Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the new members of New York’s Emerging Technology Advisory Board, a group focused on biotechnology. The board is made up of industry leaders from across the state and aims to help expand New York’s biotech sector. Co-chaired by Andrew Baum, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Pfizer, and Debi Brooks, CEO and Co-Founder of The Michael J. Fox Foundation, the advisory board will support efforts to make New York a leader in life sciences, innovation, and advanced manufacturing.
“New York State is a national leader in biotechnology with innovative research being conducted from Long Island to Buffalo,” Governor Hochul said. “Bringing together these industry leaders from all corners of the state will help expand our biotechnology ecosystem, ensuring New York is at the forefront of life sciences and medical innovation.”
Pfizer’s Andrew Baum said, “New York is uniquely positioned to lead the next wave of biotech innovation. With world-class institutions, entrepreneurial energy, and a commitment to catalytic investment, we’re building a world-class ecosystem where breakthrough therapies are developed right here in the Empire State. Through strategic partnerships, we are confident New York can thrive and expand upon the strong foundation that exists today as the nation’s emerging global leader in life sciences innovation.”
Debi Brooks of The Michael J. Fox Foundation stated, “I’m honored to be appointed to co-chair New York’s Emerging Technology Advisory Board. Together, this Board has the chance to advance public–private partnerships across New York’s biotech sector and deliver breakthroughs that patients and families urgently deserve. At The Michael J. Fox Foundation, we’ve witnessed how strategic collaboration, emerging science and cutting-edge tools can help speed progress. I thank Governor Hochul for convening this group and prioritizing investment in life sciences. I look forward to joining my fellow members of the Board in shaping the future of biotechnology in New York State.”
Hope Knight, President, CEO and Commissioner of Empire State Development added: “New York State has become a powerhouse for innovation by bringing together world-class researchers, industry leaders, and forward-looking institutions. The creation of this Emerging Technology Advisory Board will further strengthen our life sciences ecosystem by ensuring that breakthrough ideas in biotechnology can be nurtured, commercialized, and scaled right here in New York. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, we are not only accelerating scientific discovery but also creating the jobs and opportunities that will define the future of our economy.”
The advisory board includes members from major companies such as Pfizer and Regeneron as well as leaders from research organizations like Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
This phase marks the second focus area for ETAB; last year it concentrated on artificial intelligence (AI). Recommendations from last year led to new programs supporting AI startups in New York as well as workforce development initiatives aimed at training underrepresented students for AI-related jobs.
State Senator Kristen Gonzalez commented: “New York has the talent, infrastructure, and public mission to lead in the development of breakthrough biotechnologies, and I thank the Governor for her leadership and focus on growing this sector. As we expand innovation in biotech and AI, it’s critical we center equity, transparency, and the public good. I look forward to working with this advisory board to ensure these breakthroughs serve all New Yorkers.”
Assemblymember Steve Otis added: “At a pivotal time when science, public health, and technical research dollars are being cut at the federal level, New York State is focused on enhancing collaboration and synergy in the biotech industry. New discoveries will save lives and enhance public health but they will not occur automatically. The new Emerging Technology Advisory Board for Biotechnology will keep New York in the forefront of this work. Our corporations research institutionsand universities provide theeconomic momentumforNewYork’sleadershiponbiotechresearch.ThisannouncementisanotherexampleofGovernorHochul’scommitmenttothenextgenerationofscientificdiscovery.”
Under Governor Hochul’s leadership more than $354 million has been invested into advancing life sciences throughout New York State including opening specialized facilities such as Roswell Park GMP Engineering & Cell Manufacturing Facility—a $98 million cell & gene therapy hub located at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center—and launching projects like New York Biogenesis Park with $430 million allocated towards cell & gene therapy innovations.
Recent years have seen significant private investments into technology sectors within NYS; GlobalFoundries announced an $11.6 billion expansion project expected to create 1 500 direct jobs while Micron revealed plans for a $100 billion semiconductor campus projected over 20 years which could bring 50 000 direct & indirect jobs along with additional community benefits.
