The State as Venture Enabler with New Jersey EDA's Chief Economic Transformation Officer Kathleen Coviello

What role should government play in driving innovation? In this episode of VF Visionaries, Kathleen Coviello, Chief Economic Transformation Officer at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), explains how New Jersey is positioning itself as a venture enabler—bringing together startups, investors, corporations, universities, and policymakers to accelerate innovation and economic growth. Kathleen shares how NJEDA is building the infrastructure behind entrepreneurship through venture funding programs, founder incentives, strategic innovation centers, and AI-focused initiatives. She discusses the importance of ecosystem design, public-private partnerships, and creating the conditions that help high-growth companies scale. For innovation leaders, venture builders, and enterprise executives, this episode offers a practical look at how institutions can catalyze entrepreneurship and strengthen regional competitiveness in the AI era.