When our drone technology startup Quantifly was selected as one of six companies worldwide to participate in GENIUS NY, the world’s largest accelerator program for autonomous systems, we knew we were in for a transformative experience. What we didn’t expect was how deeply this journey would reshape our understanding of business, community, and economic development in America’s heartland.
A Leap of Faith
As a co-founder with a background in cinematography and drone operations, the decision to relocate to Syracuse, New York, for a year was momentous. Our company, which used drones and computer vision to analyze urban parking patterns for city planners, had potential—but we needed the resources and mentorship to turn that potential into reality.
GENIUS NY, backed by Empire State Development, offered exactly that: up to $1 million in seed funding and a comprehensive support system for startups in the autonomous systems space. The opportunity was too significant to pass up, even if it meant uprooting our lives and families.
More Than Just Funding
While securing the second-place prize of $600,000 was a landmark achievement for Quantifly, the true value of the program extended far beyond the financial reward. For six intense months, we were immersed in every aspect of building a successful technology company:
- Collaborated with leading drone manufacturers and testing facilities
- Represented New York State at major industry conferences like AUVSI and Swissnex
- Engaged with local government officials, including the mayor of Syracuse
- Partnered with prestigious universities and their talented students
I gave a talk at Swissnex 2018 in Boston to showcase Quantifly’s innovation with drones
Through Syracuse University’s CASE program, we provided paid internships to five undergraduate and graduate students, who brought fresh perspectives and energy to our product development efforts. The university’s law school even conducted preliminary patent research for us, demonstrating the powerful synergy between academia and industry.
The Hidden Strength of Regional Innovation
Perhaps the most eye-opening aspect of our GENIUS NY experience was discovering the vibrant ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship in Upstate New York. Far from the shadows of Manhattan’s skyscrapers, cities like Syracuse are undergoing remarkable transformations, powered by:
- World-class research institutions (Cornell, RIT, Syracuse University, University of Buffalo)
- State-level economic development initiatives
- A deeply committed local business community
- Strong connections between universities and industry
What struck me most was how many business leaders were actually locals who had studied at nearby universities and were now dedicated to reinvesting in their communities. This challenged my preconceptions about business being purely profit-driven—instead, I witnessed firsthand how companies can be powerful forces for positive community change.
Technology business leaders from the upstate NY region supporting Genius NY finals
A Region Reborn
Our time in Syracuse coincided with a pivotal moment in Upstate New York’s economic renaissance. The region, once part of America’s “silent Rust Belt,” was beginning to emerge as a technology hub. Today, that transformation continues with major investments like Intel’s new chip foundry, supported by the CHIPS Act—a testament to the region’s growing importance in America’s technology landscape.
Dr. Roostaei supervising our Syracuse University interns train a computer vision model
Lessons That Last a Lifetime
Beyond the $600,000 prize and additional $100,000 in grants and resources, GENIUS NY provided something invaluable: a comprehensive education in building and scaling a technology company. We learned about:
- Patent strategy and intellectual property protection
- University-business partnerships
- Regional economic development
- Community engagement and corporate responsibility
- The vital role of applied research in innovation
RIT, Buffalo, and Syracuse University students participating in a hackathon
Looking Back, Looking Forward
As I reflect on our GENIUS NY journey, I’m struck by how this experience transformed not just our company, but our understanding of what business can and should be. In an era where technology startups are often viewed through the narrow lens of venture capital and exit strategies, our time in Syracuse revealed a different model—one where innovation serves community development, and where business success is measured not just in dollars, but in lasting positive impact.
The skills and insights gained during this program continue to influence my approach to business and community engagement. GENIUS NY wasn’t just an accelerator program—it was a masterclass in how technology, community, and economic development can work together to create sustainable growth and opportunity.
For entrepreneurs considering similar programs, remember that the true value often lies beyond the prize money. It’s in the relationships built, the lessons learned, and the opportunity to be part of something bigger than yourself—the revitalization of America’s innovation ecosystem, one community at a time.
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