Circle Optics Engages Public Safety Leaders at the 2026 NYS Public Safety UAS Summit

Syracuse, NY — Circle Optics participated in the 2026 New York State Public Safety UAS Summit, co-hosted by NUAIR and the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES). The two-day event brought together first responders, law enforcement, emergency management professionals, critical infrastructure leaders, and technology innovators to explore how uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and counter-UAS technologies are advancing public safety missions across New York State.

Representing Circle Optics were Andy Kurtz, Chief Research Officer, and Jennifer Sertl, Vice President of Marketing & Partnerships, who joined industry leaders, government agencies, and public safety professionals for presentations, live demonstrations, and discussions focused on the operational challenges and opportunities surrounding UAS adoption.

The summit provided a valuable forum for technology developers to engage directly with the agencies responsible for protecting communities and critical infrastructure. These conversations help innovators better understand operational needs while giving public safety organizations an opportunity to evaluate emerging technologies that can strengthen mission effectiveness.

Rebecca Breeden, Entrepreneurial Manager at GENIUS NY, shared:, shared why partnerships like this are so valuable: “We love our partnership with NUAIR because they help connect companies directly with the people who can put their technology into the field. The NUAIR Public Safety Summit was a great example of that, creating space for real conversations with public safety professionals about their needs and challenges. Those perspectives are invaluable, and they help our companies build solutions that are shaped by real-world impact.”

For Circle Optics, those conversations reinforce the importance of designing technology alongside the people who will ultimately use it. Listening to first responders, homeland security professionals, and emergency managers provides valuable insight that helps guide the continued development of panoramic imaging solutions for autonomous systems, counter-UAS applications, and critical infrastructure protection.

The summit also demonstrated the strength of New York’s innovation ecosystem. By bringing together government agencies, technology companies, investors, and end users, organizations such as NUAIR and GENIUS NY are helping accelerate the transition of promising technologies from development into operational use.

Circle Optics appreciates the opportunity to participate alongside NUAIR, the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, GENIUS NY, and the many public safety agencies and industry partners that contributed to another successful summit. Events like these create meaningful opportunities to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and better understand the evolving needs of those serving on the front lines of public safety.

As autonomous systems continue to evolve, Circle Optics remains committed to developing panoramic imaging technologies that enhance situational awareness and support safer, more informed decision-making across defense, homeland security, and critical infrastructure.

About NUAIR

NUAIR is a nonprofit organization advancing the safe integration and commercialization of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). By connecting government, industry, academia, and public safety partners, NUAIR helps accelerate the development, testing, validation, and deployment of next-generation aviation technologies. Through its collaborative innovation ecosystem, NUAIR is enabling the future of aviation while driving economic growth across New York and beyond.