GENIUS NY 2.0 Accepting Applications until October 1, 2017

One of the world’s largest business competitions focused on unmanned systems – is seeking woman-owned startups to participate in the second round of the year-long business accelerator. The program will invest nearly $3 million in six finalist companies, including three grand prizes valued at up to $1 million, $600,000 and $400,000. Applications are currently being accepted from entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses focused on unmanned systems, hardware, software and analytics through October 1, 2017.

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie kicked off his 2017 Statewide Tour along with Assemblyman Al Stirpe by visiting local entrepreneurs and GENIUS NY teams at The Tech Garden. Heastie’s visit to Central New York is part of his statewide regional tour and plan to explore what each region has to offer. The visit provides a look at a number of growing industries developing in the Central New York area,  including new UAS focused companies.

NASA's Davis Hackenberg will be visiting The Tech Garden and meeting with the GENIUS NY teams. Hackenberg currently serves as the Deputy Project Manager for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration in the National Airspace System (NAS) Project at Armstrong Flight Research Center. ​

​SkyOp, one of six GENIUS NY finalists, is offering an introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) course beginning August 1 at CenterState CEO’s The Tech Garden. The 18-hour hands-on course takes students from learning to fly drones all the way through to preparing for FAA certification. To legally operate a drone for any business purpose, FAA regulations now require remote pilot certification. 

Listen to the The UAV Digest podcast episode featuring Genius NY Director, Jon Parry for an in-depth discussion about the largest Accelerator Competition for Unmanned Systems, the growing UAS ecosystem in Central New York and details on the current 2017 teams.

Michael Toscano, former President and CEO of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), spent the day with Genius NY teams at The Tech Garden. AUVSI is the world’s largest trade association for unmanned systems. Founded in 1972, the association now represents over 600 companies in over 60 countries. Since his start in 2008, Toscano was paramount in representing the industry during a very significant period of expansion and acceptance in the history of drone technology.

Three GENIUS NY teams recently hired full time employees to fill roles in New York State.
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Since relocating their early stage startups to The Tech Garden in January, the six GENIUS NY finalists have been gaining traction on improving their technology and outreach. The teams are excited to hire new employees to help meet increasing demands and continue growth. Taking advantage of their initial funding, Ascent AeroSystems, Automodality, and SkyOp were quick to fill necessary roles. 

​Central New York has become one of the most attractive locations for businesses involved in unmanned systems to grow. The region is emerging as a global hub for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and related applications thanks to the Upstate Revitalization Initiative (URI), FAA Test Center, GENIUS NY, and local companies focused on these systems. But what does this mean for the future of CNY and its businesses?

With their initial funding from the Genius NY business accelerator, Ascent AeroSystems hires Derrick Miller as a full time employee. Derrick joined the team in April and brings with him 17 years of drone piloting experience.