Zurich – Perspective Robotics, a startup from the Greater Zurich Area, has won the top prize of 1 million dollars at the GENIUS NY accelerator in the U.S. with its aerial photography drone Fotokite.

Perspective Robotics AG won the grand prize worth 1 million dollars at GENIUS NY. The spinoff from the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH) beat five other finalists to secure the top spot.

The jury was impressed by the company’s advantageously priced drone, which is fitted with a Go Pro camera for aerial photography and video footage. Tethered like a kite, the drone is easy to use and can fly for 24 hours autonomously.   

CEO Chris McCall explained that the prize money was a “total game changer” for the startup, which is now launching operations in New York alongside its presence in Zurich.

Backed by the economic development agency in New York, GENIUS NY describes itself as the world’s largest business competition for unmanned systems. It offers startups the opportunity to participate in a one-year accelerator programme, with the potential to win investment.   

Five other startups besides Perspective Robotics won prize money. 

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