A Stockholm-based startup is redefining how humans interact with wildlife—and just secured major validation on a global stage.
Flox Intelligence has been named the $1 million grand prize winner of the ninth round of the GENIUS NY accelerator, widely recognized as the world’s largest accelerator for uncrewed systems.
AI That Communicates With Animals
Flox is building a new category of AI-powered wildlife management technology. Its system is designed to understand and communicate with wild animals, using a combination of edge computing, drones, trains, and stationary “pods.”
The goal is both simple and ambitious:
guide animals away from dangerous or sensitive areas—such as railways, airports, farmland, and urban zones—without harming them.
This approach opens up a new layer of coexistence between infrastructure and ecosystems, where AI acts as a mediator rather than a disruptor.
Why It Matters
Human-wildlife conflict is a growing global issue, especially as infrastructure expands into natural habitats. Traditional mitigation methods—like fencing or relocation—are often expensive, ineffective, or harmful.
Flox’s solution introduces:
- Non-invasive intervention
- Real-time behavioral response
- Scalable deployment via autonomous systems
In short, it’s a ClimateTech and DeepTech hybrid tackling biodiversity and infrastructure challenges simultaneously.
From Stockholm to New York
By winning GENIUS NY, Flox not only secured $1 million in funding but also committed to establishing operations in Central New York for at least one year.
According to CEO and co-founder Sara Nozkova, the move marks a strategic expansion:
“We came looking for advice and capital. We found a new home and long-term partners.”
Syracuse will now serve as the company’s global headquarters and launchpad for North American expansion.
Inside GENIUS NY
The GENIUS NY accelerator, funded by Empire State Development and operated by CenterState CEO, brings top startups in drones, robotics, and autonomous systems to New York.
- Total funding in this round: $3 million
- Grand prize: $1 million (Flox Intelligence)
- Four additional finalists: $500,000 each
Since its launch, the program has:
- Invested $27 million into 47 startups
- Helped companies raise $500M+ in follow-on funding
It has also played a key role in positioning Central New York as a global hub for uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and advanced mobility technologies.
The Bigger Shift
Flox represents a broader trend: AI moving beyond screens and software into physical, real-world ecosystems.
From autonomous drones to edge-based intelligence, the next generation of startups is not just optimizing workflows—it’s reshaping how humans interact with the environment itself.
If Flox succeeds, wildlife management could become one of the most unexpected—and impactful—frontiers of applied AI.
