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The world’s largest business accelerator for uncrewed systems, GENIUS NY, has selected five innovative startups as finalists for its ninth round of funding. These companies will compete for a total of $3 million in direct investment, with one grand prize of up to $1 million and four $500,000 awards.
The selection process was highly competitive, with applications received from startups worldwide, including record interest from U.S. companies. The finalists were chosen based on their potential to disrupt the industry and make a significant impact on the world.
GENIUS NY Director Kara Jones expressed her excitement about welcoming these five innovative startups to the community. “Our team has been impressed by their cutting-edge technologies and commitment to solving real-world problems across defense, infrastructure, and public safety.”
The five finalists are:
Flox (Stockholm, Sweden): Flox is an AI-powered platform that enables communication with wild animals, using Edge pods, drones, and trains to steer wildlife away from critical areas. This technology has the potential to revolutionize conservation efforts and improve human-wildlife conflict mitigation.
Lamarr AI (New York, USA): Lamarr AI uses drones and AI to inspect building exteriors, providing faster, more accurate data than traditional methods. This innovation has the potential to transform the construction industry and enable more efficient maintenance of critical infrastructure.
Lighthouse Avionics (Ohio, USA): Lighthouse Avionics offers low-cost optical solutions to monitor low-altitude airspace for drone threats, bird strikes, and FAA compliance. This technology is crucial for ensuring safe drone operations and preventing accidents.
Modovolo (New York, USA): Modovolo is a drone company building low-cost, modular aircraft with extended flight times, designed for a wide range of commercial and defense uses. This innovation has the potential to democratize access to aerial surveillance and inspection capabilities.
Skyfire AI (New Jersey, USA): Skyfire AI deploys autonomous drone swarms and AI to improve response times and situational awareness for first responders and defense teams. This technology is critical for enhancing public safety and emergency response efforts.
The chosen finalists will participate in a yearlong program that includes:
The program is administered by CenterState CEO, with funding provided by New York State. The INSPYRE Innovation Hub, a new facility established as part of the program, offers access to cutting-edge resources, including hardware centers, makerspaces, and testing decks.
Since its inception in 2017, GENIUS NY has invested nearly $24 million in 42 companies from around the world. The program has also enabled these companies to raise over $350 million in follow-on funding and create hundreds of new jobs in New York state.
The selection of these five finalists marks an exciting milestone for the uncrewed systems and robotics industry, highlighting the potential for innovation and disruption in this sector. As GENIUS NY continues to support the growth of startups worldwide, it is clear that the future of this industry will be shaped by cutting-edge technologies like those showcased by these finalists.
Innovation Night on May 7, 2026, will provide an opportunity for the teams to refine their pitches and connect with the GENIUS NY community, setting them up for success in the year ahead. The next step is crucial for the selected finalists, who will need to present their pitches to a panel of judges.
As the uncrewed systems and robotics industry continues to evolve, initiatives like GENIUS NY are crucial for driving innovation and growth. By providing a platform for startups to develop their technologies and connect with industry experts, these programs are helping to shape the future of this critical sector. The selected finalists will play a significant role in shaping the industry’s direction, and their success will depend on their ability to refine their pitches and capitalize on the resources available to them.
The selected finalists will also have access to the INSPYRE Innovation Hub, which offers cutting-edge resources, including hardware centers, makerspaces, and testing decks. This facility is designed to support the growth of startups and provide them with the necessary tools and expertise to develop their technologies.
In conclusion, the selection of these five finalists marks an exciting milestone for the uncrewed systems and robotics industry. As GENIUS NY continues to support the growth of startups worldwide, it is clear that the future of this industry will be shaped by cutting-edge technologies like those showcased by these finalists. The selected finalists will need to refine their pitches and capitalize on the resources available to them in order to succeed.