Governor Hochul Launches Applications for Fifth Round of $15 Million NYFIRST Medical School Grant Program
November 16, 2023
Fund to Attract World-Class Researchers to New York State Has Generated More Than $86 Million in External Funding and Created 136 New Jobs
Builds on New York’s $620 Million Life Science Initiative to Spur the Growth of a World-Class Research Cluster in New York
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that applications are now available for the fifth round of grants from NYFIRST, the New York Fund for Innovation in Research and Scientific Talent. The highly competitive grant program is focused on strengthening the translational research capabilities of medical schools in New York state by encouraging the recruitment of exceptional translational researchers from outside of the state, or retention of researchers being recruited by schools in other states. Since the first call for applications in the Fall of 2018, 12 NYFIRST awards have been made, committing $11.7 million of the $15 million fund.
“With the launch of the fifth round of our NYFIRST grant program, my administration is taking another step toward building the future of medicine right here in New York,” Governor Hochul said. “NYFIRST grants boost the capabilities of the state’s medical schools, making them more competitive, more attractive to world-class students and faculty, and better positioned to secure federal and foundation funding. These investments in our research institutions will expand the possibilities for medical breakthroughs in our state and build momentum behind our efforts to establish a hub for the life sciences in New York.”
NYFIRST grants have led to the creation of 136 jobs, seven patent applications filed and the creation of a new startup company. These grants also leveraged more than $86 million in additional funding from public and private sources.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “After four previous rounds, we can see that NY FIRST grants are enhancing the life science ecosystem by attracting top talent and creating jobs. These grants are an important tool for enhancing New York State’s position as a life science leader.”