New partnership brings together leading drone design and technology leaders to revolutionize last-mile logistics

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — In an exciting development for the future of autonomous logistics, blueflite, a leader in cutting-edge drone technology and winner of the GENIUS NY $1 million grand prize at the 2023 Pitch Finals, have announced a strategic partnership with DroneUp, one of America’s foremost autonomous drone delivery companies. This collaboration is set to redefine the standards of last-mile delivery services.

This new partnership comes after months of joint collaboration and on the heels of DroneUp’s recent unveiling of its innovative Drone Autonomous Ecosystem, a platform that promises to revolutionize the delivery industry. Blueflite is honored to be chosen as the drone design partner for this trailblazing initiative. With its advanced drone capabilities, including internal package storage and high-speed flight, blueflite’s technology is a perfect fit for DroneUp’s Ecosystem, ensuring quick, safe, and reliable deliveries within a 15-mile radius of partnered vendors. As a US company, blueflite showcases its commitment to American manufacturing and quality, working with carefully selected US components and suppliers.

“Our alliance with DroneUp heralds a transformative era for last-mile delivery,” said Frank Noppel, CEO of blueflite. “By pooling our resources and expertise, we’re not just advancing drone delivery technology; we’re making it more accessible and efficient for everyone, setting new industry standards along the way.”

“Our selection of blueflite as a partner was based on their profound innovation capabilities and technological excellence,” said John Vernon, DroneUp Chief Technology Officer. “Their vision aligns with ours, and we’re excited about the future of our collaboration, as it strengthens the backbone of our Drone Autonomous Ecosystem.”

This partnership comes at a time when drone delivery is on the rise across the United States and retailers, QSRs and c-stores look for new, innovative ways to put goods in their consumers’ hands at a fraction of the traditional delivery cost. Together, blueflite and DroneUp look to push the boundaries of what’s possible in drone delivery and autonomous logistics.

About blueflite
Founded in 2018, blueflite designs and manufactures advanced drone systems and software for an integrated approach to cargo delivery. The company’s patented platform handles all aspects of logistics drone operations and provides a one-stop solution to solve logistics challenges globally. The unique, all-electrical drone design has vertical take-off and landing capabilities, advanced maneuverability, and is built without compromise – to meet the rigorous demands of commercial operations. Whether packages are large or small, blueflite’s drone-based platform is built to scale in both size and quantity. For more information, visit www.blueflite.com.

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In the heart of Syracuse, New York, the GENIUS NY accelerator has become a thriving hub for innovation in the uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) industry. As the program propels emerging UAS startups towards success, these companies are not only revolutionizing the skies but also playing a significant role in boosting the local economy by creating job opportunities. The teams of GENIUS NY Cohort 7 have wasted no time in bringing in talented local professionals to support their growing companies.

Aloft, creator of fleet management software, hired Emily Limpert in September of 2023 as Director of Business Development. In reflecting on her evolution at the company so far, Emily noted, “I have unlocked my ability to close deals. Aloft makes it easy because the product is so good.” She looks forward to the continuing technological innovations developing in Syracuse and how that plays into her work at Aloft. “I plan to keep closing deals and help develop a roadmap that ensures customer success,” she said, “I think the aviation community in Syracuse is valuable and we benefit from having a strong network here.” Asked about something she has learned about the drone space in her time at Aloft, “Drones can replace dirty and dangerous jobs.”

Over at Blueflite, Josh Greenway joined the team in October 2023 as a Flight Systems Engineer for the drone-based logistics platform company. While the most memorable experience for him was Blueflite winning the $1 million grand prize at the GENIUS NY Pitch Finals event, he has been inspired by how much the GENIUS NY program wants to help all the companies succeed. “Being supported by so many that truly want to help, makes anything seem possible,” said Josh. He has found the Syracuse innovation ecosystem to be “extremely helpful and full of potential.” Asked about what he hopes for the future of Blueflite, he replied “More time in Syracuse!” With the Blueflite team often at their Michigan headquarters, Josh plays an important role maintaining the downtown office at The Tech Garden. “I’m excited to see us grow here in Syracuse.”

VOTIX, a GENIUS NY cohort 7 team that specializes in software for drone orchestration and autonomy, brought in Mirco Kunz as their Business Development Specialist in September 2023. Mirco, reflecting on his role and Syracuse said, “Prior to coming to GENIUS NY I was unaware of the innovation ecosystem that Syracuse had to offer, but I was pleasantly surprised with how friendly and open the ecosystem is. I believe Syracuse has a great future ahead with startups and other industries coming here.” He is currently working on business development in the Drone as First Responder sector, which has him focusing on building relationships with local Syracuse area police departments. “I’ve been able to develop so much knowledge about the startup world and also about the drone industry,” said Mirco, “And I’m very excited for this next year as I grow with the company and see all the things VOTIX has in store in the near future.”

Voltela, who provides guaranteed network connectivity for unlimited safety of autonomous drone operations, has also recently hired two employees locally. Raghuram Voruganti was hired as a Software Engineer, and Shilpa Sainath Wade as a Data Engineer.

GENIUS NY’s unique model has not only accelerated the growth of these UAS startups but has also energized job creation, further solidifying Syracuse’s position as an important national tech hub. As these cohort companies receive the support to grow, so does the local economy. Thanks to the dedication and passion of individuals like Emily, Josh, and Mirco, the UAS and tech ecosystem in Syracuse and the Central New York region continues to emerge as a top destination for innovation.

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March 8 marks International Women’s Day, and GENIUS NY has a lot of incredible women to recognize. International Women’s Day serves as a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity and fostering a more inclusive world.

In recent years, the uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) industry has experienced exponential growth, revolutionizing various sectors from agriculture to healthcare. Even in just seven years with GENIUS NY, the program has seen a 50% increase in applications each year. However, despite this rapid expansion, the industry continues to face a significant gender gap.

According to a report by the Aerospace Industries Association, women represent only about 10-15% of the aerospace workforce, including the UAS sector. On top of this, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports that only 5% of certified drone pilots in the United States are women.

Encouraging and promoting the involvement of women in this field is not only a matter of equality but also a strategic imperative for fostering innovation, diversity, and sustainable growth.

The GENIUS NY accelerator boasts strong leadership from women like Kara Jones, Director of GENIUS NY, who has been instrumental since the program’s inception in 2017. “We take pride in the contributions of all women on the GENIUS NY staff. Additionally, we’re committed to fostering greater diversity across the board, including among our applicants, selected teams, mentors, and advisors,” said Jones, “I’ve witnessed how women bring unique perspectives and talents to the UAS space and it’s time to acknowledge that women are undeniably badass and belong here.”

Closing the gender gap in the UAS and drone industry requires concerted efforts from industry stakeholders, policymakers, educational institutions, and the broader community.

Jennifer Sertl, Marketing Director at Circle Optics, a GENIUS NY portfolio company, was asked what steps she thinks organizations can take to create more inclusive and supportive environments for women in UAS. “At Circle Optics, I worked with our COO Ian Gauger to create a behavioral brand: innovation, synergy and know-how that outlines our core values and allows us to interview people through a filter that is based on ideology. We hope this process allows us to attract and retain the best technical engineers and minimize unconscious cognitive bias.

Organizations like Women and Drones and the impactful efforts of figures like DroneGirl cannot be overlooked. Their tireless advocacy, support, and representation play a crucial role in amplifying the voices and visibility of women in the UAS industry. Their work not only inspires but also paves the way for greater gender diversity and inclusivity.

Elise Hereth, Operations Supervisor at NUAIR says, “I’m retired from the Air Force and was hired by NUAIR because of my technical background as an operator and leader using radar/sensor systems. When I signed up for the USAF in the 80’s it was even more rare for women.” Hereth goes on to say, “I’d advise women of any age, to pursue what interests them, learn as much as you can, and make yourself a valuable team member. Tech fields are a great place for women to be and I’ve been able to be part of professional inclusive teams, both in and out of the military. UAS and aviation is underrepresented by women who have tremendous opportunities to learn and to lead.”

GENIUS NY is committed to fostering diversity by actively seeking and welcoming startup teams led by women to apply. With applications now open, prioritizing the recruitment of women-led teams stands as one of our foremost objectives. To learn more and apply to GENIUS NY click here. You can also refer a women-led team by clicking here.

By fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, promoting STEM education for girls, and actively recruiting and retaining women in the workforce, we can create a more equitable and prosperous future for the industry as a whole.

Now, let’s shine a spotlight on some of the outstanding women contributing to and working in the UAS industry. If you weren’t mentioned this time, know that we recognize and stand behind you. A heartfelt thank you to all the incredible women out there!

GENIUS NY Companies:
Jennifer Sertl – Marketing Director, Circle Optics
Mariah Murray – VP of Operations, AVSS
Irina Statch – Supply Chain Manager, AVSS
Oana Andreea Jinga – Cofounder, Dexory
Izabela Potasz – Chief of Staff, VUMO AI
Emily Limpert – Director of Business Development, Aloft | Part 107 Pilot
Alicia Titus – Software Engineer, ResilienX
Maria Fernanda Jiménez – Marketing Intern, VOTIX

GENIUS NY Staff:
Kara Jones – Director
Rebecca Title-Aretsky – Marketing and Events Coordinator
Becca Breeden – Entrepreneurial Manager
Beverly Mack – Operations Manager

Partners at NUAIR:
Melinda Marion – Director Business Development, NUAIR |Private Pilot and Part 107 Pilot
Megan Crout– Director of Marketing, NUAIR | Part 107 Pilot
Emily DeMarche – Chief Financial Officer, NUAIR
Melanie Kalisz – Revenue Life Cycle Manager, NUAIR
Elise Hereth – Operations Supervisor, NUAIR
Judy Van Wie – Director of Finance
Kristina Williams – Business Operations Manager

GENIUS NY Evaluators & Finals Judges:
Marcia Mitchell – New York Ventures
Maria Tranquilli – Southwest Mission Acceleration Center (MAC)
Gretchen Wilson – Commercial Drone Alliance
Eszter Kovacs – Murzilli Consulting

GENIUS NY VC Partners:
Charlotte Japp – Global Head of Platform, ff Venture Capital
Nandini Agarwal – Senior Associate, ff Venture Capital
Olivia Goldstein – CEO, Upstate Venture Connect
Noa Simons – President and CEO, Upstate Capital Association of New York
Jennifer Tegan – President, NY Ventures
Elizabeth Reynolds – Starburst Aerospace

Thank you to Empire State Development for funding GENIUS NY:
Governor Hochul, Governor, New York State
Hope Knight, Commissioner, Empire State Development

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The Central New York State region, an area encompassing the city of Syracuse and its surroundings, is emerging as a world-class epicenter for innovation in Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). The area has one of seven Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) designated test sites, a 240-mile Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) testing corridor and AAM capabilities that are at the leading edge of this growing industry. Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) was one of the first airports in the country to make AAM considerations in its masterplan.

“We are the only airport in North America that has completely integrated drones operating among commercial traffic. It just makes sense to do the proof of concept for infrastructure at an airport like this,” said Jason Terreri, Executive Director of Syracuse Regional Airport Authority.

SYR is home to the first of its kind NUAIR Center of Excellence at SYR, where UAS technologies can be tested and developed in the regional commercial airspace. NUAIR President and CEO Ken Stewart said New York’s assets and progressive attitude in aviation creates an ecosystem where UAS companies can thrive. “We have GENIUS NY. We have The Tech Garden. We have NUAIR. All these capabilities are helping us develop an ecosystem,” Stewart said. “The companies are coming here from international locations to be here because this is kind of the hub. They can now come here, be based here and get their technology up and running in a commercial aspect.”

Stewart said their goal is to get drone technologies adopted, getting companies to relocate and establish Central New York as a global center for UAS and AAM technologies.

Enter GENIUS NY. GENIUS NY is a year-long, in-person accelerator sponsored by New York’s Empire State Development and operated by CenterState CEO at The Tech Garden incubator in downtown Syracuse. The program is one of a kind and the world’s largest accelerator focused on UAS startups. It invests $3 million annually into seed-stage companies focused on UAS, automation and AAM. Five finalists are selected for the program each year, and one company is chosen for a $1 million grand prize, with the other four receiving $500,000 each. GENIUS NY partners closely with NUAIR and SYR, providing the program’s portfolio companies with exclusive access to advanced industry opportunities and networks.

“It’s a really exciting time to be in Syracuse,” said Josh Ziering of GENIUS NY cohort seven team, Aloft. “If we wanted to do it now’s the time, and if we wanted to be in a certain place, Syracuse is the spot. We’re looking forward to growing our team here and ultimately building out. Syracuse is the tip of the spear for Aloft.”

Participation in the GENIUS NY program provides a unique opportunity to be a part of this leading, one-of-a-kind UAS ecosystem growing strong in Central New York. Applications are now open for the eighth cohort of the accelerator, and are being accepted until May 15, 2024. You can learn more and apply at geniusny.com.

“We’re looking for startups interested in pushing the bounds of current UAS technologies in Central New York,” said Kara Jones, director of GENIUS NY. “The region’s growing innovation ecosystem offers early-stage companies a unique opportunity to work collaboratively with industry leaders while advancing their own technologies. The targeted resources awarded to GENIUS NY companies enable them to scale faster, generate revenue sooner, and create jobs for the local economy.”

GENIUS NY, NUAIR and other GENIUS NY companies will be at AUVSI XPONENTIAL this April in San Diego at the New York Pavilion booth. To get engaged in the New York ecosystem or apply to GENIUS NY visit, Why Central New York? | GENIUS NY.

CenterState CEO recently interviewed Ken Stewart and Jason Terreri about this topic for the Talk CNY presented by NBT Bank podcast. You can hear more of what they have to say here: Listen to Podcast | Watch on YouTube | Read the Transcript

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Sept. 2023, Syracuse, NY – ff Venture Capital (ffVC) announced today the opening of its first Upstate New York office within CenterState CEO’s The Tech Garden in downtown Syracuse, the location’s first in-residence investor. The Tech Garden is home to GENIUS NY, the world’s largest business accelerator for uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), operated by CenterState CEO. To date, ffVC has invested in two GENIUS NY portfolio companies: CivRobotics and CarScanner. Almost half of companies in GENIUS NY have gone on to raise follow-on funding from venture capitalists, with more expected. Each cohort year, companies are fundraising and seeking follow-on funding, making this partnership crucial for the continued growth and survival of startups. Within the new partnership, ffVC will have an office at The Tech Garden and be available to meet with GENIUS NY and The Tech Garden members, bringing potential new deal flow opportunities to the region.

“This partnership and the growth of venture capital and early-stage investment in the region is another sign of the strength of Central New York’s innovation ecosystem,” said Kara Jones, director of GENIUS NY. “This valuable new investment tool is part of growing set of resources that will help entrepreneurs thrive here in our region.”

ffVC is an international venture capital firm with offices and funds in the United States and Europe. Founded in 2008, the firm has been empowering startup founders with funding and resources to launch transformative technologies that impact the lives of millions. Since its first investment in the drone space in 2014, ffVC has been an active investor in the automation industry, including such market leaders as Burro, Cambrian Robotics, Digital Twin, Lynq, Manna, PlusOne Robotics, SkyCatch, and Zenith Aerospace.

“This partnership offers ffVC a unique opportunity to be actively engaged with some of the best mechatronic startups in the world, working with them to turn their products into thriving companies generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue,” states Oliver Mitchell, Partner at ffVC. “Central New York is a critical environment for launching uncrewed systems and offers a unique landing pad for international founders entering the United States. We are excited to deepen our efforts in the Upstate region, expanding our portfolio and presence in the fields of autonomy and mobility.” Mitchell recently joined ffVC’s partnership to increase the firm’s focus in the automation sector and sits on the boards of portfolio companies Civ Robotics and Cambrian Robotics. He has a track record as a serial entrepreneur and angel investor with recent exits in Ekso Bionics (NASDAQ:EKSO), NovoCure (NASDAQ:NVCR), and TripleLift.

To date, GENIUS NY has invested more than $21 million in 36 startups, which have gone on to raise more than $100 million in follow-on funding, adding more than 80 new local jobs from teams. Finalists for the program’s seventh cohort are currently participating in the accelerator, and will compete for $3 million in direct investment, with one grand prize of up to $1 million and four $500,000 awards, at GENIUS NY Pitch Finals, on Oct. 4, 2023.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The decision by ff Venture Capital to open an office at The Tech Garden, home to the New York State-supported GENIUS NY accelerator, reflects the global success of this uncrewed aerial systems competition and the attention and private investment it’s attracting based on all that the Central New York region has to offer.”

Additionally, ffVC and GENIUS NY plan to continue to hold its annual Robotics and Drone Summit, with the goal of exploring how drones and robotics are impacting the construction, agricultural, transportation, supply chain, energy, aeronautics, consumer, and defense industries. Last year, the summit was held in the fall in New York City and attracted more than 300 attendees including mechatronic entrepreneurs from across the world, leading investors, corporate innovation leaders, and curious customers.

To learn more about GENIUS NY visit, www.geniusny.com. To learn more about ffVC visit, www.ffvc.com.

About GENIUS NY – GENIUS NY is the world’s largest business accelerator program focused on uncrewed systems. The program is operated by CenterState CEO and housed at The Tech Garden in Central New York, and is funded by New York State’s Empire State Development. In addition to the $1 million grand prize and four $500,000 investments, the program also offers resources, programming, and mentoring, making it among the largest competitions of its kind across the globe. More information is available here.

About ffVC – ff Venture Capital (ffVC) is an early-stage venture firm focused on global opportunities, with 90+ active portfolio companies across emerging technology sectors, including Applied AI, FinTech, Insurtech, Drones, and Robotics. Notable investments include: Addepar, Cornerstone OnDemand, Clarity Money (acquired by: Goldman Sachs), Movable Ink, Omaze, Owlet (NYSE:OWLT), Plated (Albertsons), Transactis (MasterCard), Rescale, and Socure. Founded in 2008, ffVC has offices in New York and Warsaw.

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This year’s GENIUS NY finalists; Aloft, Blueflite, Greenjets, Voltela, and Votix, have arrived in Syracuse, New York, ready to participate in the uncrewed aerial systems, robotics and big data accelerator program

These businesses were selected from a competitive group of applicants to participate in the program, which is focused on uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), robotics and big data startups. The teams will spend the next twelve months working out of Central New York’s premiere tech hub incubator, CenterState CEO’s The Tech Garden, where they will build out their operations and continue to scale.

As is true with each GENIUS NY cohort, these finalists are developing highly advanced products and services in terms of technology and application:

Blueflite designs and manufactures large drone platforms for faster and greener deliveries. The drone is all electric and can be used in emergency response for rapid delivery of medical or life-saving equipment such as defibrillators, or medications.

Greenjets is building electric ducted fan propulsion systems that are quieter and safer for drones.

Voltela is working on network connectivity for unlimited safety of autonomous commercial drone operations.

Both Votix and Aloft provide robust software solutions for the advancement and safety of UAS flight and usage.

The teams have wasted no time in immersing themselves in the vibrant Central New York and Syracuse communities, engaging with local entrepreneurs, and exploring the region’s tech ecosystem. The day after orientation, the teams attended the Upstate Capital Future of Air & Space event at the Innovare Advancement Center in Rome, NY where, in addition to networking, they had the opportunity to learn about what’s happening in Upstate NY in UAS and uncrewed systems, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), edge & quantum computing, and their applications.

The annual highlight of the accelerator is Innovation Night featuring the GENIUS NY Pitch Finals, to be held on October 4, 2023 in Syracuse, where a total of $3 million will be awarded. The teams pitch their product to a panel of judges with one team receiving a grand prize investment of $1 million and the remaining four teams receiving $500,000 awards. The night is always one of excitement filled with local entrepreneurs, community business leaders, investors, and supporters of innovation.

GENIUS NY is aligned with efforts to highlight and support a growing smart systems cluster in Syracuse. Beyond the financial support, the participating teams gain access to Central New York’s unique startup programming, invaluable mentorships, and a wide range of resources.

This comprehensive ecosystem equips them with the tools necessary to transform their ideas into scalable and sustainable businesses. With one year of dedicated support ahead of them, Aloft, Blueflite, Greenjets, Voltela, and Votix will become part of this ecosystem and build networks, share new ideas, attract talent and investments, and help the Syracuse economy grow.

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