Meet GENIUS NY 9: Skyfire AI

SkyfireAI wasn't built in a boardroom. It was built from experience by people who've spent their careers in the field, in command centers, and in environments where decisions carry real consequences. Many of the team members have worked together before. All of them share the same belief: when better information gets into the right hands faster, outcomes change. Sometimes, that means lives are saved.

At its core, SkyfireAI is solving a time problem. In high-stakes environments like fires, disasters and defense operations, there's never enough time. Decision-makers are forced to act with incomplete information, delayed visibility or fragmented data streams. In those moments, seconds matter.

SkyfireAI changes that. By leveraging artificial intelligence to power advanced drone operations, the platform delivers real-time, actionable intelligence to the people who need it most. Not more data, but the right data, delivered in a way that's immediately usable.

"Our mission is simple," said Justin McCarthy, head of marcom and partnerships at SkyfireAI. "Make sure the people stepping into harm's way have the best possible information, as quickly as possible. Because at the end of the day, a human is making that decision, and it must be the right one."

That philosophy shows up in how the platform is built. SkyfireAI doesn't try to replace operators. It amplifies them by turning complex aerial data into clear, real-time insight that supports faster, more confident decisions. Whether it's public safety, defense or critical infrastructure, the goal is the same: move faster, operate safer, and reduce uncertainty when it matters most.

As part of GENIUS NY Cohort 9, SkyfireAI has been advancing both its technology and its go-to-market strategy at CenterState CEO's INSPYRE Innovation Hub. For Vice President of Federal and Defense Programs David Gaulin, the region isn't new, it's foundational. A Syracuse University alumnus who was commissioned through SU's Air Force ROTC program, Gaulin has long recognized Central New York as a quiet powerhouse in unmanned systems innovation.

"People don't always associate this region with defense and UAS leadership, but they should," said Gaulin. "The depth of capability here is real, and it's been building for decades."

That ecosystem, combined with the structure of the GENIUS NY program, has created meaningful momentum.

"This is a community that wants you to win," said Todd Adelman, Vice President of the Northeast Region at SkyfireAI. "And when you're building in a space like this, that matters. It allows you to stay focused on execution and growth."

As Innovation Night approaches, SkyfireAI isn't just preparing a pitch. They're showing what happens when technology is built by people who understand the mission and designed for those who carry it out every day.

SkyfireAI will take the stage alongside other Cohort 9 companies to compete for the $1 million GENIUS NY grand prize. Innovation Night brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and community leaders for a celebration of innovation across Central New York. Get your ticket today.