Six High Impact Tech Startups Set to Pitch at Virtual Demo Day

Two best pitches of the day take home $200K and $100K on July 16

2020 Spring Cohort Demo Day

Rome, NY – On Thursday, July 16, beginning at 2:00 pm EST, six startups from the current AFRL Commercialization Academy cohort, who are building their startups around Department of Defense Intellectual Property (IP) from the Air Force Research Laboratory, will pitch their businesses in cyber security, big data, information systems, and UAS, to a panel of judges and compete to win $300,000 in prize seed funding at a Virtual Demo Day.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Griffiss Institute has elected to hold a virtual event this time around, to keep everyone as safe as possible. During this virtual event, the teams will pitch their startups and take questions from the judges, while the audience watches from work, home or just about anywhere.

Here are the six startups that will pitch at Demo Day on July 16.

 

Attola Surveillance

Atolla Surveillance – Rockville Center, NY

Atolla Surveillance is developing a sensor system for the counter-surveillance of micro air vehicles (MAVs) that would otherwise be undetectable.

 

BloomOptix

BloomOptix – Rochester, NY

BloomOptix is focused on providing innovative, high-resolution, accurate and timely early harmful algal blooms (HABs) detection and future forecasting services through the collection of data using unmanned aerial and surface vehicles.

 

Imagine Aerial

Imagine Aerial – Manlius, NY

Imagine Aerial is developing and deploying UAS and data innovations that revolutionize project delivery in building construction and maintenance, infrastructure, sports and public safety.

 

Overseer

Overseer – Oneida, NY

Overseer is developing an online privacy and anonymity service through the use of artificial intelligence and cloud computing.

 

 

Seven Point Labs

Seven Point Labs – Utica, NY

Seven Point Labs is a data-specific SaaS company focusing on human-centered design for municipalities, small businesses and nonprofits.

 

Vistex

Vistex – Schenectady, NY

Vistex Composites is a manufacturing innovation company that has developed disruptive technology for the manufacturing of advanced thermoset and thermoplastic composite products.

 

The Innovation & Development Entrepreneurial Accelerator, known as IDEA NY Mohawk Valley, is a business accelerator competition and twelve-month program that will incentivize promising entrepreneurs to create and grow viable commercial businesses in the Mohawk Valley region. This accelerator program is made possible by a $2 million Upstate Revitalization Initiative grant from New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.

After Demo Day, eligible teams will participate in the year-long IDEA NY accelerator program and will be required to reside in the Mohawk Valley region for a 12-month period after Demo Day.

This Demo Day is a FREE event and open to anyone interested in startups, entrepreneurship, technology, and the Mohawk Valley ecosystem. RSVP at https://spring2020demoday.eventbrite.com/

Recent News

Economic study highlights work of Griffiss Institute in Rome

Originally published by the Daily Sentinel. Read the full article here. (November 29, 2025) Story by...

Griffiss Institute Drives $15.4M Economic Impact While Strengthening the Mohawk Valley’s Innovation Economy

Download pdf Rome, NY, November 20, 2025 — Griffiss Institute (GI) announced the findings of its...

Five Women-Owned Businesses Recognized and Awarded a $5,000 Grant Totaling $25,000

Pictured:  Brenda Carney / Can Chasers, Alex Nicolette / Bloom Nutrition Solutions, Ana Felica Brito...

Rediscovering the Mohawk Valley: From Apathy to Optimism

Article Written by Travis Applebee, Marketing and Communications Manager, Griffiss Institute In late...

Griffiss Institute Launches PASSPORT After-School STEM Program with $100,000 Gift from Griffin Charitable Foundation

Griffiss Institute (GI) is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural PASSPORT after-school STEM...

Four Wheels and a Big Idea Local Business Owner Donates Trailer to Drive Griffiss Institute’s STEM Programs Forward

Griffiss Institute (GI) is rolling full speed ahead with delivering STEM programming directly to...
Scroll to Top

MVGives Now Accepting Donations Through 9/19 @ 9PM EST