drone and thermal imaging technology, the company conducts comprehensive analyses of large-scale physical assets, such as roofs, solar panel arrays, building envelopes, and district heating systems. EagleHawk's platform enables facility managers to make informed decisions regarding maintenance and management, ultimately reducing maintenance and energy costs while mitigating risks. Their services include mapping, surveying, thermography, 3D modeling, aerial photography, and geospatial investigations, allowing clients to adopt a proactive approach to asset maintenance.

ResilienX

Grant in 2019
ResilienX specializes in developing a comprehensive software monitoring system aimed at enhancing the resilience and reducing maintenance costs of complex autonomous ecosystems. Their platform is designed to monitor the health, integrity, and performance of systems involved in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. By servicing a diverse clientele that includes federal, state, and commercial organizations, ResilienX helps orchestrate the mitigation of off-nominal situations and facilitates automated contingency management. Their focus on safety-critical systems positions them as a key player in the evolving landscape of autonomous operations, supporting clients in meeting regulatory requirements and improving operational efficiency.

Vermeer

Grant in 2019
Vermeer specializes in mixed reality and artificial intelligence technologies that enhance visualization and command capabilities for autonomous systems operating in GPS-denied environments. The company develops advanced tools for mission planning and execution involving small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), catering to both defense and commercial sectors. Its innovative GPS technology allows drones and unmanned systems to accurately determine their locations even in contested or compromised conditions, effectively supporting mission objectives in challenging scenarios. By providing solutions that enable precise targeting and navigation, Vermeer plays a crucial role in enhancing operational effectiveness for warfighters and various commercial applications.

Sentient Blue

Grant in 2019
Sentient Blue Technologies S.r.l., founded in Parma, Italy in November 2017, specializes in aerospace engineering with a focus on developing environmentally friendly micro gas turbine-based power plants. These power plants are tailored for use in radio-controlled aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones. The company's microturbines are lightweight, modular, and designed for high performance, enabling innovative UAV designs that enhance capabilities for civilian applications such as search and rescue, environmental protection, parcel delivery, medical missions, and disaster relief. Additionally, Sentient Blue is exploring the adaptation of their engines for combined power and heating systems, further expanding the potential applications of their technology.

Civ Robotics

Grant in 2019
Civ Robotics is a construction technology startup focused on transforming the land surveying process through innovative robotics. The company has developed drones equipped with a custom staking mechanism that enables rapid and accurate marking of points on construction sites. These drones operate using an autopilot algorithm and data management software, allowing for autonomous site operations that enhance productivity. By streamlining land surveying tasks, Civ Robotics aims to improve efficiency and reliability in the construction industry.

Fotokite

Grant in 2018
Fotokite specializes in developing autonomous aerial systems designed to assist first responders in emergency situations. Their patented technology integrates with fire trucks and public safety vehicles, allowing firefighters to deploy the system with a single button. Once activated, the Fotokite can ascend to heights of 45 meters, delivering critical real-time information through both thermal and standard video feeds. This capability enhances situational awareness without requiring additional personnel to operate the drone, as it operates autonomously. The tethered system ensures continuous power and data transmission, allowing for extended flight times exceeding 24 hours. The aerial data can be live-streamed to other team members at the scene or back at the station, facilitating better communication and more informed decision-making. By providing immediate and detailed insights upon arrival, Fotokite enhances the ability of first responders to assess incidents and deploy resources effectively.

DropCopter

Pre Seed Round in 2018
Dropcopter specializes in automating the pollination of orchard crops using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The company has developed a platform that employs multi-rotor drones to accurately distribute pollen over orchards, significantly enhancing pollination and improving crop yields. Since completing its patent-pending prototype in early 2015, Dropcopter has successfully demonstrated its technology, achieving a 10% increase in crop set during its inaugural UAS pollination. By enabling farmers to optimize their harvests with reduced manual labor, Dropcopter contributes to greater farming efficiency and supports healthy crop growth.

TruWeather Solutions

Grant in 2018
TruWeather Solutions, Inc. is a weather forecasting service provider based in Reston, Virginia, established in 2019. The company specializes in developing a weather risk management framework, particularly for aviation and logistics industries, by integrating weather data into operational planning. Its primary offering, the TruFlite V360° platform, is a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution designed to enhance the precision and accuracy of weather intelligence. This platform supports drone teams, dispatchers, and schedulers by providing live forecasting, alerting, and consulting services. By utilizing advanced micro weather analytics and real-time technology, TruWeather Solutions enables clients to optimize flight time and improve operational efficiency while effectively managing weather-related risks.

Quantifly

Grant in 2018
Quantifly is a data analytics company that automates parking and traffic studies, streamlining a traditionally lengthy process. By allowing clients to specify the study type, duration, and location, as well as whether a drone pilot is needed, Quantifly simplifies data collection. Their proprietary algorithm generates detailed datasets, including aerial imagery and car count data, within approximately a week. This innovative approach eliminates the need for extensive planning and manual data gathering, providing clients with verifiable and actionable insights to inform decision-making. Quantifly's services empower organizations to visualize parking and traffic patterns efficiently and effectively.

PreVision

Grant in 2018
PreVision specializes in advanced image processing technology that delivers real-time precision imaging at an affordable cost. Its innovative 4-frame update technology offers users a dynamic, maps-in-motion view of extensive areas, suitable for even compact unmanned aircraft systems equipped with small sensors. By rendering images in 3D, PreVision allows clients to observe events from multiple perspectives, whether monitoring rallies, military operations, or conducting environmental mapping. The technology accurately locates each pixel within a defined two-dimensional or three-dimensional space, enabling the detection and quantification of oil and gas leaks, among other applications. This capability empowers users to visualize and measure the world in real time.

Akrobotix

Grant in 2017
Akrobotix is a research and product development startup that specializes in autonomous systems and robotics technology across various domains, including space, air, land, and sea. The company has developed an autopilot system tailored for fully autonomous unmanned aerial, ground, and marine vehicles. By integrating multi-modal situational awareness information, Akrobotix creates reliable and reproducible mission plans specific to various applications. This technology aims to enhance operational safety and efficiency, providing businesses with mission planning software that is focused on industry-specific needs.

AutoModality

Grant in 2017
AutoModality Inc. is a company that specializes in developing flight control software for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), enabling them to operate autonomously in environments where GPS signals are unavailable. Founded in 2014 and based in Syracuse, New York, AutoModality manufactures drone platforms that utilize off-the-shelf components to facilitate automated inspections. Their technology is particularly focused on the agriculture and infrastructure sectors, allowing for close-up inspections of structures such as bridges, culverts, rolling stock, and cell towers. The company's advanced navigation software and integrated sensors enable drones to approach inspection sites closely, providing real-time quality streaming from onboard cameras to handheld devices. This capability allows users to gather critical data in challenging locations that are often difficult to access. AutoModality is also recognized for its innovative contributions to the drone industry, exemplified by Team Autero, which won the 2016 DJI SDK Challenge.

EZ3D Technologies

Grant in 2017
EZ3D Technologies specializes in innovative technological solutions, focusing on both Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and aerial data collection. Their VoIP services allow users to make phone calls over the internet, providing essential tools for businesses to engage with potential customers and enhance sales efforts. In addition, the company has developed a platform for aerial data collection that facilitates roof inspections and measurements. This platform utilizes low-cost drones to deliver automated inspections and precise 3D measurements of properties. It enables professionals to generate repair estimates, perform claim adjustments, and manage solar installations efficiently and economically. Through these dual offerings, EZ3D Technologies aims to streamline operations and reduce costs for its clients in various sectors.

SkyOp

Grant in 2017
SkyOp is an unmanned aircraft systems training company focused on empowering organizations by providing a nationally recognized curriculum. The company offers a range of services, including introductory courses on small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), public safety training, knowledge test preparation, and hands-on drone flying instruction. Additionally, SkyOp specializes in Train-the-Trainer programs and corporate workforce development initiatives, ensuring that educators and organizations are equipped with the necessary skills to adapt to new technologies and business models. As an authorized FAA Knowledge Testing Center, SkyOp plays a vital role in preparing the American workforce for emerging opportunities in the drone industry.

OmniMesh

Grant in 2017
OmniMesh disrupts Internet traditional platform providers via a consumer owned distributed internet computing infrastructure. OmniMesh’s integrated distributed web shared capitalization structure, enhanced by blockchain, allows participating parties to be efficiently rewarded. Our spectrum sharing wireless mesh technology provides for rapid expansion of low cost last-mile capacity reducing common carriage costs and bottlenecks. Our consumer owned content distribution network provides for low cost secure data warehousing. OmniMesh has integrated the technologies to make all connectivity and platform services a la carte and on demand. OmniMesh’s military derived, intelligent spectrum technology and proprietary data distribution network is creating a whole new market for consumers, a market that takes Internet connectivity beyond the edge. This is the market disruption millions of consumers are ready for, and the opportunity is here. Omnimesh’s platform delivers gigabit to the device at a fraction of the cost of 5G and with far more utility to meet IoT demands. OmniMesh’s strategic partners are leveraging our platform to reach consumers.

Ascent AeroSystems

Seed Round in 2017
Ascent AeroSystems specializes in the design and manufacture of coaxial drones tailored for the industrial, public safety, and military sectors. Their uniquely cylindrical drones are engineered for durability and portability, making them well-suited for mission-critical operations in challenging environments. The company's products have been widely adopted, with hundreds delivered to a diverse range of professional, commercial, government, and military clients around the globe. Ascent AeroSystems focuses on providing robust aerial monitoring solutions that meet the demanding needs of various users.
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