Aviant Wins $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 "CNY Rising" – The Region's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy by Investing in Next-Generation Innovation
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced Aviant as the $1 million grand prize winner of round eight of the GENIUS NY accelerator following a pitch competition at the annual Innovation Night event in downtown Syracuse. Aviant leverages advanced drone technology to provide autonomous last-mile delivery solutions, enhancing efficiency and reliability in logistics. The year-long program, operated by CenterState CEO, attracts the world’s most innovative entrepreneurs in the uncrewed systems field to Central New York. To date, New York State has directly invested $24 million in 42 GENIUS NY teams over the program’s eight rounds. 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, “Congratulations to all of the forward-thinking innovators who have brought their exceptional entrepreneurial ideas to the region and are ready to take advantage of New York State's unmatched UAS assets and infrastructure. The GENIUS NY program is taking the uncrewed aerial systems industry to untold heights, fueling its incredible growth and creating sky-high opportunities throughout Central New York and across the state.”
Aviant CEO Lars Erik Fagernaes said, "Winning the GENIUS NY competition marks an exciting chapter for Aviant. This funding accelerates our innovation in drone logistics and strengthens our presence in Syracuse as we aim to launch a last-mile logistics service in 2025."
Four teams also received a prize of $500,000: Aerialoop, Crover, Flyhound, and INVOLI.
Since 2017, GENIUS NY companies have raised more than $350 million in follow-on funding and have created 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.
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. The event’s judges included experts from across the startup and UAS sector, including Mariah Murray, VP of Operations at AVSS; Kevin May, VP of Engineering at Hidden Level; Jennifer Tegan, Managing Director at New York Ventures; Pete Mathias, Principle at Alumni Ventures; Chuck Green, President of AIS; and Somak Chattopadhyay, Managing Partner at Armory Square Ventures.
“Over the past eight years, the state has made significant investments in this program and in prioritizing the growth of a robust uncrewed systems industry here in Central New York. As a result, GENIUS NY companies are vital drivers of success in the region’s innovation ecosystem - creating jobs and spurring economic development. This year's GENIUS NY finalists are further advancing that impact,” CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson said. “We've built a worldwide reputation as a place that has some of the most robust assets, resources and technical capabilities in the drone industry, and the GENIUS NY program is a key part of that success. I am incredibly proud of the progress we are making and look forward to leveling up our efforts in 2025 when we open CenterState CEO’s new expanded incubator and innovation hub in downtown Syracuse.”
“Congratulations to all five GENIUS NY Cohort 8 finalists! Their presence makes Central New York’s uncrewed systems industry even richer, adding more assets to the thriving ecosystem. I look forward to supporting this cohort’s future growth in this region as they continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with their technologies,” CenterState CEO’s Director of GENIUS NY Kara Jones said.
The GENIUS NY Pitch Finals took place as 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 remarks from Yami Payano, co-founder of Sign-Speak, and Peter Fuchs, CEO of Ascent AeroSystems. Payano is one of five entrepreneurs that participated in CenterState CEO’s Syracuse Surge Accelerator, a program that provides direct resources and support to Black-Indigenous-Persons of Color (BIPOC) entrepreneur founders of tech-related and tech-adjacent startups. Fuchs is a GENIUS NY program alumni from the first round of the program. His company, Ascent AeroSystems, was acquired by Robinson Helicopter in 2024, marking the first major acquisition of a GENIUS NY company.
The Central New York and Mohawk Valley regions continue to establish themselves as the nation’s premier destination for drones and uncrewed systems businesses. In addition to the GENIUS NY accelerator, the state has focused on making major investments in the uncrewed systems industry. Since 2016, New York has committed to investing $56 million to develop the FAA-designated NY UAS Test Site at Griffiss Airport and $16.6 million in ongoing investments for The Tech Garden’s expansion in downtown Syracuse to further grow its UAS industry efforts in the region. The state has also invested in growing Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) opportunities with a $21 million grant to fund NUAIR, which established the NUAIR Center of Excellence for AAM in 2023 at Syracuse International Airport and supports scaling commercial operations in a unique 240 square mile beyond visual line of site (BVLOS) airspace that incorporates controlled and uncontrolled, rural and urban environments.
Senator Rachel May said, “It’s exciting to see the continued success of the GENIUS NY Accelerator. With the latest winner announced for round eight, it's evident that this program is vital for our booming drone industry. It brings tech businesses to Central New York, creates high-paying jobs, and drives innovation. Congratulations to the winner of GENIUS NY. I can't wait to see the game-changing innovations you'll bring to our region.”
Senator John W. Mannion said, "From the Erie Canal to Franklin Automobile to Carrier and now Micron and uncrewed systems – Syracuse and Central New York have been at the heart of innovation in the Empire State for over two centuries. I continue to strongly support funding for GENIUS NY because it attracts the best and brightest to our region, creates jobs, and bolsters our national security. I congratulate and thank all the winners and participants and look forward to their continued contributions to Central New York.”
Assemblyman William Magnarelli said, “Congratulations to the finalists. The Genius NY Competition continues to help Central New York maintain its status as a hub for innovative companies exploring uses for uncrewed aerial systems and other leading-edge technologies The partnerships and opportunities created locally during the entrepreneurial stage create a catalyst for growth in our Central New York region.”
Assemblymember Pamela Hunter said, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of this year’s GENIUS NY winners for their innovative contributions to the uncrewed systems industry. The GENIUS NY program continues to put Central New York on the map as a hub for cutting-edge technology, and I’m proud to see the region benefiting from such forward-thinking entrepreneurship. I’d like to thank Governor Hochul for her unwavering commitment to investing in Central New York and for helping foster an environment where innovation and economic growth thrive. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient future for our communities.”
Assemblymember Al Stirpe said, "Congratulations to all five winners of round eight of the GENIUS NY business accelerator! Your innovative initiatives and pioneering entrepreneurial skills will help propel Central New York into the future. Many thanks to CenterState CEO, Empire State Development, and Governor Hochul for their continued investment, which will boost economic development and create jobs in our region."
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 regions' overall economic success."
Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said, “GENIUS NY is fueling Syracuse’s growing economy and tech ecosystem, creating quality jobs and attracting regional investment. As part of the Syracuse Surge strategy for inclusive growth in the New Economy, this program is positioning our region as a global hub for uncrewed aerial system development. I congratulate the latest winners and thank Governor Hochul, Empire State Development, and CenterState CEO for their commitment to keeping GENIUS NY soaring.”
Central New York Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Randy Wolken, President & CEO of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York and Le Moyne College President Linda M. LeMura said, “Congratulations to all of the GENIUS NY round eight winners. We are incredibly proud to welcome these imaginative entrepreneurs to the 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 Central New York, creating new opportunities and jobs for residents in the region for generations to come."
About CenterState CEO & GENIUS NY
CenterState CEO is Central New York’s premier business leadership and economic development organization, committed to creating a region where business thrives, and all people prosper. Its vision is to be recognized as a visionary leader, effective advocate, exceptional employer and a force for positive outcomes for the community.
GENIUS NY is an in-residence business accelerator program at CenterState CEO’s The Tech Garden 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. The program is funded by Empire State Development and administered by CenterState CEO.
Accelerating CNY Rising
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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