PA Senate Communications and Technology, Institutional Sustainability and Innovation Committees Hold Joint Hearing to Discuss AI in the Biotech Sector in PA

Senators examine how Pennsylvania can lead in harnessing AI to improve lives, strengthen our economy, and build a sustainable future.

NORTH WALES: Today, Senator Tracy Pennycuick (24^th District) and Senator Frank Farry (6^th District) held a joint hearing at Merck & Co., to discuss the growing use of AI to advance innovation in the biotechnology sector.

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing how we approach discovery, production, and innovation. In biotechnology, AI is accelerating research timelines, improving drug development, optimizing supply chains, and expanding the frontiers of what's possible in medical and agricultural science. Pennsylvania has roughly 3,000 life science companies with a $61 billion direct economic impact.

"What once took years of laboratory work can now be modeled, tested, and refined in a fraction of the time," said Pennycuick, Chair of the Communications and Technology Committee. "Our Commonwealth has a proud and growing biotech footprint, particularly in regions like Montgomery, Bucks, and Chester counties, which are home to a thriving ecosystem of researchers, startups, and established companies leading the way in biotech innovation. These organizations are developing life-saving treatments, advancing genetic research, and strengthening the state's position as a national hub for scientific excellence. But as with any rapidly evolving technology, AI presents both opportunities and challenges. We must ensure that our policies keep pace with innovation, encouraging progress while protecting safety, privacy, and ethical integrity."

"As chair of the newly created Senate Institutional Sustainability and Innovation Committee, a focus has been on addressing challenges and shaping policies that allow innovation in biotech to thrive in Pennsylvania," said Farry. "Artificial intelligence is transforming the biotech industry, creating many opportunities while also presenting challenges. Our responsibility is to develop a thoughtful policy framework that strengthens Pennsylvania's position as a national leader in AI-driven life sciences, supports economic growth, while protecting patients, workers, and the public interest."

The committees heard the following testimony:

Kurt Imhof, Senior Vice President, Policy & Public Affairs, Life Sciences PA

Dr. Jacob Gardner, Assistant Professor in Computer and Information Science, University of Pennsylvania - School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Dr. O. Burak Ozdoganlar, Ver Planck Professor, Carnegie Mellon University - Mechanical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering

Mary Zuccato, Chief Operating Officer, Every Cure

Dr. Eunice Yang, Founder & CEO, OK2Standup

David Yonce, CEO, Cogwear

Dr. Nevada Heft, Director of Compliance, Office of Global Policy, Merck

Dr. Nicole Maciolek, Executive Vice President, Altasciences

Dr. Jeffrey Headd, Vice President, Commercial Data Science, Johnson & Johnson

For the complete testimony provided, visit here.

CONTACT:

Matt Szuchyt, Sen. Pennycuick
Nicole McGerry, Sen. Farry