GENIUS NY

GENIUS NY, operated by CenterState and funded by Empire State Development, is a startup accelerator that invests $3M annually into seed-stage startups focused on uncrewed aerial systems, automation and advanced air mobility. Five finalists are selected for the GENIUS NY startup accelerator each year. Winners of the startup accelerator receive a large investment; one grand prize winner receives $1 million, followed by four $500,000 investments to the remaining teams. ​Winners also receive workshops and events, business training, a dedicated group of executive advisors, industry mentors, free office space and amenities, and recruiting, marketing, and fundraising support. Ideal Applicants ▪ Technologies in the uncrewed systems or UAS, automation, and AAM space ▪ Pre-seed/Seed stage qualifications ▪ Founders that have domain expertise and a great team ▪ Traction with paying customers ▪ Revenue or an MVP ▪ A strong value proposition to locate in the Central New York region ▪ Potential strategic partnerships with past GENIUS NY and Central New York companies Eligibility ▪ Businesses must be venture-backable and have high growth potential. ▪ Business focus must be in the broader categories of: - Uncrewed systems, automation, advanced air mobility. ▪ Willingness to operate under the Terms and Conditions set forth by GENIUS NY. ▪ Willing to commit to living on a full-time basis in Central New York for the period of the program. ▪ Able to speak or communicate in English. ▪ Able to travel to the United States with a proper travel/work visa (GENIUS NY has no involvement or responsibility in securing participation entry documentation.)