GENIUS NY Round 10
Runs research teams and institutions for GENIUS NY in robotics, aerospace, and artificial intelligence.
⚠This may reflect a past cycle — verify the current call on the funder's site.
GENIUS NY is the world's largest accelerator programme dedicated to uncrewed systems, awarding more than $3 million in prizes to five finalist companies per annual cohort. The programme is funded by Empire State Development (ESD) and operated by CenterState CEO, a regional economic development organisation based in Central New York. Round 10 selected five finalists competing for a $1 million grand prize and four runner-up awards of $500,000 each. All five finalists must physically relocate to Central New York for a yearlong in-residence programme beginning September 2026; the relocation commitment is firm and non-negotiable. The Round 10 application deadline was 27 May 2026, meaning Round 10 is now in the evaluation phase.
GENIUS NY is globally open — country of incorporation is not restricted. Round 9's grand prize of $1 million was awarded to Flox Intelligence, a company based in Stockholm, Sweden; runners-up included Lamarr.AI, Lighthouse Avionics, Modovolo, and SkyfireAI. Eligible sectors are strictly drones, robotics, and autonomous systems; applicants outside uncrewed systems are ineligible regardless of technology readiness. Companies, not individuals, universities, or non-profits, are the eligible entity type. Specific TRL or company age thresholds are not published.
The yearlong Central New York residency is both a requirement and a value proposition: finalists gain direct access to regional industry partners, test ranges, and government contracts relevant to the uncrewed systems sector. The programme has run continuously since its founding and follows a consistent annual cycle. Organisations interested in Round 11 should monitor ESD and the GENIUS NY website for the next application window opening, which historically follows shortly after the prior cohort begins its residency in September. ESD positions GENIUS NY as a cornerstone of New York's strategy to become the national hub for commercial drone and autonomous systems commercialisation.
Uncrewed systems commercialisation: drones, robotics, and autonomous technology startups competing for up to $1 million in prizes and a yearlong Central New York residency.
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