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 the development of advanced flight controllers specifically for the commercial drone market. The company focuses on creating remote piloting systems that provide reliable and flexible flight control, with hardware optimized for multirotor drones. Their innovative control algorithms ensure accurate positioning, disturbance rejection, and fault tolerance, which enhance the performance and reliability of drones. By prioritizing safety and dependability, Fusion Engineering aims to facilitate the seamless integration of drone technology into everyday life, enabling manufacturers to meet regulatory compliance and improve user experience.

AVSS - Aerial Vehicle Safety Solutions

Seed Round in 2022
Aerial Vehicle Safety Solutions Inc. is a Canadian company based in Rothesay, established in 2017, specializing in safety technology for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and air taxis. The company develops advanced parachute recovery systems designed to enhance the safety of commercial drones, including models such as the DJI M200 Series and Aeryon Labs/FLIR SkyRanger. AVSS's innovative solutions enable users to deploy a spring-deployed parachute quickly and efficiently, allowing for onsite replacement without the need for extensive downtime or international shipping for repacking. This technology empowers pilots to operate drones confidently over populated areas and beyond visual line of sight, prioritizing safety and reliability in aerial operations.

Wonder Robotics

Seed Round in 2022
Wonder Robotics specializes in the development of advanced autonomous systems for drones, electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles, and urban air mobility applications. The company's cutting-edge computer vision technology mimics human perception by integrating short-range 3D depth sensing with long-range 2D vision. This innovative approach enhances the drone's ability to interpret its surroundings, improving classification, shading, texture, and motion detection. One of Wonder Robotics' flagship products, WonderLand, enables VTOL drones to autonomously land on uncharted and unprepared sites without operator intervention. It conducts complex geometric analyses using proprietary algorithms and 3D sensors to ensure landing areas are free from obstacles and hazards. This technology not only enhances safety by preventing risks to nearby individuals and objects but also expands the operational capabilities of drones across various sectors, including commercial and military applications, such as package delivery, infrastructure inspection, and mapping.

Archangel Imaging

Seed Round in 2022
Archangel Imaging specializes in developing advanced artificial intelligence-based software and hardware systems designed to enhance the capabilities of machines operating in remote and challenging environments. Founded and owned by veterans, the company focuses on supporting users such as police, first responders, and NGOs in both the UK and US. Their technology aims to create hybrid human-machine teams that can function effectively without constant human oversight or reliance on vulnerable infrastructure. Archangel Imaging's product offerings include Xnaut AI co-pilots, which enable uncrewed drones, boats, and rovers to make navigation decisions based on real-time context, and Argonaut smart cameras, which operate independently of external infrastructure. These self-contained systems are equipped with power, communications, sensors, and computational capabilities. Additionally, the company’s Cerebella software integrates various machines into people-centered geospatial workflows, facilitating efficient and rapid responses to incidents across diverse applications such as pipeline security, anti-poaching efforts, and asset monitoring.

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 is a technology company specializing in advanced camera systems. They develop parallax-free cameras designed to capture high-definition virtual reality video in real-time, eliminating the need for image stitching. This innovation aims to accelerate resource delivery, enhance safety in aerospace and surveillance applications, and improve immersive experiences across various industries such as entertainment, autonomous systems, and aerospace.

Geopipe

Seed Round in 2020
Geopipe is a New York-based company founded in 2016 that specializes in creating immersive digital twins of the real world using advanced machine learning techniques. The company develops subscription-based algorithmic tools that process large volumes of geographic and numeric data, including satellite imagery, maps, and laser scans. By employing these tools within a cloud-based distributed system, Geopipe is able to reconstruct entire cities in a matter of hours. This innovative approach enables various industries, such as gaming, simulation, and architecture, to leverage interactive 3D models for enhanced visualization and efficiency, ultimately helping real estate developers complete their projects more quickly and cost-effectively.

Eget Liber

Grant in 2020
Eget Liber specializes in developing innovative, eco-friendly solutions for managing harmful algal blooms in freshwater lakes. The company's flagship product is an autonomous, semi-submersible underwater vehicle that employs ultraviolet light to eliminate cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, without the use of chemicals. This vehicle operates remotely and can be guided by coordinates transmitted from an aerial drone equipped with spectral analysis capabilities for bloom detection. Eget Liber aims to provide affordable and environmentally conscious mitigation techniques for lake associations and property owners affected by harmful algal blooms.

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 is a company focused on revolutionizing warehouse operations through the use of autonomous robots and Artificial Intelligence. By offering fully autonomous, mobile, and modular robots, Dexory enables efficient data collection and management within logistics environments. These robots measure, track, and locate goods without disrupting existing workflows, delivering real-time insights at each stage of receiving, storing, and dispatching products. The information gathered is integrated into digital twin technology, which allows warehouses to quickly adapt to operational challenges. This innovative approach not only enhances efficiency but also helps clients reduce costs and conserve resources by minimizing the time spent locating missing goods.

Skyy Network

Grant in 2020
Skyy Network is a developer of an open-source protocol based on Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), specifically designed for the management of drone traffic. The company's software enables large-scale drone networks to operate autonomously, ensuring safety and efficiency while maintaining Byzantine Fault Tolerance to prevent data corruption. By providing a transparent and verifiable framework for airspace appropriation, Skyy Network allows governments, operators, businesses, and consumers to effectively monitor and manage aerial infrastructure. This innovative approach facilitates the transformation of logistics and transport sectors, enhancing economic opportunities by granting access to the sky for various stakeholders.

Dexory

Seed Round in 2020
Dexory is a company focused on revolutionizing warehouse operations through the use of autonomous robots and Artificial Intelligence. By offering fully autonomous, mobile, and modular robots, Dexory enables efficient data collection and management within logistics environments. These robots measure, track, and locate goods without disrupting existing workflows, delivering real-time insights at each stage of receiving, storing, and dispatching products. The information gathered is integrated into digital twin technology, which allows warehouses to quickly adapt to operational challenges. This innovative approach not only enhances efficiency but also helps clients reduce costs and conserve resources by minimizing the time spent locating missing goods.

EagleHawk

Grant in 2019
EagleHawk is a technology company that specializes in drone-enabled solutions for asset management and maintenance. The company provides comprehensive inspection analysis through advanced drone and thermal imaging technology. Its platform offers a range of services, including mapping, surveying, thermography, 3D modeling, aerial photography, and geospatial investigations. These capabilities are particularly valuable for the inspection of large-scale physical assets such as roofs, solar panel arrays, building envelopes, and district heating systems. By leveraging drone-powered data, EagleHawk enables commercial clients to make informed decisions that reduce maintenance and energy costs while mitigating risks associated with asset management.

ResilienX

Grant in 2019
ResilienX is a software development company focused on enhancing the resilience and efficiency of autonomous ecosystems. Their software platform is designed to monitor the health, integrity, and performance of complex systems, particularly in the realm of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. By providing comprehensive oversight of safety-critical systems, ResilienX helps organizations, including federal, state, and commercial entities, manage and mitigate off-nominal situations effectively. Their technology also aids in automated contingency management, ultimately reducing maintenance costs and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, such as those set by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Vermeer

Grant in 2019
Vermeer specializes in mixed reality and AI-enabled technologies that enhance visualization, command, and control for autonomous systems operating in GPS-denied environments. The company develops advanced solutions for mission planning and execution, specifically tailored for both Department of Defense and commercial applications. Its innovative GPS technology allows drones and unmanned systems to accurately determine their location even in contested or spoofed conditions, which is crucial for effective operations in anti-access and area denial scenarios. By enabling aerial platforms to maintain situational awareness and targeting capabilities in compromised GPS conditions, Vermeer supports warfighters and enhances operational effectiveness in challenging environments.

Sentient Blue

Grant in 2019
Sentient Blue Technologies S.r.l., founded in Parma, Italy in November 2017, is an aerospace engineering company specializing in the development of efficient and environmentally friendly micro gas turbine-based power systems. These systems are primarily designed for radio-controlled aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones. The company's innovative engines are being adapted for use in combined power and heating systems, and they are also exploring novel UAV designs that leverage their technology to enhance performance beyond current capabilities. The UAVs under development are intended for various civilian applications, including search and rescue operations, environmental protection, parcel delivery, medical missions, and disaster relief. In addition to their UAV initiatives, Sentient Blue's compact microturbines are designed to integrate advanced aerospace and marine engineering techniques, promoting efficiency and safety in maritime operations.

Civ Robotics

Grant in 2019
Civ Robotics is a construction technology startup focused on transforming land surveying through innovative robotic solutions. The company develops drones equipped with a custom-made staking mechanism and an autopilot algorithm, enabling rapid and reliable point marking on construction sites. By integrating advanced data management software, Civ Robotics enhances site productivity and streamlines the surveying process, allowing businesses to operate more efficiently. Their autonomous systems represent a significant advancement in construction robotics, addressing the complexities of land surveying with precision and ease.

Fotokite

Grant in 2018
Fotokite is a company focused on enhancing the capabilities of first responders through its innovative aerial robotics technology. The company has developed a patented system that can be installed on fire trucks and public safety vehicles, allowing firefighters to deploy a drone with the push of a button upon arriving at an incident scene. This drone, capable of reaching heights of up to 45 meters, provides real-time thermal and standard video feeds, enabling teams to quickly assess and visualize the situation without diverting additional personnel for piloting. The Fotokite system operates autonomously, utilizing a tether for power and data transmission, offering over 24 hours of flight time. Users can launch the drone via a tablet, adjusting altitude and camera angle as needed, while the aerial footage can be live-streamed to other responders on-site or back at the fire station. This functionality enhances situational awareness and facilitates more informed resource deployment during emergency events.

DropCopter

Pre Seed Round in 2018
DropCopter is a pioneering agricultural technology company that specializes in automating the pollination of orchard crops using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). By employing multi-rotor drones, DropCopter precisely distributes pollen across orchards, which significantly enhances crop yields and ensures optimal fruit set. The company's innovative approach allows farmers to increase their harvests while reducing the need for manual labor, thereby improving overall farming efficiency. In 2015, DropCopter successfully completed its patent-pending prototype and conducted the first-ever UAS pollination of orchard crops, resulting in a notable 10% boost in crop set.

TruWeather Solutions

Grant in 2018
TruWeather Solutions, Inc. is a company based in Reston, Virginia, founded in 2019, that specializes in weather forecasting services through its SaaS platform. The company offers a comprehensive suite of services including consulting, live forecasting, alerting, and security operations, primarily targeting government, aviation, and logistics sectors. TruWeather Solutions has developed a weather risk management framework specifically for air force operations, which integrates weather considerations into daily mission planning and support. Its flagship product, TruFlite V360°, enhances the operational capabilities of drone teams, dispatchers, and schedulers by increasing flight time and improving business margins in weather-dependent scenarios. Utilizing advanced micro weather analytics and technology, the platform aims to enhance the precision and communication of weather intelligence, helping UAV enterprises stay informed about changing weather conditions while minimizing costs.

Quantifly

Grant in 2018
Quantifly is a company that revolutionizes the process of conducting parking and traffic studies through its innovative data analytics platform. By automating observation, measurement, and analysis, Quantifly allows clients to select the type, duration, and location of their studies without the traditional complexities of planning and hiring personnel. The company offers aerial imagery and employs proprietary algorithms to transform qualitative data into precise quantitative insights. Clients receive comprehensive datasets, including photos, videos, and car count data, within a week, facilitating informed decision-making and eliminating the need for manual data collection. This streamlined approach enhances the efficiency and accuracy of traffic studies, providing valuable information for urban planning and development.

PreVision

Grant in 2018
PreVision is a technology company specializing in real-time precision imaging solutions. Its innovative 4-frame update technology offers users a dynamic, maps-in-motion view of extensive areas, making it suitable for various applications, including monitoring rallies, military operations, and environmental mapping. The company’s advanced image processing capabilities allow for the accurate localization of each pixel in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional spaces, enabling clients to visualize and measure real-world scenarios effectively. By integrating small sensors into unmanned aircraft systems, PreVision enhances the ability to observe and analyze events from multiple perspectives, thereby providing critical insights into environmental and industrial situations, such as detecting and quantifying oil and gas leaks.

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 develops advanced autopilot systems tailored for fully autonomous unmanned aerial, ground, and marine vehicles. By integrating multi-modal situational awareness information, Akrobotix creates reliable and reproducible application-specific missions while effectively mitigating operational risks. This focus enables businesses to utilize industry-focused mission planning software designed for specific applications, enhancing the efficiency and safety of autonomous operations.

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 advanced technology solutions, focusing on two primary areas: Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services and aerial data collection. Their VoIP offerings allow users to make phone calls over the internet, providing businesses with effective tools to engage with potential customers and enhance sales opportunities. In addition, the company has developed a comprehensive aerial data collection platform designed for roof inspection and measurement. This platform facilitates automated inspections and precision 3D measurements of properties utilizing low-cost drones, enabling professionals to efficiently provide repair estimates, claim adjustments, and solar installation assessments. By combining innovative communication technology with cutting-edge aerial surveying, EZ3D Technologies aims to streamline processes and reduce costs for various industries.

SkyOp

Grant in 2017
SkyOp is an unmanned aircraft systems training company that specializes in providing a nationally recognized curriculum aimed at empowering organizations to embrace innovation. The company offers a range of services, including comprehensive courses such as Introduction to small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), Public Safety training, knowledge test preparation, and hands-on drone flying instruction. Additionally, SkyOp provides Train-the-Trainer programs and corporate training to develop workforce capabilities in the rapidly evolving field of drone technology. As an Authorized FAA Knowledge Testing Center, SkyOp plays a pivotal role in equipping the American workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge to adapt to new job opportunities and business models driven by emerging technologies.

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 is a developer and manufacturer of innovative coaxial drones specifically designed for the industrial, public safety, and military sectors. The company's distinctive cylindrical design enhances portability and durability compared to conventional multi-rotor vehicles, making them well-suited for mission-critical operations in challenging environments. Ascent AeroSystems has delivered hundreds of drones to a diverse range of clients, including professional, commercial, government, and military customers around the globe, providing them with robust aerial monitoring solutions.
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