Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a $10 million expansion of the New York Fund for Innovation in Research and Scientific Talent (NYFIRST) and the launch of the program’s latest round. The program, which is administered by Empire State Development, has successfully strengthened the State’s translational research capabilities since its launch in 2018. The program provides grants to medical schools to attract and retain world-class translational research scientists in New York State, with the broader aim of cultivating biotech startups and fostering sustained economic growth through high-skill job creation and commercial opportunities. Translational research builds on basic scientific research to find new ways to diagnose and treat medical conditions. Applications for the sixth round of the program will run a full 12 months with rolling reviews, allowing medical schools to submit applications until April 30, 2026. More information can be found on the NYFIRST page of the Empire State Development website.