World’s Largest Business Accelerator Accepting Applications for Unmanned Systems

GENIUS NY 3.0 Accepting Applications until October 1, 2018

GENIUS NY – one of the world’s largest business competitions focused on unmanned systems – is accepting applications for the third round of the year-long business accelerator. The program will invest $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, 2018.

The business competition targets companies in the unmanned aerial, ground, and marine systems and cross-connected platforms sectors. Subsets may include precision and remote sensing, data collection, guidance systems, communication systems, sensors, and data analytics among other technological categories.
 
Applications will be evaluated by a panel of judges and 12 semi-finalists will be selected to present demos and pitches this fall. Six companies will advance to participate in the competition, which is structured as a unique programmed incubator and accelerator experience. These six teams will enter the in-residence accelerator at CenterState CEO's Tech Garden, and will be immersed in the incubator's events, resource pool, and mentoring. Participants are required to operate their business in Central New York for one year during the competition.
 
GENIUS NY, which is funded by Empire State Development in a model similar to Buffalo’s highly successful 43North program, and administered by CenterState CEO, invests more than $3 million in six companies over the course of the year-long competition – making it the largest business accelerator competition for the Unmanned Aerial Systems industry in the world. The advancement of the GENIUS NY program builds on the progress of CNY Rising, the region’s award-winning strategic plan to generate robust economic growth and community development. The program also offers company stipends, housing, resources, programming and networking opportunities.
 
To apply and learn more about GENIUS NY visit, www.geniusny.com. Applications are accepted until October 1, 2018.