GENIUS NY is a sector-specific accelerator built only for drone, robotics, autonomous systems, and advanced air mobility startups, offering $3 million each year through a $1 million grand prize and four $500,000 investments, making it one of the largest programs of its kind for uncrewed systems. Because it takes equity in these companies, it gives founders access to Central New York's FAA-designated drone test site and large authorized airspace, keeps supporting them well after the 12-month residency ends, and requires them to operate in the region for at least a year to help build local jobs and manufacturing.