Chiara Bianchi
Independent mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo announced plans to establish the role of Chief Innovation Officer if elected, aiming to position New York City at the forefront of blockchain, crypto, and AI innovation.
The new position would be a senior-level administrative role, responsible for ensuring that the city embraces emerging technologies and encourages public-private collaboration to attract investment and create jobs.
“The next Mayor must ensure we’re leading in the technologies that will define the next century — AI, blockchain, and biotech,” Cuomo said in his statement on Sunday.
According to Cuomo’s proposal, the Chief Innovation Officer will focus on bringing investment and employment opportunities from fast-growing industries while modernizing public services to enhance efficiency through new technologies.
The appointment will be made in consultation with an Innovation Council, composed of leaders from the AI, blockchain, and biotech sectors. This council will continue to advise and collaborate with the Chief Innovation Officer after the appointment.
Positioning New York as the Capital of Digital Finance
On the blockchain and crypto front, the Innovation Council aims to establish New York City as the “world capital” of digital finance and decentralized innovation, according to Cuomo’s campaign announcement.
“This includes exploring ways to replace outdated regulations with a modern framework that protects consumers while promoting responsible innovation,” the statement added.
A Shift in New York’s Tech Policy Landscape
Current Mayor Eric Adams has been a vocal supporter of blockchain and crypto development, previously launching the city’s first crypto summit and recently signing an executive order to create an office dedicated to digital assets.
Adams’ term will end on January 1, 2026, with the next Mayor taking office following the general election on November 4, 2025. Cuomo’s proposal signals a continuation — and possible expansion — of New York’s growing focus on digital innovation.
