SYRACUSE, N.Y. — GENIUS NY Pitch Finals brought drone startups, investors and technology leaders to the Marriott Syracuse Downtown on Thursday night, as regional leaders continued efforts to position Central New York as a growing hub for innovation and emerging technology.
The competition featured five companies in the drone and uncrewed systems industry competing for a $1 million grand prize and additional investment funding through the GENIUS NY accelerator program.
The event comes as Central New York continues to attract major technology investments, including Micron Technology’s planned semiconductor facility in Clay and continued expansion in drone and advanced manufacturing industries across the region.
Katie Jones, director of programs and engagement for CenterState CEO, said the region has spent years building an innovation ecosystem designed to attract and retain startups.
“Central New York is unique,” Jones said. “We have the largest incubator in New York state now,” she said.
Jones also noted that growing startup investment now could help strengthen the region’s long-term economy.
One of the finalists—FLOX Intelligence—uses artificial intelligence technology designed to reduce collisions between wildlife and transportation systems.
The company’s technology detects animal activity and uses adaptive signals intended to deter wildlife without causing harm. FLOX Intelligence says the system can help reduce collisions involving roads, rail systems and aviation infrastructure.
CEO and co-founder Sara Nozkova said the company’s technology focuses on understanding animal behavior rather than simply scaring wildlife away.
“We work with AI… but most importantly to speak their language,” Nozkova said.
The company says it plans to continue expanding its technology to areas across North America where wildlife collisions remain a major issue.
“We are scaling to different airports and departments of transportation,” Nozkova said. “This will help our growth and make more impact faster.”
Organizers said beyond the competition itself, the event reflects a broader effort to reshape how people view Central New York — from its industrial past to a region increasingly focused on technology, startups and innovation.
By the end of the night, FLOX Intelligence was announced as the GENIUS NY grand prize winner, taking home $1 million in investment funding. The other four finalists also received funding through the accelerator program.
