Cohort 7 applications now open for GENIUS NY – learn more.  

Starburst, the leading global Aerospace and Defense (A&D) startup accelerator and strategic advisory practice, and GENIUS NY, the Syracuse, NY-based startup accelerator focused on incubating early-stage companies in the uncrewed systems and robotics industries, have announced its second year of collaboration. 

The Starburst team will continue to support GENIUS NY’s 12-month accelerator program, designed to help startups develop their products, refine their business models, and prepare for commercialization. Starburst will provide their Accelerator-as-a-Service, serving as a nexus between global stakeholders in the A&D ecosystem.

The GENIUS NY accelerator supplies unparalleled access and expertise to young companies in the uncrewed aerial systems, robotics, and big data sectors. Each year, the program invests $3M into five selected startups. GENIUS NY works closely with its partners at NUAIR, who manages operations of the FAA-designated New York UAS Test Site at Griffiss International Airport and is responsible for the advancement of New York’s 50-mile UAS Corridor between Rome and Syracuse, NY. To date, GENIUS NY has awarded more than $18M in 32 startups from around the world.

Starburst leverages its deep industry expertise to offer GENIUS NY startups strategic advice about product-market-fit and growth, access to a deep industry expert mentor network, dedicated fundraising support, and introductions to investors, commercial customers, legacy corporates, and government innovation leaders. Starburst has been an innovation catalyst in the aerospace industry since 2012, with four active venture funds internationally and equity in over 140 aerospace startups, the top 10 of which have raised more than $1B.

“This collaboration is true to our open innovation ethos. It allows companies to access world-renowned expertise, tap into a more comprehensive network, and have an increased competitiveness and agility in the market,” said Starburst Accelerator Principal Nate Mason. “We are thrilled to continue working with GENIUS NY and the cutting-edge disruptors they accelerate,” he added.

The GENIUS NY accelerator offers a year-long two-phase program: The first phase is a three-month boot camp, during which selected startups receive a $30,000 stipend and work on developing their products and business plans. Phase I ends with Pitch Finals, an event where all five companies are awarded a total of $3M: $1M grand prize and four $500K awards. The second phase is a nine-month accelerator, during which the startups receive additional mentoring, networking opportunities, and access to resources to help them grow and scale their businesses.

Companies from previous cohorts have gone on to raise significant rounds of venture capital, including Drone Seed ($36M Series A), Thread ($15M Series A), Fotokite ($13.7M Series B), and Wonder Robotics ($4 Million Seed Round).

According to Kara Jones, Director of GENIUS NY, “Partnering with Starburst adds incredible value to GENIUS NY. This will enable us to further expand our network in the aerospace and defense sectors and allow companies in our program to scale faster and generate revenue sooner. The unique qualities of GENIUS NY that provide targeted resources to companies, combined with the extensive reach of Starburst, will enhance the impact and advancement of this sector within our economy as we move into our seventh round.”

Current teams working with Starburst from cohort 6 include Fusion Engineering of the Netherlands, who is working to create the most reliable, flexible, and easy-to-use flight controller for multirotor drones; Dronehub of Poland, who builds autonomous ‘gas stations’ for drones and intelligent cloud software for human-less monitoring and inspections; and Archangel Imaging from the United Kingdom, who develops commercial smart security systems.

Applications for cohort 7 are open through May 17, 2023 – apply here. Winners are announced in early July, and phase one of the accelerator program begins on July 10, 2023.

About Starburst
Starburst is an innovation catalyst in the Aerospace and Defense industry. They are the first and only global aerospace accelerator, connecting startups with corporates, investors and government, while providing strategic growth and investment consulting services for all. With offices in Los Angeles, Paris, Munich, Singapore, Seoul, Tel Aviv, and Madrid, the team has built an ecosystem of key players with 15,000+ startups in our network. Starburst’s flagship accelerator program helps startups scale their business in aviation, space, and defense with access to the largest group of corporate representatives, government stakeholders, and private venture investors in the world to help startups win their first contracts. More information about Starburst can be found at www.starburst.aero

About GENIUS NY
GENIUS NY is the world’s largest business accelerator focused on uncrewed systems and robotics. It offers an opportunity to scale your business with funding and an immersive accelerator program like no other. Each year, GENIUS NY invests $3 million into five startups, and offers a host of program services – from mentorship to connections to investors, and inroads to customers. The accelerator is located in Syracuse, New York, and to date has invested $18M into 32 startups. More information about GENIUS NY can be found at www.geniusny.com

Wonder Robotics, an Israeli company that specializes in intelligent autonomous solutions for drones and eVTOL, is expanding into the American market by launching a new operations center in Syracuse, New York. This expansion is part of the company’s broader strategy to become a leading player in the world’s largest and most significant market for smart services using drones.

The new branch will be established with an investment of $500,000, which was awarded to Wonder Robotics as part of their participation in GENIUS NY’s prestigious accelerator for drones and robotics. GENIUS NY is the world’s largest accelerator for uncrewed systems, and regional development program in New York. After competing against more than 200 other companies in the field, Wonder Robotics was selected to participate in the program, facilitating their smooth entry into this market and providing them with valuable connections to companies and entities at the forefront of the latest technological developments in the field.

Wonder Robotics’ debut product, WonderLand, is very much the MobileyeTM of commercial drones. This smart solution is designed to connect seamlessly with any type of commercial grade drone. WonderLand solutionprovides advanced features that ensure safe flight in low-altitude mission in urban areas and enable autonomous landing and vertical awareness without advanced mapping or human supervision (observer or pilot in the loop). By reducing the risk of accidents involving people, buildings, powerlines and vegetation, WonderLand’s solution for drone autonomy helps lower the operating costs and optimize the process for more scalable implementation, making drone services, such as drone deliveries, more economically feasible.

​The Syracuse area is a hub for technological development, infrastructure, and regulation related to drones. It is home to NUAIR, who manages operations of the FAA-designated New York UAS Test Site at Griffiss International Airport, and is responsible for the advancement of New York’s 50-mile UAS Corridor between Rome and Syracuse, NY. NUAIR is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to integrating unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems into the US national airspace to facilitate safe and widespread commercial drone operations. The organization provides dedicated experts and physical infrastructure for operational validation, testing, and eventual adoption of the technology by the FAA. 

Syracuse, New York was a strategic choice for Wonder Robotics’ American operation center, given the Wonder Robotics’ international business status and designated markets in North America, Europe, and the Middle East. The East Coast region is a key location for connecting with industry groups and facilitating the company’s operations across these regions. By establishing a presence in the United States, Wonder Robotics will be able to work closely with its current partners, reach new customers, and engage with relevant regulatory authorities.

“Our American center is situated in one of the largest UAS centers in the US, providing a thriving ecosystem that strongly supports companies operating in this field. This location enables us to better serve our American customers and work as active partners in the application and implementation of our product in their services,” said Idan Shimon, CEO and co-founder of the company. “The center will coordinate the customer service, training, and maintenance and support, alongside demonstrations of the WonderLand system and its marketing to new customers. The company’s first product will help make drone services more autonomous and safer. This product will also significantly increase efficiency by reducing the number of people involved in operating a drone service which will pave the way for expansion to hundreds of thousands of drones in the urban landscape.”

Scheduled to open in March 2023, Wonder Robotics’ new operations center in the USA will play a crucial role in serving the company’s strategic American customers, including Spright (the drone division) of Air Methods, North America’s largest medical logistics service provider. As a pioneer in short- and medium-distance drone deliveries, Spright plans to operate hundreds of drones by 2024. Additionally, Wonder Robotics is in a process to secure another strategic customer: undisclosed drone company of a large US retail chain, which plans to incorporate Wonder Robotics’ autonomy technology into its existing drone delivery service at a dozen sites across the US. With the ability to serve millions of customers in the next two years, this partnership is set to be a major boost for the company’s growth. The opening of the new center, which follows Wonder Robotics’ recent success in winning the GENIUS NY accelerator competition and increasing American sales, will continue the company’s positive momentum.

According to Kara Jones, Director of GENIUS NY, “The cutting-edge innovation offered by Wonder Robotics positions it at the forefront of unmanned systems’ development and the heart of the drone revolution in Central New York, which is a global leader in this field. We selected Wonder Robotics as an investment through our business development arm due to its potential to make a significant contribution to the American market and create numerous business opportunities.”

According to Shimon, “The drone services market is projected to reach $63.6 billion by 2025, but I believe this figure could be even higher. As drones become increasingly integrated into daily life, their economic impact will only continue to grow. Our goal at Wonder Robotics is to remain a leading provider of innovative vision-based autonomy solutions that enable safe, reliable, and highly efficient drone services.”

About Wonder Robotics
Wonder Robotics was founded with the goal of optimizing the commercial viability of drones through the use of cutting-edge autonomy technology, resulting in safer and more dependable operations. The company’s flagship product, WonderLand, facilitates safe low-altitude flight and autonomous landing at any uncharted and unsupervised location for drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. Based in Israel with offices in the USA, the company boasts a team of world-renowned experts in the fields of drones, robotics, navigation, and 3D visual applications, with extensive experience serving both commercial and military markets.

​

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that GENIUS NY – the world’s largest business accelerator focused on uncrewed aerial systems – is now accepting applications for the seventh round of the year-long program. The in-residence accelerator, operated by CenterState CEO in downtown Syracuse, will invest more than $3 million in five finalist companies, including a $1 million grand prize. The program also offers company stipends, resources, programming, mentorship, 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. The program is funded through the CNY Rising Upstate Revitalization Initiative (URI), the region’s award-winning strategic plan to generate robust economic growth and community development.

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “GENIUS NY’s seventh round will help to further fuel Central New York’s thriving uncrewed aerial systems industry. This unique business accelerator competition is attracting forward-thinking entrepreneurial ideas and innovators to the region, as well as top companies that are ready to take advantage of the area’s unmatched UAS assets and infrastructure.”
Applications are being accepted at www.geniusny.com through May 17, 2023 from tech startups focused in uncrewed aerial systems, IoT, big data, and robotics. Subsets may include precision and remote sensing, smart city applications, data collection and analytics, guidance or communication systems, and sensors, among other technological categories.

“We are looking for high-potential teams who want to join our program so they can accelerate the growth of their companies and become engaged in the region’s growing UAS and UTM ecosystem,” said Kara Jones, director of GENIUS NY. “GENIUS NY is a unique program in that it provides targeted resources to companies so they can scale faster and generate revenue sooner. Through six rounds of this accelerator program, we have seen impact and advancement of this sector within our economy, which is a proven jobs creator.”

Applications are evaluated by a panel of judges, and semi-finalists will be selected to present demos and pitches this spring. Five companies will advance to participate in the program, which is structured as a unique programmed incubator and accelerator experience. The selected teams will enter the in-residence accelerator at The Tech Garden later this summer where they will be immersed in the incubator’s events, resource pool, and mentoring. Applicants should be prepared to relocate to Central New York to participate in the program starting in August.

The program has attracted more than 32 startups to Central New York since its inception in 2017. To date, the innovative teams have gone on to raise more than $100 million in venture capital and have created more than 80 upstate New York jobs.

Round six winner, Archangel Imaging received the top prize of $1 million in November 2022. The company has seen significant growth in Central New York and has partnered with several local providers and customers. They recently made their first U.S hire and last month partnered with past GENIUS team, Circle Optics to combine their 360-degree imaging with its data science and software.

To read more about this announcement, click here

To apply to GENIUS NY and learn more, click here.​

Accelerating CNY Rising
Today’s announcement complements “CNY Rising,” the region’s comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on capitalizing on global market opportunities, strengthening entrepreneurship and creating an inclusive economy. More information is available here.
 
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NEW YORK,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.

Let the countdown begin!

GENIUS NY – the world’s largest business accelerator focused on uncrewed systems – is accepting applications for the seventh round of the year-long program starting February 7, 2023. The in-residence accelerator will invest more than $3 million in five finalist companies, including a $1 million grand prize. 

Applications will be accepted at www.geniusny.com through May 17, 2023 from tech startups focused in uncrewed systems, IoT, big data, and robotics. Subsets may include precision and remote sensing, smart city applications, data collection and analytics, guidance or communication systems, and sensors, among other technological categories.

To learn more and register please click here. 

GENIUS NY teams Circle Optics (’21) and Archangel Imaging (’22) have announced a partnership combining Circle Optics innovative 360-degree imaging with Archangel Imaging’s unique data science and software.

Archangel Imaging CEO, Dan Sola says, “we’re fundamentally a software and data science company and both our static ground AI cameras and mobile AI co-pilots rely on the visual sensors we integrate; Circle Optics capabilities opens up potential enhancements on the ground and in the air for wide angle cameras of very high resolution in a compact package.”
​
Circle Optics CEO, Zakariya Niazi, states, ”Archangel Imaging is already deploying novel software solutions that are enhancing autonomous surveillance of critical infrastructure, enabling navigation in GPS denied environments, and building intelligence into machines for state-of-the-art human / machine teaming. Circle Optics provides panoramic camera technology with the best data product around. Our data output combined with their advanced analytics will be a game-changer for the UAS industry.”

Read more about this exciting partnership: https://circleoptics.com/partnership-announcement-between-circle-optics-and-archangel-imaging/

About Circle Optics: Founded in 2017, Circle Optics has developed patented technology enabling the ability to capture the entire world in a stitch-less, instant 360-degree imaging. 360-degree imaging is part of everyday life. Circle Optics technology is being designed to accelerate the delivery of life saving resources, ensure aerospace safety, enhance remote sensing capabilities for protection, and increase immersive experience participation. Different from other cameras on the market which work by combining overlapping fields of view in the software, our technology works by aligning fields of view in hardware to produce a perfect panoramic image. No distortion. One click and done. 

About Archangel Imaging: Archangel Imaging deploys smart machines alongside people to protect valuable assets and at-risk staff in remote or challenging places. Remote operations are difficult. Whether you are operating drone patrols over marine reserves or monitoring static energy infrastructure, your ability to succeed depends on the supporting infrastructure used to coordinate any response. Today’s machines are still mostly tools, not teammates. Archangel Imaging technology can be retrofitted to other machines to make them smarter and more resilient in a changing environment, independent from any infrastructure. Argonaut™ AI cameras watch for poachers in Africa, oil thieves in South America or potential suicides on European railways. Xnaut™ AI co-pilots enable any drone to independently navigate and complete missions without communications or GPS signals.

WCNY’s On the Money with J. Daniel Pluff welcomed John Liddy, Interim Vice President of Innovation & Entrepreneurship for CenterState CEO on its Nov. 24, 2022 program. John discussed GENIUS NY, its involvement in our community and exciting things to expect as Micron Technology makes a historic investment in Central New York.
The program segment can be viewed here.

Archangel Imaging Wins GENIUS NY $1 Million Grand Prize; Four Other Finalists Receive $500,000 investments as Part of $3 Million Awarded to Innovative Companies that will Now Operate in Syracuse 

Investment Complements “CNY Rising” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy

Photo of Winner Available Here

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the winner of the $1 million grand prize from round six of the GENIUS NY accelerator is Archangel Imaging from the United Kingdom. Archangel Imaging deploys smart machines, alongside people, to protect valuable assets and at-risk staff in remote or challenging places. Whether its cables being stolen, oil being tapped or elephants poached for ivory, the company provides the ability for the security team to know before these incidents are about to happen and immediately intervene or follow up. The GENIUS NY program is the world’s largest business accelerator competition focused on unmanned systems, data to decision and IoT. The year-long program awarded five finalist teams a total of $3 million at its Finals Night event in downtown Syracuse, including investments of $1 million and four $500,000 awards. The program, which is administered by CenterState CEO’s Tech Garden in Syracuse, offers incubator space, company resources, programming and mentoring to accelerator finalists. To date, New York State has invested $18 million in 32 GENIUS NY teams over the program’s six rounds. Participants are required to operate their business in Central New York for at least one year.

“As we continue to support innovation and key industries throughout New York, key investments are being made to revitalize Central New York,” Governor Hochul said. “The GENIUS NY competition continues to transform the landscape of Central New York by attracting the next generation of innovative entrepreneurs from around the world to the region. Our continued investment in uncrewed aerial system businesses is helping to ensure that New York State remains at the forefront of this important industry, bringing quality jobs and economic growth to the region.”

During the live event, the five teams pitched their business plans to a panel of judges and audience. Following the pitches, all five competitors were awarded one of five investments. Additionally, the teams will use these investments to continue to accelerate their growth and expand their presence in the region.
“Being selected as the GENIUS NY 2022 Grand Prize winner is an incredible achievement and recognition for our team, particularly in the context of such high-quality companies in the cohort this year,” said Dan Sola, CEO of Archangel Imaging. “This investment enables us to create high value jobs and fuel long term growth and local partnerships. Throughout the program we have benefited from the amazing support and investment from GENIUS NY, CenterState CEO and Empire State Development. Both local government and local businesses here have helped us to hit the ground running and we’re already hiring and engaging in joint development. We are proud to be a part of the Central New York community.”

Fusion Engineering, Netherlands, AVSS – Aerial Vehicle Safety Solutions, Inc., Canada, Wonder Robotics, Israel and Dronehub, Poland, were each awarded investments of $500,000.

Since 2017, GENIUS NY companies have raised more than $ 90 million in follow-on funding and have created 75 jobs in the region. The advancement of the GENIUS NY program builds on the progress of CNY Rising, the region’s award-winning strategic plan to revitalize communities and grow the economy.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner, Hope Knight, said, “The GENIUS NY program is supporting the incredible growth of the uncrewed aerial systems industry in Central New York. Congratulations to all of these forward-thinking innovators who are bringing their exceptional entrepreneurial ideas to the region and are ready to take advantage of New York State’s unmatched UAS assets and infrastructure.”

CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson said, “The GENIUS NY programs represents our region’s commitment to advancing new and next stage innovations in the uncrewed, smart systems and IoT sectors. The investments these high-potential teams receive now will enable them to accelerate their growth and participate in the exciting progress that is driving our community forward. These international teams will continue in this program with the tools and resources they need to leverage these investments, advance their technologies and platforms, create jobs and contribute to the growing ecosystem we have established in Central New York.”

GENIUS NY at CenterState CEO director Kara Jones said, “The pitch finals event is an exciting opportunity for our community to see firsthand the incredible teams that have come here from around the world to grow their companies. The investments the teams receive during this event will enable them to go to market, build stronger partnerships with GENIUS NY teams from prior rounds, and focus on technology and business development, hiring and establishing headquarters and offices in Central New York. As they move into the program’s second round they will receive targeted support from mentors and advisors and will have additional opportunities to meet with investors to ensure their success.”

New York State continues to establish itself as the nation’s premier destination for drones and related UAS industry businesses in the Central New York and Mohawk Valley regions. In addition to the GENIUS NY accelerator competition, the state has focused on making major investments in the uncrewed aircraft systems industry. Since 2016, New York has committed to investing $56 million to develop and maintain a state-of-the-art, 50-mile drone test corridor that runs on Syracuse International Airport to Griffiss International Airport in Rome. Additional industry investments have included $9 million for Skydome, Oneida County’s indoor drone testing facility at the UAS test site, and $16.6 million in ongoing investments for the Tech Garden’s expansion in downtown Syracuse to further grow its UAS industry efforts in the region.

The GENIUS NY teams’ business plans and pitches were judged by Marcia Mitchell the director of New York Ventures; Chris McCall, Chief Corporate Development Officer at Fotokite; Jeffrey Cole, CEO at Hidden Level; Rob Lindsay, the Founder of Air Mobility Partners; And Gretchen West the president & CEO of Schiebel Aircraft, Inc.

State Senator Rachel May said, “It is always exciting to see the expansion of new opportunities for Central New York’s flourishing UAS industry. Programs like GENIUS NY enable our area to attract and retain top talent in the industry and continue the growth we’ve seen over the past several years. This benefits CNY’s Drone Corridor and contributes to the entire region’s economic engine. Congratulations to the winners of GENIUS NY, and I look forward to seeing the innovation you bring to our community.”

State Senator John W. Mannion said, “Through state investments like Green Chips and the Genius NY program – Central New York is now home to vibrant and growing next-generation industries including drones, wireless communications, and coming soon: computer chip manufacturing. This ecosystem of innovation that includes Micron, JMA, MACNY, established drone companies and Genius NY start-ups, union labor, and our colleges and universities will be a magnet for further investment, jobs, and economic activity. I look forward to a continued partnership with Governor Hochul to keep the momentum going in Central New York.”

Assemblymember William B. Magnarelli said, “By drawing these companies to the Tech Garden through the GENIUS NY competition, Onondaga County continues to establish itself as a world leader in the drone and technology industry. The partnerships and opportunities created locally during the entrepreneurial stage create a catalyst for growth and industry leadership in the world-wide cutting-edge industry.”

Assemblymember Pamela Hunter said, “The GENIUS NY program continues to incentivize innovation and new investment in Central NY. CNY is poised to become a global hub for UAS technology development and I look forward to working with Governor Hochul on this continued investment. These programs greatly contribute to our revitalization efforts and will bring many new opportunities to our communities. “

Assemblymember Al Stirpe said, “Congratulations to the Round 6 winners, entrepreneurs that keep our region headed towards a responsible future and firmly on the international stage. From the unparalleled growth in uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and robotics to making Reforestation scalable to mitigate the worst effects of climate change; the GENIUS NY program continues to invest in the people, industry, and economic growth of Central New York, making us all winners!”

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said,”It is incredibly exciting to see the emerging UAS industry continue to grow right here in downtown Syracuse. On behalf of Onondaga County, I congratulate and welcome these innovative companies who are ready to put down roots in Central New York. I have no doubt that they will continue to play an important role in our regions’ overall economic success.”

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. said, “The GENIUS NY program is a perfect example of how Oneida County and CenterState CEO’s strong partnership is solidifying Central New York and the Mohawk Valley as the epicenter of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in the nation. I am excited to see where the winners will take our region’s UAS industry.”

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said, “GENIUS NY is part of a thriving technology ecosystem in Syracuse and Central New York. The program has helped put our region on the map around the world as a key center for uncrewed aerial system development. More important for the city and our Syracuse Surge strategy for inclusive growth in the New Economy, GENIUS NY is creating good jobs and investment. I congratulate the latest round of winners and thank Governor Hochul and the teams at Empire State Development and CenterState CEO for their commitment to keep GENIUS NY soaring.”

Central New York Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Randy Wolken, President & CEO of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York and Le Moyne College President Linda M. LeMura said, “Many Congratulations to all of the GENIUS NY round six winners. We are incredibly proud to welcome these imaginative entrepreneurs to the Central New York as they commit to growing their innovative business in this region. Through the regional council’s continued support for the GENIUS NY competition, we are ensuring that New York state remains at the forefront of the growing UAS industry in Central New York, creating new opportunities and jobs for residents in the region for generations to come.”

About GENIUS NY
GENIUS NY is an in-residence business accelerator program at The Tech Garden in Central New York that goes beyond substantial direct investment. In addition to the grand prize of $1 million and four $500,000 investments, the program also offers resources, programming, and connections, making it among the largest competitions of its kind across the globe. 

Accelerating CNY Rising
Today’s announcement complements “Central NY Rising,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested more than $6.3 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan – capitalizing on global market opportunities, strengthening entrepreneurship and creating an inclusive economy. Now, the region is accelerating Central NY Rising with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. The State’s $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 5,900 new jobs. More information is available here.