Semifinalists chosen for 2025 Genius NY accelerator

SYRACUSE — The Genius NY program in downtown Syracuse is moving forward with 11 semifinalists for this year’s competition. They include five companies from the U.S., five from Europe, and one from South America. Genius NY, operated by CenterState CEO, is the world’s largest business accelerator focused on uncrewed aerial systems and robotics. The in-residence program invests more than $3 million in five finalist companies annually, including a $1 million grand prize awarded at a pitch finals event. Genius NY is short for Growing ENtrepreneurs & Innovators in UpState New York. The semifinalists will now compete to see which five are selected for the one-year accelerator based at CenterState CEO’s INSPYRE Innovation Hub in downtown Syracuse. Finalists will be announced in August, and then finalist teams will relocate to Central New York in early September. Finalists will go on to pitch to a panel of judges and live audience during Innovation Night in spring 2026. Formerly in the fall after teams arrive in Central New York, Innovation Night’s new spring event allows teams more time to develop their business and become rooted in the community. “This round saw record interest from U.S. and international startups, a testament to not only the program’s success and impact, but it’s growing value and competitiveness,” Kara Jones, director of Genius NY, said in the announcement. “We’re also seeing more applicants in the validation stage, indicating a strong pipeline of companies ready for market entry and growth, and over 43% of this round’s applicants identify as Minority, Veteran and/or Women-owned Business Enterprises, reflecting the program’s ongoing commitment to inclusive innovation. We’re excited to see which semifinalists emerge as our top five for this year’s cohort.” A team of more than 50 evaluators reviewed 91 applications for semifinalist selection. More than half of applicants came from U.S. based companies and 60 percent identified as being in the “validation” phase, indicating a strong pipeline of companies ready for market entry and growth. Semifinalists will pitch their technologies and business plans to a panel of executive advisers. The advisers are looking for companies that will stay in the Central New York area, participate in and contribute to the region’s growing UAS ecosystem, will scale and be successful, and represent diversity of technology focus and team makeup. Finalists will be announced in August, and then finalist teams will relocate to Central New York in early September.

Semifinalist companies, locations

The semifinalist companies include Alerion of Gipuzkoa, Spain, a firm that’s described as creators of the world’s first drone that’s certified to safely operate in explosive environments, such as oil and gas facilities. Cyphra Autonomy of Fenton, Missouri, which designs autonomous robots that move materials around construction sites, built for easy use by everyday workers. Danu Robotics of Edinburgh, Scotland, which develops artificial intelligence (AI)-powered robots that sort recycling materials quickly and accurately, helping waste facilities boost efficiency and reduce costs. Flox of Stockholm, Sweden transforms drones into AI-powered wildlife management tools to prevent bird strikes and protect critical infrastructure. IONA of London, England is described as providing a “complete drone delivery solution” —including aircraft, software and services — to help logistics companies scale operations. Kookiejar of Ostergotland, Sweden provides Vertiport-as-a-Service, a remote monitoring and coordination platform for helipads and next-generation air mobility hubs. Larmarr AI of New York City uses drones and AI to inspect building exteriors, “delivering faster, more affordable, and more accurate data than traditional methods,” per the announcement. Lighthouse Avionics of Hilliard, Ohio offers low-cost radar systems to monitor low-altitude airspace for drone threats, bird strikes and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) compliance needs. Modovolo of New York City is a drone company building low-cost, modular aircraft with extended flight times, designed for a wide range of commercial and defense uses. Skyfire AI deploys autonomous drone swarms and AI to improve response times and situational awareness for first responders and defense teams. Vetkiosk of Neuquen, Argentina A robotic feeder system that delivers individualized nutrition and medication to livestock, improving animal health and farm efficiency.