Norwegian Drone Delivery Startup Aviant Wins $1M Grand Prize at GENIUS NY Competition

Aviant, an Oslo-based autonomous drone delivery company, has secured the top spot and $1 million grand prize at the 8th annual GENIUS NY competition in Syracuse, New York, cementing Central New York’s position as a growing hub for uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) innovation.

Competition Details and Winner

The pitch finals, held at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown Ballroom on October 28, 2024, showcased five innovative drone companies from around the world. Aviant, led by founder Lars Erik Matsson Fagernaes, impressed judges with their autonomous last-mile delivery solutions designed to enhance logistics efficiency and reliability.

“We really hope to experience a sport event!” shared Fagernaes, expressing enthusiasm about Syracuse. “I’ve heard so many great things about the American football and basketball at the Dome here, so very excited for this.”

Distinguished Panel of Judges

The competition featured an impressive lineup of industry experts as judges, including:

• Pete Mathias – Partner at Alumni Ventures
• Somak Chattopadhyay – Managing Partner at Armory Square Ventures
• Jennifer Tegan – Managing Director of New York Ventures
• Chuck Green – CEO and President of AIS
• Mariah Murray – VP of Operations at AVSS
• Kevin May – VP of Engineering at Hidden Level

Regional Impact and Investment

“Central New York and the Mohawk Valley have become the nation’s premier destination for drones and uncrewed systems,” noted event materials, highlighting over $56 million in state investment in the FAA-designated NY UAS Test Site at Griffiss Airport and $16.6 million for The Tech Garden’s expansion.

Comprehensive Program Benefits

GENIUS NY offers more than just prize money. The program provides:

• Year-long accelerator support
• Mentorship opportunities
• Industry connections
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities
• Integration into the local drone ecosystem

Other Notable Finalists

The competition featured four other promising drone startups:

INVOLI (Lausanne, Switzerland)

Developed next-generation ground-based surveillance technology for low-altitude airspace, enhancing safety for drone operators and small airports.

CROVER (Edinburgh, Scotland)

Created innovative uncrewed vehicles that can “swim” through grains and powders for improved storage management and safety.

Aerialoop (Miami, FL)

Designed efficient middle-mile drone delivery networks between warehouses and stores for faster shipping solutions.

Flyhound (New York, NY)

Developed public safety drone technology to help agencies locate and identify people quickly during emergencies.

Infrastructure and Support

New York State has created a robust ecosystem for drone innovation, including:

• One of only seven FAA UAS test sites in the nation
• NUAIR’s new Center of Excellence at Syracuse Hancock International Airport
• A unique 240-square-mile BVLOS airspace for testing
• A $21 million grant supporting advanced air mobility operations

Future Growth and Expansion

The Tech Garden, which hosts the GENIUS NY program, is undergoing significant expansion to be completed in spring 2025. The new facilities will include:

• Expansion from 30,000 to 76,000 square feet
• New makerspace
• Event space for 200 people
• Rooftop terrace
• Podcast production studio
• Dedicated drone testing deck

Governor’s Support

New York Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the state’s commitment to the program: “New York State is proud to support these new companies, and we look forward to watching today’s class of entrepreneurs thrive with the incubation, mentorship, strong community support, and training that GENIUS NY will provide.”

DroneXL’s Take

The success of GENIUS NY and Aviant’s win represents a significant milestone in the evolution of drone delivery technology. With the growing demand for efficient logistics solutions, autonomous delivery drones are becoming increasingly important. The program’s focus on BVLOS operations and advanced air mobility aligns perfectly with industry trends we’ve been tracking in drone delivery and BVLOS operations. The robust ecosystem being built in Central New York, combined with significant state investment, positions the region to become a leading hub for drone innovation and deployment.

What do you think about Aviant’s win and the future of drone delivery in Central New York? Share your thoughts in the comments below.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​