Annual award honors governors for their leadership and commitment to strengthening biotechnology in their state
BOSTON (June 17, 2025) – Today, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) named Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey its 2025 Governor of the Year, recognizing her leadership in advancing biotechnology as a cornerstone of the state’s economy and her commitment to strengthening Massachusetts’s position as a global leader in the field.
“Massachusetts has been a pioneer and leader in biotechnology for decades, and Governor Healey is continuing to grow its heritage of innovation through smart investment, public-private partnership, and collaboration,” said John F. Crowley, President & CEO of BIO. “Governor Healey’s dedication to workforce development and venture capital investment positions Massachusetts to maintain its leadership in the life sciences at this critical time as we embark into the golden age of medicine.”
Governor Healey’s hallmark achievement in supporting biotechnology and the life sciences has been the Mass Leads Act, which included reauthorization of the Massachusetts’ Life Sciences Initiative for another 10 years. The reauthorization provides $1 billion to support biotechnology and life sciences in the state, including $500 million focused on capital investment in the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, a program that launches funding programs, partnerships, and investments across the Commonwealth.
Additionally, she’s made the state more attractive to life sciences companies by increasing the Life Sciences Tax Incentive cap from $30 million to $40 million per year to encourage job creation and investment growth.
The investments are returning dividends in job creation with the state eclipsing 140,000 jobs in the sector, increased venture capital investment, and almost two dozen companies receiving FDA approvals in the state.
"It’s an honor to be named BIO’s Governor of the Year. It’s a testament to the important work that Team Massachusetts does to make our state the world capital of science and the global hub of a biomedical industry that saves lives every single day," said Governor Maura Healey. "We didn’t get here by accident. Any biotech company of any size that is considering starting in, moving to, or expanding in Massachusetts should know that you will have access to a world-renowned ecosystem, as well as a government that believes in what you’re doing and supports you."
“Governor Healey has been an advocate for the life sciences since day one, and it is her leadership that has put Massachusetts in a position to remain the global epicenter of patient-driven science and innovation,” said Kendalle Burlin O’Connell, CEO & President, MassBio. “We applaud Governor Healey’s tireless work to get the Mass Leads Act signed, sealed, and delivered. Extending this critical public-private partnership empowers biotechs in the Commonwealth to continue to advance therapies and cures for patients around the world, while driving economic development and jobs locally.”
BIO’s annual Governor of the Year Award recognizes governors for their commitment to strengthening biotechnology in their state. For more than a decade, the award has highlighted the work of governors from across the country and both sides of the aisle.
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About BIO
The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) is the world’s largest trade association representing biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.