Funded Innovations Put New York State at Forefront of Infectious Disease Discovery and Development While Strengthening State's Life Science Ecosystem
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the second round of awardees for the $40 Million New York State Biodefense Commercialization Fund. The program was created to accelerate the development and commercialization of life science innovations that address serious infectious disease threats, including COVID-19 and its variants, while also creating jobs and encouraging continued growth across New York's expanding life science industry. Upon approval by the Empire State Development Board of Directors, seven grants will be awarded for a total grant commitment of $8,899,998.
"New York's commitment to combating infectious disease threats is stronger than ever," Governor Hochul said. "Programs like the Biodefense Commercialization Fund and the recently announced Lab of the Future will spur innovative solutions for serious infectious diseases while building the strongest life science ecosystem in the nation."
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The Biodefense Commercialization Fund is already having an impact — facilitating the commercialization pathway for innovative research, adding jobs and investment funding, and attracting companies to the state. Additionally, startup companies that were awarded biodefense grants in the first application round are showing progress, having raised an additional $5.5 million and filed three patents in the first six months of the award."