Memory screenings coming to seven regional counties in Upstate, SU project

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Residents over the age of 60 in seven regional counties will be able to get free memory screenings from their county’s Office for the Aging (OFA). The counties include Cayuga, Herkimer, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Oswego, and Tompkins. Upstate Medical University and Syracuse University (SU) are collaborating on the effort that they detailed […]

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Residents over the age of 60 in seven regional counties will be able to get free memory screenings from their county’s Office for the Aging (OFA).

The counties include Cayuga, Herkimer, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Oswego, and Tompkins. Upstate Medical University and Syracuse University (SU) are collaborating on the effort that they detailed in an Oct. 15 announcement.

The project seeks to assess the benefits of this type of screening in this setting and represents the first step in a plan that could make such screenings available at OFAs across New York.

Early recognition of memory changes that could indicate early-stage dementia is “important to help older adults get the medical attention they need to avoid a crisis,” Upstate Medical said in its announcement.

“If we are aware of early signs of memory issues, we can connect the individual to health care professionals who can begin appropriate treatment, while taking steps to educate and support families to improve the individual’s quality of life,” Dr. Sharon Brangman, SUNY Distinguished Service Professor; chair of geriatrics; and director of the Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease, said in the announcement. “The ability to easily screen this segment of the population has the potential to benefit both the individual and their families significantly.”

Brangman also noted that changes that early dementia might cause can include changes in memory, depression, anxiety, aggression, or lack of interest.

In an earlier Upstate/SU pilot that looked at Onondaga County residents, Brown found that over a nine-month screening phase, 18 (26 percent) of the 69 mostly African American adults over the age of 65 who were screened had scores suggesting cognitive impairment.

How the program works

Upstate staff members have trained Office for the Aging case managers in the selected counties to administer what is called the “Mini-Cog,” a three-minute screening tool to assess potential memory loss. OFA staff can administer the screen in an individual’s home during a routine visit or at the county office.

OFA case managers will only administer the screening. They will not make any diagnoses based on the screening results, Upstate Medical said.

If the Mini-Cog indicates any sign of memory change, OFA will refer the individual to Upstate University Geriatricians for a geriatric assessment.

Project officials say OFAs are appropriate entities to participate in this project as they already conduct standard assessments for clients. Called COMPASS, for Comprehensive Assessment for Aging Network Community Based Long Term Care Services, this assessment addresses issues such as housing, nutrition, psycho-social status, medications, daily activities, support network, and health, but it does not currently screen for memory issues.

SU involvement

To evaluate the merits of this screening approach in community settings, Maria Brown, associate research professor in SU’s David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics and the Aging Studies Institute, will analyze screening information over the yearlong project. The analysis will seek to identify the number of clients screened, number of clients with scores indicating memory changes, number of clients who receive follow-up assessments, and their diagnostic results.

“We are excited about improving the ability of OFAs to identify older adults across the Central New York region who could benefit from geriatric evaluations and connection to services to address their changing needs,” Brown said.

Officials involved expect to screen about 3,750 individuals, and based on statistical analysis, they project that about 975 will have scores suggesting some memory concerns.

If results of the evaluation show this screening approach with OFA to be a success, Upstate will create an online training manual and companion videos for use by the New York State Office for the Aging that could be included in the training of OFA staff throughout New York.

The training resource also has the potential to be used by the Offices for the Aging nationwide that have similar missions, programs, and staffing, Upstate noted.

State reaction

Greg Olson, New York state director of the Office for the Aging, said the opportunity for his agency to be part of this process makes sense.

“Early detection of a memory problem such as dementia, is vital for timely medical intervention and, just as importantly, to begin connecting individuals and families to the many community-based supports available through local offices for the aging,” Olson said in the Upstate announcement. “These offices for the aging are ideally suited to support detection efforts because of their experience assessing individuals holistically, screening for targeted areas of concern, and delivering on the services and supports necessary to help a person age in place, whether it’s case management, home adaptations, personal care supports, nutrition, or other programs.”

Olson went on to say, “I applaud SUNY Upstate Medical University’s Department of Geriatrics and Syracuse University’s Aging Studies Institute for this innovative collaborative effort with Offices for the Aging in their region.”

Survey: Firms report reservations about Gen Z employees

Employee Benefits & Human Resources, Subscriber Only

Being able to effectively interface with customers is essential in many work roles, yet some employers have concerns about Generation Z’s (Gen Z’s) ability to do so. Some describe Gen Z’ers as entitled and lazy, while others suggest they struggle with communication and other soft skills. ResumeTemplates.com, a company that helps customers develop their resumes,

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Lockheed Martin Salina wins $245M Navy contract modification for torpedo work

Manufacturing & Engineering, New York News, Subscriber Only, Technology

SALINA, N.Y. — The Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE: LMT) plant in suburban Syracuse was recently awarded a more than $245 million modification to a previously awarded contract. It will exercise options for production, spares, production support material, engineering support, and hardware repair of components for MK 48 Heavyweight Torpedo All Up Round in support of

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Area resource providers offer expertise to small businesses

Small Business, Mohawk Valley, Subscriber Only

Big corporations have the benefit of an executive team of experts in finances, human resources, marketing, and more. However, small businesses also have resources available to help them assemble their own team of experts to help their business succeed, area small-business experts say. Small businesses are often operated by owners, says Zachary Steffen, regional director

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Small businesses are often operated by owners, says Zachary Steffen, regional director of the Mohawk Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Utica.

“They’re often started by a person who is really good at the thing the business does,” he notes. But that person may not be as good at the other necessary functions that come with running a business. While larger companies hire people who are good at those tasks to manage those duties, small-business owners often need help fulfilling some of those other roles, he says.

That’s where organizations like the SBDC can help. “I like to think of us as a first stop,” Steffen says.

What help a small business may need depends on what stage the business is in, he says, but the SBDC can help at all stages.

Business advisors can help right from the beginning, when someone has an idea for a business they want to start and need to know if it’s viable, Steffen says.

The SBDC can help existing businesses build financial projections, tackle workforce issues, become a certified minority-owned or woman-owned business, land government contracts, and more, he adds.

“We can help business with marketing plans,” says Steffen. “We can help businesses with transition plans. We can help people at all stages of that business life cycle.”

Along with providing services, the SBDC also serves as a conduit to refer businesses to other available service providers, he adds.

“We have some great resources here that are offered with Mohawk Valley Community College,” Steffen notes. That includes the thINCubator, which offers co-working space and other services.

Local industrial development agencies provide an array of resources, often including grant or loan funding for businesses.

“We have many chambers of commerce in the area which I think are great resources,” Steffen says. Those chambers are great options for businesses looking to boost their visibility and network.

“I also encourage people to reach out to their banks and credit unions,” Steffen adds.

Financial-services providers

Financial institutions can do a lot more for businesses than providing deposit accounts and loans, says Jamison Flora, senior VP and business banker sales manager for Community Bank.

“We really can add a lot of value to the clients in terms of education,” he contends. Business bankers can help with a variety of issues from understanding cash flow to weighing in on large decisions like purchasing real estate. “We provide a lot of resources through our people.”

Understanding that small business owners are busy running their business, Steffen encourages them to find the time to reach out and learn more about the resources available to them.

“We would like to raise the awareness that these services exist,” he says.

There are also resources available online through the New York SBDC, which will direct people to their closest SBDC office, and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Area schools take part in SUNY Top 10% Promise program

Education & Training, Subscriber Only

ALBANY — The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Marcy, and SUNY Oneonta are among the first group of schools participating in the SUNY Top 10% Promise program. It’s meant to help the “highest-achieving” New York high-school seniors gain admission and enroll at select SUNY campuses, the office

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Le Moyne’s new AD will begin work at the school in January

Education & Training, Employee Benefits & Human Resources, New York News, Nonprofits, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The next athletic director (AD) at Le Moyne College will begin his duties at the school on Jan. 1, 2025. Phil Brown, whose formal title is assistant VP of intercollegiate athletics and campus recreation, comes to Le Moyne from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, where he serves as executive associate athletic director and

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The next athletic director (AD) at Le Moyne College will begin his duties at the school on Jan. 1, 2025.

Phil Brown, whose formal title is assistant VP of intercollegiate athletics and campus recreation, comes to Le Moyne from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, where he serves as executive associate athletic director and chief business officer, per the college’s Oct. 29 announcement.

Brown will become the fifth AD in Le Moyne’s 78-year history, the college noted.

He succeeds Bob Beretta, who resigned from the role earlier this year to become athletic director at St. Bonaventure University in Olean, which is Beretta’s alma mater. Mike Lindberg, who graduated from Le Moyne in 1979, has served as interim athletic director since June.

The college selected Brown from a list of finalists who interviewed with a search committee representing students, faculty, administrators and alumni.

“Beyond his impressive knowledge of the changing landscape of college athletics, Phil demonstrates a strong commitment to the focus on academics for our student-athletes,” Le Moyne College President Linda LeMura said in the school’s announcement. “It was clear throughout the interview process that he recognizes the importance of the student athlete model with ‘student’ always coming first. He also understands and embraces Le Moyne’s strong tradition of service to others, which is a hallmark of Jesuit education. His overall knowledge and varied background will serve him well in this role.”

About Phil Brown

A native of Louisiana, Brown earned his undergraduate degree in accounting from Houston and an MBA degree from Texas A&M-Commerce. He earned a master’s degree in sports management from Georgia Southern and is also a graduate of the Sport Management Institute Executive Programs conducted at Michigan and Texas.

“I am genuinely grateful and excited to join Le Moyne as athletic director, and want to thank President LeMura and the Board of Trustees for their confidence in me,” Brown said in the Le Moyne announcement. “During the interview process I was impressed with the campus and Syracuse community, and Le Moyne’s overall commitment to the Jesuit mission and academic excellence for student-athletes. I look forward to working with our coaches, staff and students as we continue to transition to D1 and work to create a long-term vision and strategy to compete at the highest level of college athletics. I believe we have the blueprint to win and look forward to celebrating many championships with the Dolphin family.”

The school says Brown is joining Le Moyne athletics at a “key juncture in its history.”

The Dolphins are currently in the second year of playing at the Division I level after joining the Northeast Conference in 2023. Earlier this year, Le Moyne announced that the Thomas J. Niland Jr. Athletic Complex would undergo a $45 million renovation, including $12 million in state funding.

The work will involve improvements to the existing facilities, a new track and field and tennis complex, a team community center including locker rooms and sports medicine facilities, and the addition of a fitness center and a strength and conditioning facility for student-athletes.

Le Moyne has also entered into a five-year agreement with Legends to help with fundraising efforts.

In his current role, Brown, who has been at Vanderbilt since 2015, oversees the university’s facilities and event management, capital projects and equipment staff, Le Moyne said.

In addition to his administrative operations duties in finance, facilities, event management and equipment, he serves as the baseball and women’s bowling sport administrator and previously oversaw ticket operations.

Brown’s first season as baseball sport administrator ended with the program raising the 2019 national championship trophy in Omaha and a return visit to Omaha in 2021 as the national runner-up.

Launch NY to use $250K National Grid grant to help startups

Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Manufacturing & Engineering, Small Business, Subscriber Only

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Buffalo–based Launch NY will use a $250,000 economic-development grant from National Grid (NYSE: NGG) to support entrepreneurial ventures. The goal of the grant is to support companies that go on to raise private capital and create jobs in upstate New York, Launch NY said. The funding comes through the utility’s CleanTech Incubation

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BUFFALO, N.Y. — Buffalo–based Launch NY will use a $250,000 economic-development grant from National Grid (NYSE: NGG) to support entrepreneurial ventures.

The goal of the grant is to support companies that go on to raise private capital and create jobs in upstate New York, Launch NY said.

The funding comes through the utility’s CleanTech Incubation program, Launch NY said in its Oct. 15 announcement. The program “complements” Launch NY’s mission to create a “robust, diverse and inclusive entrepreneurial economy” in upstate New York through mentorship and seed-stage investments.

“National Grid understands and appreciates the importance of healthy, diverse local economies that sustain western New York communities,” Ken Kujawa, regional director at National Grid, said in the Launch NY announcement. “Partnerships like those that we enjoy with Launch NY are important, and our CleanTech Incubation program is a perfect match for their initiative because the funding provides ambitious entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a solid foundation upon which they can build their companies.”

Matched 1:1 with other funding sources, the “Empower & Launch: Entrepreneurial Skills and Resources to Build Your Business” project will support Launch NY’s mentorship activities over the course of two years, starting Oct. 1.

“We’re grateful for this support from National Grid, an important community partner that carries a tremendous reputation for quality and service,” Marnie LaVigne, president and CEO of Launch NY, said in the announcement. “This funding will allow Launch NY to continue its impactful activity in mentoring startups, which in turn is creating a new generation of diverse, ambitious business leaders in our backyard.”

Startups mentored through Launch NY receive a custom company-action plan and then training through individual and group sessions. Training is led by Launch NY entrepreneurs-in-residence, who cover subjects that include funding, talent, product development, and operational support.

Launch NY says it takes a “mentorship first” approach to its portfolio, helping high-growth startups with large potential markets prepare to pitch investors, including Launch NY and others, raise funds and scale their business. Through entrepreneurs-in-residence and its National Mentor Network of subject matter experts, Launch NY supported 417 upstate New York startup companies in 2023.

Launch NY contends it offers the most active seed-funding source by volume of transactions in the entire state.

About Launch NY

Launch NY describes itself as the only nonprofit venture-development organization and U.S. Treasury-designated community development financial institution (CDFI) that serves and directly funds startups in upstate New York.

The core mission of Launch NY is to “identify, support and invest in high‐growth, high‐impact companies and to catalyze the entrepreneurial culture” of the upstate region. Since its inception in 2012, Launch NY has served more than 1,700 companies, which have gone on to raise more than $1.5 billion, generate more than $265 million in annual revenue, and support more than 5,300 jobs.

VIEWPOINT: Navigating the PR Landscape: Small-Business Strategies for Success

Business Mentors, Small Business, Subscriber Only

Running a small business is demanding. Fifty-six percent of owners have less than an hour a day for marketing, and 73 percent lack confidence in their efforts’ effectiveness. With so much focus on operations, customer service, and growth, marketing and communications often get sidelined. Budget limitations, lack of formal training, and the pressure to manage

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Budget limitations, lack of formal training, and the pressure to manage social media are common obstacles. After 20 years in the industry, I have seen these challenges firsthand. So, how can small businesses navigate these hurdles while staying focused on running a successful operation?

The Budget Conundrum

Small businesses often face tight budgets that are already committed to payroll, product, and other tangible expenses. While large entities have teams dedicated to strategic communications or can outsource the functions to a firm, small businesses need to be more resourceful in their efforts.

• Partnerships. Collaborate with other small businesses to share costs for advertising, events, and community initiatives. Consider outsourcing marketing collectively. Don’t overlook bartering — exchanging goods and services is still a valuable way to reduce expenses.

• Social media. Building a social-media presence is free and an effective way to promote products and engage with customers. Digital platforms also offer cost-effective targeted advertising to reach your ideal audience. However, while setting up social media is free, it requires a significant time investment to maintain.

• Interns. Local colleges and universities have many students studying marketing, PR, and communications who need practical experience and internships. Recruit these students to help manage your marketing efforts. This cost-effective option provides valuable hands-on experience for them while helping your business and the future of the field.

The Expertise Gap

Many small-business owners feel overwhelmed by marketing and communications. Learning new skills can be daunting, even when essential. While hiring a communications professional may not be feasible, there are plenty of resources available to help owners and teams develop the necessary skills.

• Online learning. Platforms for online learning offer accessible, budget-friendly options for developing new skills. YouTube and LinkedIn provide tutorials by experts, covering various marketing and communications topics. For those with a larger budget, more intensive learning opportunities, including certifications, are available.

• Community workshops. Local organizations often offer free or low-cost workshops for businesses. Take advantage of chamber memberships, libraries, and local chapters of groups like the American Marketing Association or Public Relations Society of America. These events are excellent for learning from experts and networking with other business owners facing similar challenges.

The Fight for Media Attention

Gaining media attention is one of the biggest frustrations for small businesses. Even with a compelling story, it can be hard to get noticed. Central New York has a strong local-media scene, but shrinking newsrooms mean journalists can’t discover every business on their own. You need to proactively reach out and help them tell your story.

• Build relationships. Don’t fear the media — embrace them. Review local news outlets and note journalists covering business or your industry. Reach out via email to introduce yourself and your business. You may even be able to visit their office to introduce yourself and provide information about your work.

• Break through the noise. Journalists seek unique, newsworthy stories — what sets your business apart? Are you the first of your kind locally? Research what makes a story newsworthy, and match that with a personalized pitch for your target media contacts. Also, think beyond your business — stay informed on broader trends or local events and tie your narrative to them.

• Persistence. You will be told no a few times, but don’t get discouraged. Ask journalists what stories they’re looking for and how you can help. Stay connected and consistently offer relevant, interesting ideas to improve your chances of getting featured.

The Social Media Balancing Act

Social media is great for showcasing products and engaging with customers, but keeping up with platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok can feel overwhelming when running your business is your top priority.

• Know your audience. You don’t need to be on every platform. Choose the ones that align with your audience and industry. For visual businesses like food or retail, Instagram is ideal. For B2B sectors, LinkedIn is often more effective. Focus your content where your audience is most active and research their preferences. For example, if your target is Gen Z and you own a restaurant, prioritize engaging visuals on Instagram.

• Know your goals. According to Statista, the top marketing goals for small businesses are increasing sales (58.9 percent), leads (15.5 percent), and brand awareness (10.5 percent). To use social media effectively, first identify your audience and set clear goals. Once those are defined, you can plan content and use strategies that engage customers and drive desired actions.

• Plan ahead. Once you have chosen your platforms, creating a content calendar and scheduling posts in advance saves time and ensures consistency. Some platforms allow post scheduling, and there are many affordable tools that let you schedule across multiple platforms, making it efficient for any budget.

• Be you. Social media is a wonderful opportunity to be authentic to the values of the brand and engage naturally with the audience, which is a powerful tool for building connections. Take the time to create a brand voice that resonates with customers, building confidence, trust, and loyalty that supports long-term relationships.

Effective communication and marketing are essential for small-business success, but can feel overwhelming with so many demands. By finding creative, budget-friendly ways to tell your story, learning basic skills, and using the right tools, businesses can overcome common challenges. Every small business has a unique story, and with the right strategy and persistence, it’s possible to share that story in ways that resonate and lead to long-term success.

Kelly C. Gaggin, Ph.D., APR is a senior advisor and public-relations consultant at Strategic Communications, which says it provides trusted counsel for public relations, including media strategy, media training, media outreach, monitoring, and analysis.

AI Innovation Hub at Golisano Institute to help teach about AI

Health Care, Education & Training, Subscriber Only, Technology

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Artificial intelligence (AI) technology plays a bigger role in modern business every day. That’s why the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship in Rochester launched its AI Innovation Hub for students and staff, allowing them to engage and learn from AI technology, according to its Oct. 22 announcement. It includes a media

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Artificial intelligence (AI) technology plays a bigger role in modern business every day.

That’s why the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship in Rochester launched its AI Innovation Hub for students and staff, allowing them to engage and learn from AI technology, according to its Oct. 22 announcement.

It includes a media lab, recording studio, New Vision Development Group Beta Lab, and teaching spaces devoted to the exploration of AI and technology applications. Classes taught in this space will cover a variety of AI-related topics, including how to apply the technology in various industries, the use of predictive models, and ethical considerations.

“We’re excited to open this hub on our campus so our students and staff can utilize this cutting-edge technology to further their entrepreneurial studies,” Ian Mortimer, president of the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship, said. “It demonstrates our institution’s continued commitment to equipping our students with the essential knowledge and skills to thrive in a technology-driven business landscape.”

The formal-opening ceremony included guest speaker Manju Kesani, CEO of Machani Robotics and IndiVillage in India, who visited Golisano Institute with Ria the Robot. Ria is a humanoid robot that demonstrates the full power and capabilities of the latest in humanoid robot technology.

Students and guests were given the chance to interact with Ria and “experience the future of AI firsthand.”

“Bringing in Manju Kesani and Ria from Machani Robotics, as well as imbedding my AI and technology team from New Vision Development Group for the opening of the AI Innovation Hub, shows the breadth of Golisano Institute’s connections in the business world,” Dale Twardokus, president of New Vision Development Group of Pittsford, and a member of Golisano Institute’s board of trustees. “We are at a pivotal moment in history, presenting immense opportunities for those with an abundance mindset and a passion for learning. Our partnership with the Institute empowers students with practical AI knowledge for real-world business solutions, enabling them to seize opportunities in the marketplace.”

About the organization

The Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship focuses on alternative post-secondary business education. “Delivering a high-quality and accelerated business experience for students of all ages, Golisano Institute leverages an expansive roster of higher education partners, entrepreneur advisors, and business connections to help professionals reach their full potential. Thanks to the generosity of founder Tom Golisano, qualified students can access the Institute’s benefits at a significantly lower cost than the average higher education institution,” the organization contends.

Firm from Norway wins $1M grand prize in Genius NY accelerator

Small Business, Employee Benefits & Human Resources, New York News, Nonprofits, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only, Technology

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — A Norwegian company won the grand prize of $1 million in the 8th round of the Genius NY accelerator. Aviant of Oslo, Norway was among five finalists involved in the pitch competition that was part of the annual Innovation Night held on Oct. 28 at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown. Genius NY is

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — A Norwegian company won the grand prize of $1 million in the 8th round of the Genius NY accelerator.

Aviant of Oslo, Norway was among five finalists involved in the pitch competition that was part of the annual Innovation Night held on Oct. 28 at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown.

Genius NY is short for Growing ENtrepreneurs & Innovators in UpState New York and is housed at the Tech Garden in Syracuse. The year-long program, operated by CenterState CEO, “attracts the world’s most innovative entrepreneurs in the uncrewed systems field to Central New York.”

Aviant “leverages advanced drone technology to provide autonomous last-mile delivery solutions, enhancing efficiency and reliability in logistics,” as described in the announcement from Empire State Development (ESD).

The company was launched in the beginning of 2020 when the founders met at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, according to the Aviant website. They got the idea for Aviant based on the “logistics issues in healthcare that intensified at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the website says.

The site’s description of the firm’s origin goes on to say, “The desire for more efficient solutions in the medical sector and the new European drone regulations from January 2021 allowed Aviant to quickly secure a pilot contract with St. Olavs Hospital in Norway.”

“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.

“Congratulations to all five GENIUS NY Cohort 8 finalists!” Kara Jones, CenterState CEO’s director of Genius NY, said in the ESD announcement. “Their presence makes Central New York’s uncrewed systems industry even richer, adding more assets to the thriving ecosystem. I look forward to supporting this cohort’s future growth in this region as they continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with their technologies.”

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. “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.”

About Innovation Night

The Genius NY Pitch Finals were part of Innovation Night, which ESD describes as a “celebration of the entire Central New York innovation economy.”

The event highlights entrepreneurs and thought leadership within the region’s innovation ecosystem – from UAS (uncrewed aerial system) technology to pioneering, homegrown startups–showing that Central New York’s innovative future has a “space for everyone,” ESD said.

Innovation Night also celebrated the success of other growth programs and entrepreneurs, and featured remarks from Yami Payano, co-founder of Sign-Speak, and Peter Fuchs, CEO of Ascent AeroSystems. Payano is one of five entrepreneurs that participated in CenterState CEO’s Syracuse Surge Accelerator, a program that provides direct resources and support to Black-Indigenous-Persons of Color (BIPOC) entrepreneur founders of tech-related and tech-adjacent startups.

Fuchs is a Genius NY program alumni from the first round of the program. His company, Ascent AeroSystems, was acquired by Robinson Helicopter of Torrance, California in 2024, marking the first major acquisition of a Genius NY company, ESD noted.

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