CNY Drones: A Decade of Community Impact & Growth
Our Journey: Ten Years of Volunteerism & Community Support
CNY Drones has thrived in New York State for over a decade, thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers and the unwavering support of organizations that helped launch and sustain the organization’s efforts. CNY Drones started in January 2026, inspired by local support for the founder’s previous growth of student robotics programs.
Building the Foundation: Early Support & Expansion
In 2016, with assistance from the Griffiss Institute, CNY Drones convened for a year to establish a group committed to fostering interest in drone technology among students and adults. October 2016 marked CNY Drones’ launch of Central New York’s first student focused drone program gathering, aimed at connecting students with educational and career opportunities. Drone Info Day was held at Griffiss Technology Park with over 400 people in attendance. Supported by Oneida County, the event was a pioneering effort in the region.
SUNY Poly Early Involvement
SUNY Polytechnic Institute welcomed CNY Drones, enabling collaboration with their student drone club and several other campus organizations. The group hosted indoor and outdoor drone racing, tech meets, build-and-fly sessions, and launched the Northeast Team Drone Challenge. The high school program lasted three seasons, expanding to 17 teams across two states. Similar programs now operate nationwide.
Adapting to Change: Challenges & New Opportunities
CNY Drones’ hands-on, individualized teaching approach came to a halt when the world paused in 2020. However, in the summer of 2021, the Air Force Research Lab approached CNY Drones with funding to launch drone soccer in New York State. This led to the formation of District II, featuring teams including Rome GEAR UP, Vernon-Verona-Sherill CSD, Mohonasen High School, Cicero-North Syracuse CSD, who participated in the Championship Showcase at Wildcat Field House in April 2022.
Growth and National Recognition
By 2023, CNY Drones hosted both a District (then known as Region II) Championship and the inaugural U.S. Drone Soccer National Championship. Driven by AFRL and TACNY funding, CNY Drones expanded drone soccer through NYSTEEA and NYSCATE contacts, applying lessons learned from robotics to elevate competitions. In January 2024, a CNY Drones co-founder joined the newly established Board of U.S. Drone Soccer, a 501c3 organization.
Recent Achievements & Looking Ahead
In 2024, a dedicated group of CNY Drones volunteers, along with several New York State teams, traveled to Virginia for the second annual championship. The following year, with incredible support from Oneida County and the NYS UAS Test Site, CNY Drones successfully hosted the 2025 U.S. Drone Soccer National Championship. In 2026, we completed our fourth District II Championship, with 16 teams competing.
The CNY Drones journey continues as leaders head to Embry Riddle Aeronautical University for the 2026 National Championship. The group looks forward to co-hosting the CIAM FAI 2027 International Drone Soccer Championship at SUNY Polytechnic Institute, their home base and the Northeast Hub for U.S. Drone Soccer.
