The shortlist simply obtained shorter. Out of the 11 semifinalists introduced final month, 5 drone startups in 2025 look a bit extra promising. 5 drone startups have now been tapped to hitch GENIUS NY, the world’s largest enterprise accelerator for drones, robotics, and uncrewed methods.
These 5 finalists will relocate to Syracuse, New York, this fall to start a yearlong residency, the place they’ll obtain mentorship, workspace contained in the brand-new INSPYRE Innovation Hub, and a shot on the $1 million grand prize at Innovation Evening on Might 7, 2026. 4 different groups will stroll away with $500,000 every — that means $3 million complete in funding is on the road.
The 5 drone startups in 2025 to observe
This yr’s finalist roster represents a mixture of protection, infrastructure, and public security functions — with at the least one startup that feels prefer it got here out of a sci-fi novel. Right here’s who made the minimize:
- Flox (Stockholm, Sweden): Makes use of AI to grasp and “communicate” to wild animals through drones, trains, and edge pods — steering wildlife away from airports, farms, or different delicate areas.
- Lamarr AI (New York, USA): Brings drones and AI collectively to examine constructing exteriors quicker, cheaper, and extra safely than human crews. (I lately took a deep dive into Lamarr’s software program, which you’ll be able to learn right here.)
- Lighthouse Avionics (Ohio, USA): Creating low-cost optical methods to watch low-altitude airspace — from drone threats to fowl strikes — whereas supporting FAA compliance.
- Modovolo (New York, USA): A modular drone firm constructing Lego-like plane with prolonged flight occasions for industrial and protection makes use of.
- Skyfire AI (New Jersey, USA): Focuses on autonomous drone swarms for first responders, protection, and public security. Skyfire stands out as a result of its public security drone is made in America.
In comparison with previous cohorts, these groups are additional alongside, which could clarify why these are the final word drone startups in 2025. Actually, many have already got industrial pilots, paying prospects,= or confirmed traction of their industries.
Why Syracuse?
In case you’re questioning why a Swedish wildlife-tech firm or a New Jersey swarm startup would transfer to upstate New York, the reply lies in GENIUS NY’s distinctive mannequin. This system, funded by New York State and run by CenterState CEO, requires finalists to function in Central New York for at the least a yr. In alternate, they get assets that transcend only a huge verify.
This yr’s groups would be the first to work out of the INSPYRE Innovation Hub (no, the goofy spelling will not be a typo). That hub occurs to be New York state’s largest enterprise incubator. The brand new facility features a {hardware} middle, makerspace and even an uncrewed methods testing deck. Different perks embody AWS credit, entry to PitchBook, industry-specific advisors and the prospect to faucet into the area’s UAS Job Fund.
“This yr’s finalists convey the most recent in uncrewed aerial and robotics expertise proper right here to Central New York,” mentioned GENIUS NY director Kara Jones in a ready assertion. “These firms are constructing applied sciences that clear up real-world issues throughout protection, infrastructure and public security.”
Why GENIUS NY issues for drone startups
GENIUS NY isn’t only a native accelerator — it’s change into one thing of a worldwide power in drone and robotics innovation. Since 2017, this system has invested almost $24 million in 42 startups. Collectively, alumni have raised greater than $350 million in follow-on funding and created a whole bunch of jobs throughout New York state.
New York officers see GENIUS NY as a key plank of their technique to cement Central New York as a UAS hub.
“New York’s ongoing UAS investments and dedication proceed to create new high-tech jobs and development, additional establishing the State as an {industry} chief,” mentioned Empire State Improvement’s Hope Knight
What’s subsequent for these drone startups in 2025?
The 5 finalists will now spend the following yr refining their go-to-market plans, constructing relationships with native buyers, and — let’s be actual — sprucing their pitches. All of it culminates on Innovation Evening 2026, when one group will stroll away with the coveted $1 million prize.
If historical past is any indicator, anticipate these firms to make noise effectively past Syracuse. Previous GENIUS NY alums embody startups tackling drone supply, counter-drone radar, and industrial inspection — a few of which have gone on to boost tens of thousands and thousands in enterprise capital.
So, will the following Skydio or Zipline come out of this cohort? Keep tuned.
Associated
Uncover extra from The Drone Lady
Subscribe to get the most recent posts despatched to your e-mail.
