Scaling Autonomous Systems
The World’s Leading Drone & Robotics Accelerator
GENIUS NY, operated by CenterState is a startup accelerator funded by Empire State Development and supported by National Grid that invests $3M annually into seed-stage startups focused on uncrewed aerial systems, automation and advanced air mobility.
Beyond the grand prize investments, participants benefit from access to some of the region’s premier startup programming
What We Offer
Business Development
Dig into your customer discovery, get expert legal advice, build on your marketing strategy and much more.
Industry Networking
Meet and work with our entire portfolio of companies, plus connect with additional industry leaders and entrepreneurs.
Investor Relations
Gain insights into effective strategies for preparation and collaboration with investors to elevate your startup.
Events & Programming
Gain access to events and conferences to learn business strategies and make professional connections.
Latest News
5.28.26:
The companies that come through GENIUS NY don’t follow a single trajectory. Some get acquired. Others expand globally. What they share is a starting point: up to $1 million in seed-stage funding and a 12-month [...]
5.28.26:
Central New York has spent more than a decade building a concentrated ecosystem for drone, robotics, and autonomous systems companies. With the infrastructure and talent pipeline in place, the cohorts that come through GENIUS NY [...]
5.22.26:
GENIUS NY is the world’s leading drone and robotics accelerator. Since 2017, the program has invested nearly $27 million in more than 45 seed-stage startups, and those companies have raised more than $350 million in [...]
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