Applications now open for $3 million GENIUS NY competition and technology accelerator program

decorative graphic
$1 million grand prize winner Sentient Blue team advisors have remained engaged with the LaunchPad at Syracuse University as mentors to student startups through MPD Partners.

GENIUS NY is now accepting applications through March 31, 2021 for its $3 million business competition and accelerator program.  Syracuse University startups are invited to join ventures from around the world developing innovations in unmanned systems, IoT, big data, and robotics in applying for the world’s largest business accelerator competition focused on unmanned systems. ​ The year-long accelerator program is operated out of CenterState CEO’s Tech Garden in downtown Syracuse.

Five finalist companies will share in the $3 million prize package, including a grand prize of $1 million. The program also offers company stipends, resources, programming and networking opportunities to assist innovative startups with the tools they need to take advantage of emerging opportunities. GENIUS NY participants are required to operate their business in Central New York for at least one year.

Applications are currently being accepted at www.geniusny.com from tech startups focused on unmanned systems, internet of things (IoT), big data and robotics. Subsets may include precision and remote sensing, data collection and analytics, guidance or communication systems, and sensors, among other technological categories.

Applications will be evaluated by a panel of judges and 15 to 20 semi-finalists will be selected to present demos and pitches this spring. Five companies will advance to participate in the competition and enter enter the accelerator at CenterState CEO’s Tech Garden where they will be immersed in the incubator’s events, resource pool and mentoring. The accelerator program is expected to start in May however delays to the start of the program may be created by COVID-19.

GENIUS NY is funded through the CNY Rising Upstate Revitalization Initiative through Empire State Development. 

Read more about the announcement here:  GENIUS NY Now Accepting Applications Through March 31, 2021.

Learn more and apply before March 31, 2021 here: www.geniusny.com.