The shortlist just got shorter. Out of the 11 semifinalists announced last month, five drone startups in 2025 look a bit more promising. Five drone startups have now been tapped to join GENIUS NY, the world’s largest business accelerator for drones, robotics, and uncrewed systems.
Those five finalists will relocate to Syracuse, New York, this fall to begin a yearlong residency, where they’ll receive mentorship, workspace inside the brand-new INSPYRE Innovation Hub, and a shot at the $1 million grand prize at Innovation Night on May 7, 2026. Four other teams will walk away with $500,000 each — meaning $3 million total in funding is on the line.
The five drone startups in 2025 to watch
This year’s finalist roster represents a mix of defense, infrastructure, and public safety applications — with at least one startup that feels like it came out of a sci-fi novel. Here’s who made the cut:
- Flox (Stockholm, Sweden): Uses AI to understand and “speak” to wild animals via drones, trains, and edge pods — steering wildlife away from airports, farms, or other sensitive areas.
- Lamarr AI (New York, USA): Brings drones and AI together to inspect building exteriors faster, cheaper, and more safely than human crews. (I recently took a deep dive into Lamarr’s software, which you can read here.)
- Lighthouse Avionics (Ohio, USA): Developing low-cost optical systems to monitor low-altitude airspace — from drone threats to bird strikes — while supporting FAA compliance.
- Modovolo (New York, USA): A modular drone company building Lego-like aircraft with extended flight times for commercial and defense uses.
- Skyfire AI (New Jersey, USA): Specializes in autonomous drone swarms for first responders, defense, and public safety. Skyfire stands out because its public safety drone is made in America.
Compared to past cohorts, these teams are further along, which might explain why these are the ultimate drone startups in 2025. In fact, many already have commercial pilots, paying customers,= or proven traction in their industries.
Why Syracuse?
If you’re wondering why a Swedish wildlife-tech company or a New Jersey swarm startup would move to upstate New York, the answer lies in GENIUS NY’s unique model. The program, funded by New York State and run by CenterState CEO, requires finalists to operate in Central New York for at least a year. In exchange, they get resources that go beyond just a big check.
This year’s teams will be the first to work out of the INSPYRE Innovation Hub (no, the goofy spelling is not a typo). That hub happens to be New York state’s largest business incubator. The new facility includes a hardware center, makerspace and even an uncrewed systems testing deck. Other perks include AWS credits, access to PitchBook, industry-specific advisors and the chance to tap into the region’s UAS Job Fund.
“This year’s finalists bring the latest in uncrewed aerial and robotics technology right here to Central New York,” said GENIUS NY director Kara Jones in a prepared statement. “These companies are building technologies that solve real-world problems across defense, infrastructure and public safety.”
Why GENIUS NY matters for drone startups
GENIUS NY isn’t just a local accelerator — it’s become something of a global force in drone and robotics innovation. Since 2017, the program has invested nearly $24 million in 42 startups. Collectively, alumni have raised more than $350 million in follow-on funding and created hundreds of jobs across New York state.
New York officials see GENIUS NY as a key plank in their strategy to cement Central New York as a UAS hub.
“New York’s ongoing UAS investments and commitment continue to create new high-tech jobs and growth, further establishing the State as an industry leader,” said Empire State Development’s Hope Knight
What’s next for these drone startups in 2025?
The five finalists will now spend the next year refining their go-to-market plans, building relationships with local investors, and — let’s be real — polishing their pitches. It all culminates on Innovation Night 2026, when one team will walk away with the coveted $1 million prize.
If history is any indicator, expect these companies to make noise well beyond Syracuse. Past GENIUS NY alums include startups tackling drone delivery, counter-drone radar, and industrial inspection — some of which have gone on to raise tens of millions in venture capital.
So, will the next Skydio or Zipline come out of this cohort? Stay tuned.
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