From left to right: Andrew Baum, chief strategy and innovation officer at Pfizer; Debi Brooks, CEO and co-founder of The Michael J. Fox Foundation; New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Anthony Shorris, partner at McKinsey & Company.
On May 28, 2026, New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) signed the state’s annual budget into law, which includes $65 million for the Governor’s Bolstering Biotech Initiative. This new initiative reflects recommendations developed by the 2025 New York State Emerging Technology Advisory Board (ETAB) — co-chaired by Michael J. Fox Foundation CEO and Co-Founder Debi Brooks — to strengthen New York’s life sciences sector, accelerate the development of new treatments and expand clinical research.
While the initiative is designed to enhance New York’s broader biotechnology ecosystem, it places a particular focus on neurodegenerative diseases, creating new opportunities to advance Parkinson’s research and bring new therapies closer to patients.
MJFF CEO Leads Effort to Strengthen New York’s Biotech Ecosystem
Convened by Governor Hochul and co-chaired by Debi Brooks and Andrew Baum of Pfizer, the ETAB brought together leaders from across industry, academia and nonprofits to identify ways to advance New York’s position as a global biotechnology hub and create new pathways to turn scientific discoveries into tangible public health benefits. A key area of focus for the ETAB was how the state could better support the development and commercialization of new treatments across diseases.
In December 2025, the ETAB released its final report of recommendations to Governor Hochul, outlining a roadmap to support innovation, attract private investment and expand access to clinical research across the state.
Following the release of the report, Debi said: “As we conclude this effort, I’m more confident than ever in the power of public-private partnership to drive scientific progress. I want to thank Governor Hochul for convening this thoughtful group of leaders who, over several months, have crafted practical and ambitious recommendations to strengthen New York’s biotech ecosystem and accelerate the breakthroughs patients and families urgently deserve.”
Turning Recommendations into Action
The Governor’s Bolstering Biotech Initiative puts many of the ETAB’s recommendations into action. Key components include:
A performance-based grant program to help biotech companies bring new therapies to market.
A statewide clinical trial consortium to expand access to cutting-edge treatments and position the state as a premier destination for biomedical innovation.
Workforce training programs to equip New Yorkers with the skills needed to fill high-demand jobs across the growing biotech sector.
By investing in research infrastructure, clinical trial capacity and workforce development, New York aims to speed the development of critically needed treatments while building a stronger, future-ready biotech economy.
A Model for Advancing Research through State Policy
New York’s approach shows how states can create the conditions needed to develop and deliver promising treatments to people living with diseases like Parkinson’s. MJFF’s Public Policy team works to identify and advocate for opportunities like these in states across the country each year.
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