The independent political organization Innovate NY PAC has unveiled the New York City Student Education Plan for Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence, a comprehensive proposal designed to generate significant economic output, create numerous new jobs, and establish New York City as a national leader in education, technology, and innovation-driven revenue growth. The plan specifically supports Andrew Cuomo for Mayor.
This initiative includes plans to establish the largest STEM education facility in the United States, introduce blockchain and AI career certification programs across all five boroughs, and integrate cutting-edge blockchain gaming, metaverse, and data-science training into public education.
“Andrew Cuomo’s leadership and record of job creation show that when you invest in innovation and education, you create prosperity that lasts,” stated Eddie Cullen, Chair of Innovate NY PAC. “This plan transforms New York’s public education system into a revenue engine - linking classrooms, careers, and economic growth.”
Building the Largest STEM Facility in America
A cornerstone of the plan is the development of a 2.3 million–square-foot innovation campus, which is set to become the nation's largest student-focused STEM complex. This ambitious project involves a total investment of $3.5 billion through public–private partnerships. The facility will feature 20 advanced laboratories, 10 incubators, and 5 immersive AI and blockchain training centers. The construction phase is expected to create 18,000 jobs, with an additional 3,500 permanent positions in research and teaching. The campus is projected to generate $1.1 billion in recurring annual economic output through its operations, research initiatives, and public–private collaborations.
Expanding Career and Technical Education
The plan aims to enroll 50,000 students annually in blockchain and AI certification programs by 2026. It also includes provisions for 25,000 paid apprenticeships in fintech, AI, and blockchain development, which are anticipated to contribute $550 million in annual student wages. Furthermore, 15,000 students will be trained annually in blockchain gaming, NFT design, and metaverse storytelling. A significant component involves 100,000 students each year completing AI and blockchain modules within cybersecurity and engineering programs. Graduates are expected to see an average salary increase of $22,500 per year, resulting in $500 million in lifetime wage gains per graduating class.
Blockchain Gaming and Creative Innovation
A key element of the plan is the launch of the nation's first public-school blockchain gaming and digital storytelling network, designed to connect New York's youth with high-growth creative industries. This initiative is expected to engage 15,000 participants annually in esports, virtual production, and digital design. It will also foster 50 industry partnerships with game studios and tech firms committed to local hiring. The program targets a $400 million annual growth in the creative economy and aims to capture 1% of the global blockchain gaming market, valued at $600 billion, representing a potential local output of $6 billion.
Global Exchange and Hekima Partnership
Innovate NY PAC's plan incorporates a partnership with Hekima University in Kenya to enhance global research and educational collaboration. This partnership will facilitate 250 digital research fellowships annually and connect 10,000 students globally through online classrooms. It also includes 1,000 scholarships for underserved STEM students and is projected to generate $300 million in international education and research revenue over a five-year period.
Why It Matters for New York City
The New York City Student Education Plan for Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence is projected to generate $2.8 billion in annual economic output and $27 billion in total GDP growth over the next decade. The annual economic output is broken down as follows: $1.1 billion from STEM facility operations and partnerships; $550 million in apprenticeship wages and workforce spending; $400 million in creative and blockchain gaming revenues; $300 million from global research partnerships; $250 million in additional city tax revenue; and $200 million from corporate sponsorships and innovation grants.
Over the next ten years, the plan anticipates creating 62,000 new jobs citywide across construction, education, and technology sectors. It aims to train 500,000 students in emerging technologies by 2035 and expects a $6.3 billion increase in annual city tax receipts. Graduates in AI and blockchain fields are projected to benefit from an average salary premium of $22,500.
By integrating education, innovation, and strong leadership, Andrew Cuomo’s vision, coupled with Innovate NY PAC’s mission, seeks to position New York City as the global capital for blockchain, artificial intelligence, and workforce opportunity, establishing public education as a fundamental driver of economic prosperity.
About Innovate NY PAC
Innovate NY PAC is an independent expenditure committee committed to advancing innovation, education, and technology-driven economic growth within New York City. The organization operates independently of any candidate or campaign and does not coordinate communications or strategies with candidates or their committees.