SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Aviant of Oslo, Norway captured the $1 million grand prize in the eighth round of the Genius NY accelerator, which is housed at the Tech Garden in Syracuse.
The company was among five finalists involved in the pitch competition that was part of the annual Innovation Night held on Monday evening at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown.
Genius NY is short for Growing ENtrepreneurs & Innovators in UpState New York. The year-long program, operated by CenterState CEO, “attracts the world’s most innovative entrepreneurs in the uncrewed systems field to Central New York.”
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Aviant “leverages advanced drone technology to provide autonomous last-mile delivery solutions, enhancing efficiency and reliability in logistics,” as described in the Monday night announcement from Empire State Development (ESD).
“Winning the GENIUS NY competition marks an exciting chapter for Aviant,” Lars Erik Fagernaes, CEO of Aviant, said. “This funding accelerates our innovation in drone logistics and strengthens our presence in Syracuse as we aim to launch a last-mile logistics service in 2025.”
Four teams also received a prize of $500,000. They included Aerialoop of Miami, Florida; Crover of Edinburgh, Scotland; Flyhound of New York City; and INVOLI of Lausanne, Switzerland.
The five finalist teams made their pitch for the $1 million grand prize to a panel of judges and audience during the Pitch Finals portion of Innovation Night.
To date, New York State has directly invested $24 million in 42 Genius NY teams over the program’s eight rounds. Participants are required to operate their business in Central New York for at least one year.
“Over the past eight years, the state has made significant investments in this program and in prioritizing the growth of a robust uncrewed systems industry here in Central New York. As a result, GENIUS NY companies are vital drivers of success in the region’s innovation ecosystem – creating jobs and spurring economic development. This year’s GENIUS NY finalists are further advancing that impact,” Robert Simpson, president and CEO of CenterState CEO, said in the ESD announcement. “We’ve built a worldwide reputation as a place that has some of the most robust assets, resources and technical capabilities in the drone industry, and the GENIUS NY program is a key part of that success. I am incredibly proud of the progress we are making and look forward to leveling up our efforts in 2025 when we open CenterState CEO’s new expanded incubator and innovation hub in downtown Syracuse.”
