5 drone startups in 2025 to look at

The shortlist simply received 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 programs.

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 Could 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 look at

This yr’s finalist roster represents a mixture of protection, infrastructure, and public security purposes — with no less than 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 learn right here.)
• Lighthouse Avionics (Ohio, USA): Growing low-cost optical programs 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 business 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. In truth, many have already got business pilots, paying clients,= or confirmed traction of their industries.

Why Syracuse?

In the event 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 no less than a yr. In alternate, they get assets that transcend only a massive verify.

This yr’s groups would be the first to work out of the INSPYRE Innovation Hub (no, the goofy spelling shouldn’t be a typo). That hub occurs to be New York state’s largest enterprise incubator. The brand new facility features a {hardware} heart, makerspace and even an uncrewed programs testing deck. Different perks embrace AWS credit, entry to PitchBook, industry-specific advisors and the prospect to faucet into the area’s UAS Job Fund.

“This yr’s finalists carry the most recent in uncrewed aerial and robotics expertise proper right here to Central New York,” stated GENIUS NY director Kara Jones in a ready assertion. “These corporations are constructing applied sciences that remedy 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 world drive 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,” stated Empire State Improvement’s Hope Knight

What’s subsequent for these drone startups in 2025?

The 5 finalists will now spend the subsequent 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 crew will stroll away with the coveted $1 million prize.

If historical past is any indicator, anticipate these corporations to make noise effectively past Syracuse. Previous GENIUS NY alums embrace startups tackling drone supply, counter-drone radar, and industrial inspection — a few of which have gone on to lift tens of tens of millions in enterprise capital.

So, will the subsequent Skydio or Zipline come out of this cohort? Keep tuned.

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