As Trump cuts research money, Shapiro pitches $50M for science, innovation

While President Donald Trump yanks critical federal funding from universities and research institutions across the country, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro wants to invest tens of millions of dollars each year in life sciences and innovation.

During a visit Tuesday to a University of Pittsburgh research facility in Bloomfield, Shapiro spoke optimistically about the state’s $50 billion life sciences industry, which employs 100,000 people in Pennsylvania.

“It’s an area where I believe we are poised for explosive innovation and growth,” Shapiro said.

The governor highlighted the Pennsylvania universities, health care giants and research institutes that already have propelled life science research, from the creation of the polio vaccine at Pitt to recent breakthroughs in gene therapy in Philadelphia.

The influx of cash aimed at the life sciences sector, Shapiro said, could help create new jobs, spark more lifesaving advancements and encourage private investments in manufacturing, research and development.

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, who joined the governor at his appearance, shared Shapiro’s outlook.

“The life sciences and innovation economy is a critical part of our economic future and growth in our next chapter,” Innamorato said.

Shapiro is proposing $30 million to spur job growth in the life sciences field, plus an annual $20 million investment in innovation across various sectors. The state legislature is considering the governor’s budget proposals.

“This type of investment is desperately needed,” Shapiro said during a press conference.

Over the last five years, Pennsylvania researchers and companies secured 10,783 new life science patents, the fourth-highest figure in the country. But only about 3% of the nation’s venture capital to build out those innovations came to the Keystone State, Shapiro said.

“We are effectively doing the research but we’re losing out on commercial opportunities,” Shapiro said.

He hopes his proposed investments will help change that.

Doubling down

Shapiro’s vision includes establishing a network among universities and research institutions that will make clinical trials more affordable and efficient. He wants Pennsylvania to be a “one-stop shop” for innovation and growth in the expanding life sciences field.

His plan also will provide matching state money for efforts to commercialize life science discoveries and improve research, development and manufacturing.

Additional funding will be designated for helping new spinoff companies become commercially successful, the governor said.

“Innovation is a major economic driver,” said Rick Siger, secretary of Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development, explaining it’s linked to lower unemployment rates and higher wages.

Already, the Pittsburgh region is positioned to be a leader in life sciences and innovations in artificial intelligence, robotics and medicine, said Megan Shaw, president of Pittsburgh Life Sciences Alliance.

“The innovation program outlined here is a down payment on a huge economic opportunity in this state, facilitating innovation and enhancing the path to commercialization and job creation,” she said.

If approved, Shapiro said, his proposal would make Pennsylvania the first state in the country with such an innovation fund.

“At a time when the administration in Washington is cutting back on research and development, we are doubling down here in the state,” Shapiro said.