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.
โThe next Mayor must ensure weโre leading in the technologies that will define the next century โ AI, blockchain, and biotech,โ Cuomo said in his statement on Sunday.
According to Cuomoโs 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 โworld capitalโ of digital finance and decentralized innovation, according to Cuomoโs campaign announcement.
โThis includes exploring ways to replace outdated regulations with a modern framework that protects consumers while promoting responsible innovation,โ the statement added.
A Shift in New Yorkโs Tech Policy Landscape
Current Mayor Eric Adams has been a vocal supporter of blockchain and crypto development, previously launching the cityโs first crypto summit and recently signing an executive order to create an office dedicated to digital assets.
Adamsโ term will end on January 1, 2026, with the next Mayor taking office following the general election on November 4, 2025. Cuomoโs proposal signals a continuation โ and possible expansion โ of New Yorkโs growing focus on digital innovation.
