While artificial intelligence is generating all the buzz, it was Washington state’s climate tech and healthcare innovation that got shoutouts during Gov. Bob Ferguson’s State of the State address on Tuesday evening.
The speech largely focused on this winter’s epic flooding in Western Washington, the affordability and housing crisis, transportation infrastructure needs and Ferguson’s support for a “millionaire’s tax” targeting the state’s wealthiest residents.
The traditional tech sector — which accounts for roughly 22% of the state economy — was largely absent from the governor’s address. But he did call out groundbreaking innovation happening across Washington.
Ferguson praised Helion Energy’s efforts to build what could become the first commercial fusion reactor — a world-changing accomplishment, provided the device works as planned. Helion, based in Everett, Wash., broke ground on the Orion facility last summer and aims to get the Eastern Washington plant operating by 2028. Microsoft agreed to buy energy from the plant if Helion is successful in harnessing fusion power.
The governor also called out last week’s official launch of the Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator, an effort to support R&D and build out a marketplace for low-carbon aviation fuels. The event, which was held north of Seattle, brought together Boeing, Amazon, Alaska Airlines and others.
In his speech, Ferguson framed the initiative as “an opportunity for our state to, once again, set an example and set the pace for clean energy investment.”
And he gave a nod to the University of Washington, Fred Hutch Cancer Center and the Allen Institute as “part of a globally recognized ecosystem working on next generation drug discovery and treatments.” The Seattle area is a hub for academics and startups developing AI-driven therapies, with many building on innovations from the UW lab of Nobel Laureate David Baker.
“These are just a few of the reasons why the state of our state is strong, but I am clear eyed,” said Ferguson, who is navigating a multibillion-dollar budget shortfall. “I’m clear eyed about the areas where we must do better, and my first proposed budget is laser focused on those improvements to keep our growth going.”
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