Matt Watson

Matt Watson is a senior executive at Empire State Development (ESD), New York's chief economic development agency. He holds the position of Senior Vice President and serves as the Executive Director of ESD's Division of Science, Technology and Innovation, also known as NYSTAR.123

In his role, Matt Watson oversees NYSTAR, which is responsible for advancing technology innovation and commercialization in New York State. NYSTAR manages programs that support companies from startup to maturity stages, leveraging the state's investments in technology assets and expertise.1

Key Responsibilities

Under Matt Watson's leadership, NYSTAR:

• Provides approximately $55 million annually in funding
• Supports over 70 centers offering direct assistance to New York State companies
• Contributes to New York's leadership in the global innovation economy1

Professional Background

Matt Watson has extensive experience in:

• Organizational management
• Program development
• Policy
• Advocacy4

Prior to his current role, Watson gained significant expertise in federal fund management and innovation ecosystem development.5

Impact on New York's Innovation Ecosystem

Matt Watson plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and economic growth in New York State. He has been instrumental in expanding the state's technology and innovation ecosystem by:

• Reaching more entrepreneurs
• Engaging local collaborators and resources
• Providing ground-level services to help startups and early-stage firms progress1

Watson's efforts contribute to the robust resources available to support the success of diverse entrepreneurs, including those in agribusiness and medical technology startups.1