Empire State Development (ESD) has announced the commencement of applications for the eighth round of GENIUS NY. The year-long, in-residence program, based in downtown Syracuse and operated by CenterState CEO, will invest over $3 million in five finalist companies, with a grand prize of $1 million. Alongside financial support, GENIUS NY provides essential business resources, programming, mentorship, and networking opportunities to empower innovative startups in seizing emerging opportunities. Participants commit to operating their businesses in Central New York for at least one year.