Governor Kathy Hochul 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 $30 million in GENIUS NY over the programs 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.”
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. More information is available here.
Source: Press Release