Empire State Development Announces Round Nine Winners of GENIUS NY – World’s Largest Accelerator For Uncrewed Systems

Flox Intelligence of Stockholm Sweden Wins GENIUS NY $1 Million Grand Prize; Four Other Finalists Receive $500,000 Investments as Part of $3 Million Awarded to Innovative Companies Operating in Syracuse

The Competition is Supported by The Region's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy by Investing in Next-Generation Innovation

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced Flox Intelligence of Stockholm, Sweden as the $1 million grand prize winner of round nine of the GENIUS NY accelerator. The company has developed AI that understands and speaks to wild animals-running on Edge pods, drones, and trains -to steer wildlife away from critical areas. GENIUS NY brings the world's most innovative entrepreneurs in the uncrewed systems field to Central New York for a yearlong accelerator program. Funded by Empire State Development and operated by CenterState CEO, GENIUS NY features a pitch competition in downtown Syracuse at the annual Innovation Night event. The grand prize winner receives $1 million, and the other four finalists are each awarded a $500,000 investment, distributing a total of $3 million. All participants are required to operate their business in Central New York for at least one year.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The state's investments through the GENIUS NY program continue to elevate the uncrewed aerial systems industry to new heights, fueling its incredible growth and generating uplifting opportunities in Central New York and throughout the state. Congratulations to the forward-thinking innovators who have brought their dynamic ideas to the region and are ready to take advantage of New York State's unmatched UAS assets and infrastructure.

The five finalist teams made their pitch for the $1 million grand prize to a panel of judges and audience during the Pitch Finals portion of Innovation Night.

Sara Nozkova, Co-Founder & CEO of Flox Intelligence, said, "With this $1 million from Empire State Development, and the support of CenterState CEO and the GENIUS NY team, Syracuse becomes Flox Intelligence's global headquarters and the launchpad for our North American expansion. We came looking for advice and capital. We found a new home and long-term partners."

Four teams received a prize of $500,000: Lamarr.AI, Lighthouse Avionics, Modovolo, and SkyfireAI.

The event's judges included experts from across the startup and UAS sector, including:

• Liz Forro, policy advisor, Hogan Lovells; and policy director, Commercial Drone Alliance.
• Rami Katz, CEO, Excell Partners.
• Kevin May, co-founder and VP of products and programs, Hidden Level.
• Karen Roth, defense consultant, Roosevelt Group; and former deputy director at AFWERX.
• Ben Verschueren, executive director, NY Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR).

Since 2017, New York State has directly invested $27 million in 47 GENIUS NY teams over the program's nine rounds and participating companies have raised more than $500 million in follow-on funding, creating top-quality new jobs in New York state. The advancement of the GENIUS NY program builds on the progress of CNY Rising, the region's award-winning strategic plan to revitalize communities and grow the economy.

"Each year, Central New York gets to be the home to some of the most innovative uncrewed systems and robotics startups through GENIUS NY. It's helped establish the region as a premier location to launch, test and grow a drone business. As a pillar of the Central New York innovation economy, GENIUS NY is an example of how strategic investment and thoughtful programming can create jobs, attract further investment and act as a catalyst for further growth," said CenterState Chief Executive Officer Rob Simpson. "The impressive technology coming out of this year's cohort helps to push the entire regional ecosystem forward. On behalf of the team at CenterState CEO, I am excited to continue to support them all as they finish the final months of the accelerator and well into the future."

"The GENIUS NY Cohort 9 finalists are all bringing exciting technology to market, and they are doing it at CenterState's INSPYRE Innovation Hub. Being at INSPYRE provides greater opportunity for all in the building and pushes us to think bigger about the possibilities of the region's innovation economy. I look forward to helping each of them as they continue to grow and lay roots in Central New York," said Kara Jones, CenterState CEO Director of Programs & Engagement.

GENIUS NY Pitch Finals is a part of Innovation Night, a celebration of the entire Central New York innovation economy. The event highlights dynamic entrepreneurs and thought leadership within the region's innovation ecosystem-from world-class UAS technology to pioneering, homegrown startups-showing that there is space for everyone in Central New York's innovative future.

Innovation Night also celebrated the success of other growth programs and entrepreneurs, and featured Innovation Alley, showcasing emerging startups in the region, including teams and clients engaged in CenterState CEO's INSPYRE Innovation Hub.

Since 2016, New York has committed to making Central New York and the Mohawk Valley regions among the country's premier destinations for drones and uncrewed systems businesses, creating a thriving integrated ecosystem where companies can test, grow, hire, and scale without leaving New York. It invested $56 million to develop the FAA-designated NY UAS Test Site at Griffiss Airport, and $16.6 million for CenterState CEO's INSPYRE Innovation Hub, where GENIUS NY is housed.

The state has also invested in growing Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) opportunities with a $21 million grant to fund NUAIR. NUAIR enables testing and validation of uncrewed systems technologies with access to 1,900 square miles of beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) authorized airspace. This support from New York state established the NUAIR Center of Excellence for AAM in 2023 at Syracuse International Airport and continues to advance the integration of uncrewed technologies into the national airspace. NUAIR holds a first in kind FAA Letter of Acceptance for its Airspace Awareness-as-a-Service platform, enabling drone deliveries, defense operations, public safety deployments, and BVLOS flights.

Senator Rachel May, said, "Congratulations to the entire team on winning the GENIUS NY $1 million grand prize, an incredible achievement that reflects your innovation and hard work. The continued success of the GENIUS NY Accelerator is helping cement Central New York as a hub for state-of-the-art technology. This program is attracting cutting-edge companies to Syracuse and driving economic growth. I'm proud to support this program and look forward to seeing the innovation it continues to bring to our region."

Senator Christopher J. Ryan, said, "Each year, GENIUS NY brings some of the most promising uncrewed systems and robotics startups from around the world to Central New York, reinforcing what we already know-this region is a global hub for innovation in this space. It's exciting to see how these companies are contributing to a growing ecosystem that supports entrepreneurs, attracts investment, and creates high-quality jobs. Congratulations to this year's winner and all the finalists, and I look forward to seeing their continued impact as they grow their businesses here in Central New York."

Assemblymember William B. Magnarelli, said, "Congratulations to this year's outstanding finalists. The GENIUS NY Competition continues to strengthen Central New York's position as a global leader in uncrewed aerial systems, advanced aviation, and next-generation technologies. By fostering collaboration between innovators, industry leaders, and our local communities, this program is not only accelerating breakthrough ideas but also driving long-term economic growth and opportunity across the region."

Assemblymember Pamela Hunter, said, "Central New York is becoming a hub for innovation, and programs like GENIUS NY are helping lead the way. By supporting entrepreneurs and investing in emerging industries, we are creating jobs, strengthening our economy, and building a more competitive future for our region."

Assemblyman Al Stirpe, said, "The teams selected by the GENIUS NY program represent some of the best in uncrewed systems entrepreneurship. I am excited to see their contributions to the Central New York innovation economy, and I am thankful for Empire State Development and CenterState CEO for their effort in developing our region as a hub of innovation."

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, said, "It is truly incredible to see how the uncrewed system industry continues to grow right here in downtown Syracuse. On behalf of Onondaga County, I want to congratulate these innovative teams and welcome them as they commit to establishing roots right here thanks to the impactful GENIUS NY competition. I have no doubt that they will continue to play an important role in our region's overall economic success."

City of Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens said, "The GENIUS NY program continues to put Syracuse and Central New York on the map as the world's destination for innovation. Every round brings extraordinary entrepreneurs to our city and many of them stay, create jobs, and become part of our community. I'm grateful to Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for their continued investment in our region's future, and I look forward to watching this year's winner take flight."

Central New York Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Randy Wolken, President & CEO of MACNY-Manufacturers Association and Le Moyne College President Linda M. LeMura said, "Congratulations to all of the GENIUS NY round nine winners. We are incredibly proud to welcome these imaginative entrepreneurs to Central New York as they commit to growing their innovative business in this region. Through the regional council's continued support for the GENIUS NY competition, we are ensuring that New York state remains at the forefront of the growing UAS industry in the region, creating new opportunities and jobs for residents in the region for generations to come."

GENIUS NY is actively seeking applications for Round 10 of the program. Apply through May 17, 2026, at geniusny.com.

About CenterState CEO & GENIUS NY
CenterState CEO is an independent nonprofit committed to creating inclusive, equitable and sustainable economic growth in Central New York. Its team of experts helps members, clients and businesses of all sizes start, scale, recruit and relocate. CenterState CEO work with partners in public, private and nonprofit sectors to find collaborative and innovative solutions to advance the region and its people.

GENIUS NY is an in-residence business accelerator program operated by CenterState CEO in Central New York that goes beyond substantial direct investment. In addition to the grand prize of $1 million and four $500,000 investments, the program offers resources, programming and connections, making it among the largest competitions of its kind across the globe.

Accelerating Economic Development in Central NY

Today's announcement complements "CNY Rising" the region's comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on capitalizing on global market opportunities, strengthening entrepreneurship and creating an inclusive economy. More information is available here.

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.

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