Upstate Capital, together with the Griffiss Institute and GENIUS NY, hosted the third annual “Future of Air & Space” event at the Innovare Advancement Center in Rome, NY, on July 13, 2023. Initially launched in 2020, this event serves as a platform to connect investors with technology-based startups focused on aerospace, defense, and adjacent industries. This year’s event was presented by National Grid. Upstate Capital set the vision, timeline, and agenda, and worked closely with sponsors and partners including Decisive Point, National Security Innovation Network (NSIN), and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).
A Day Focused on Innovation and Networking
The agenda topics were tailored to promote investor interest, connect startups with industry professionals, and showcase the assets and programs to key stakeholders.
The day began with an exclusive session where 36 curated startups had the opportunity to network with 30 investors and industry professionals. The round-robin style session allowed groups of 10-15 individuals to sit together, introduce themselves, and engage in meaningful discussions.
Following the morning session, the full event program began, gathering over 150 attendees, including investors, founders, established companies, dealmakers, and industry professionals. Cheryl Ingstad, Managing Director of NSIN, delivered a warm welcome and inspiring keynote, setting the stage for the day’s discussions.
Then a panel of experts, including Ryan Benitez (Partner at Decisive Point), Clayton Besch (Director, NY Ventures), John Nunziato (COO, SOSSEC), and John McCanney (Chief, Innovation Contracting Branch), discussed various funding sources available to aerospace and defense companies. Grant Fox, Director of NSIN, moderated the panel.
Karen Roth, Chief Engineer at Air Force Research Laboratory, moderated a panel that delved into working with the Department of Defense (DoD) beyond funding. The panelists, Aleksey Panasyuk, Corey Pardee, Erich Devendorf, and Stephen Colenzo, shared valuable insights into their core technical competencies.
Jeff Cole, CEO of Hidden Level, and Elizabeth Onasanya from Lockheed Martin Ventures engaged in an enlightening conversation with Benjamin Zeitoun, an investor with Starburst. The discussion revolved around the challenges and opportunities in the aerospace and defense industry.
The event featured a startup expo with engaging displays and dynamic indoor navigation provided by Nearabl. Attendees had the opportunity to explore innovations and network with industry leaders. The event concluded with a Summer Soiree hosted by Innovare, offering attendees a chance to unwind and network in a more relaxed setting.
With a focus on connecting investors with technology-driven startups in aerospace, defense, and adjacent industries, this year’s Future of Air & Space event played a crucial role in fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth in the region’s economic landscape.