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

Past deals in Drones

Archangel Imaging

Seed Round in 2022
Archangel Imaging is a veteran-founded company that specializes in developing advanced artificial intelligence systems to enhance the effectiveness of human-machine teams in challenging environments. Operating in both the UK and the US, the company focuses on providing solutions for remote monitoring and asset protection, catering to sectors such as law enforcement, emergency services, and non-governmental organizations. Their technology includes smart cameras and navigation systems designed to function independently of traditional infrastructure, making them resilient against disruptions like GPS jamming. Archangel Imaging's Xnaut AI co-pilots enable uncrewed vehicles to make informed navigation decisions in real time, while the Argonaut smart cameras offer self-contained power and connectivity. Additionally, their Cerebella software facilitates seamless integration of various machines into people-centered workflows, enhancing operational efficiency and response capabilities in vast and remote areas.

AVSS - Aerial Vehicle Safety Solutions

Seed Round in 2022
Aerial Vehicle Safety Solutions Inc. (AVSS) specializes in developing safety technologies for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and air-taxis, focusing on parachute recovery systems designed for commercial drones. Founded in 2017 and based in Rothesay, Canada, AVSS provides solutions for various drone models, including the DJI M200 Series and Aeryon Labs/FLIR SkyRanger. Their innovative parachute pods enable users to deploy a spring-loaded parachute quickly, allowing for on-site replacement without significant downtime or the need to ship the system for repacking. This technology enhances safety for drone operations, allowing pilots to operate confidently over populated areas or beyond their line of sight.

Wonder Robotics

Seed Round in 2022
Wonder Robotics offers services on a new generation of autonomous and piloting assistance systems that will enable drones to rely on a variety of sensors to create an accurate 3D perception of the environment. The company's computer vision technology is based on, and inspired by, a human vision-based replica. This replica distinguishes itself by combining short-range 3D depth perception with long-range 2D vision for significantly improved perspective, classification, shading, texture, and motion cues. WonderLand is a one-of-a-kind solution that enables vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones to land safely and autonomously on any uncharted, unprepared, and unattended site, with no operator involvement or supervision. It performs a highly complex geometric analysis using a 3D sensor and proprietary algorithms to ensure that the landing site is free of obstacles, slopes, cables, and other encumbrances, both static and mobile. The drone is then brought to a perfect precision landing safely and autonomously, while ensuring that no risk is imposed on nearby objects (e.g., human beings).

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
Thread specializes in enterprise-scale autonomous data collection that delivers precise inspection insights. Its suite of tools empowers users to programmatically capture knowledge into consistent and replicable plans. Any visual inspection activity being performed by a pilot in GPS-accessible locations today can be automated through Airtonomy. These tools can be used to make full end-to-end automated workflows as they have done with its wind product.

Skyy Network

Grant in 2020
Skyy Network is an open source protocol built on Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT, or Blockchain) that permits large scale drone networks to operate autonomously, safely & efficiently whilst exhibiting Byzantine Fault Tolerance, making the network immune to data corruption.

Civ Robotics

Grant in 2019
Civ Robotics is a construction technology startup focused on transforming the land surveying process through innovative robotics. The company has developed drones equipped with a custom staking mechanism that enables rapid and accurate marking of points on construction sites. These drones operate using an autopilot algorithm and data management software, allowing for autonomous site operations that enhance productivity. By streamlining land surveying tasks, Civ Robotics aims to improve efficiency and reliability in the construction industry.

Sentient Blue

Grant in 2019
Sentient Blue Technologies S.r.l. or Sentient Blue ® for short is an aerospace engineering company founded in Parma, Italy in November 2017. Their primary activity is the development of efficient, more environmentally friendly micro gas turbine-based power plants for use in radio-controlled aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones. The engines they have under development can also be adapted and be used in combined power and heating systems (CPH). They are also involved in some novel UAV designs that will harness the capability of their engines to deliver UAV performance that is currently not possible with current technology. These UAVs are being developed for civilian missions such as search and rescue, environmental protection, parcel delivery and medical missions and disaster relief.

Fotokite

Grant in 2018
Fotokite specializes in developing autonomous aerial systems designed to assist first responders in emergency situations. Their patented technology integrates with fire trucks and public safety vehicles, allowing firefighters to deploy the system with a single button. Once activated, the Fotokite can ascend to heights of 45 meters, delivering critical real-time information through both thermal and standard video feeds. This capability enhances situational awareness without requiring additional personnel to operate the drone, as it operates autonomously. The tethered system ensures continuous power and data transmission, allowing for extended flight times exceeding 24 hours. The aerial data can be live-streamed to other team members at the scene or back at the station, facilitating better communication and more informed decision-making. By providing immediate and detailed insights upon arrival, Fotokite enhances the ability of first responders to assess incidents and deploy resources effectively.

Dropcopter

Pre Seed Round in 2018
Dropcopter specializes in automating the pollination of orchard crops using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The company has developed a platform that employs multi-rotor drones to accurately distribute pollen over orchards, significantly enhancing pollination and improving crop yields. Since completing its patent-pending prototype in early 2015, Dropcopter has successfully demonstrated its technology, achieving a 10% increase in crop set during its inaugural UAS pollination. By enabling farmers to optimize their harvests with reduced manual labor, Dropcopter contributes to greater farming efficiency and supports healthy crop growth.

Quantifly

Grant in 2018
Quantifly (TM) changes how parking and traffic studies are done. No more weeks of planning, RFPs, and hiring interns. Just select the type, duration, and location of your study, if you need a drone pilot or need us to provide one, then they do the rest. In about a week you get the photos, video, and car count data created automatically with their proprietary algorithm, and requested reports. No more counting cars in the snow.

Akrobotix

Grant in 2017
Akrobotix is a research and product development startup focusing on autonomous systems and robotics technology for space, air, land and sea applications.

EZ3D Technologies

Grant in 2017
EZ3D Technologies specializes in innovative technological solutions, focusing on both Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and aerial data collection. Their VoIP services allow users to make phone calls over the internet, providing essential tools for businesses to engage with potential customers and enhance sales efforts. In addition, the company has developed a platform for aerial data collection that facilitates roof inspections and measurements. This platform utilizes low-cost drones to deliver automated inspections and precise 3D measurements of properties. It enables professionals to generate repair estimates, perform claim adjustments, and manage solar installations efficiently and economically. Through these dual offerings, EZ3D Technologies aims to streamline operations and reduce costs for its clients in various sectors.

SkyOp

Grant in 2017
SkyOp is an unmanned aircraft systems training company focused on empowering organizations by providing a nationally recognized curriculum. The company offers a range of services, including introductory courses on small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), public safety training, knowledge test preparation, and hands-on drone flying instruction. Additionally, SkyOp specializes in Train-the-Trainer programs and corporate workforce development initiatives, ensuring that educators and organizations are equipped with the necessary skills to adapt to new technologies and business models. As an authorized FAA Knowledge Testing Center, SkyOp plays a vital role in preparing the American workforce for emerging opportunities in the drone industry.

AutoModality

Grant in 2017
AutoModality is dedicated to creating autonomous mobile systems that sense, explore, and analyze the world around us. They provide technology and services for automated close-up inspection using drones and are currently focused on the Agriculture and Infrastructure inspection markets. AutoModality is also the home of Team Autero, the winner of the 2016 DJI SDK Challenge.
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