This marks $30 million food security program’s second round of awards, which will support initiatives that improve residents’ ability to access fresh, affordable, and healthy food

TRENTON, N.J. (December 17, 2025) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved more than $9.3 million in grant awards to 23 organizations under the Food Equity and Economic Development in New Jersey (FEED NJ) Pilot Program. The approvals mark the second round of awards under the $30 million program and will expand the NJEDA’s support for food security projects in New Jersey’s 14 most acute Food Desert Communities (FDCs), catalyzing innovative, sustainable, and scalable food access initiatives in underserved areas. The first round of 50 approvals totaling $20.6 million was made during the NJEDA’s November board meeting. The total funding of $30 million to 73 organizations is one of the largest investments in recent years dedicated to strengthening New Jersey’s food security infrastructure.  

“The NJEDA has broadened its food security efforts throughout Governor Murphy’s administration, supporting innovative solutions that uplift New Jersey’s families, strengthen our economy, and open new doors of opportunity,” said NJEDA Acting Chief Executive Officer Mary Maples. “The funding approved today will support a range of projects, including grocery delivery and urban farming programs, empowering local partners and providing lasting support to communities that need it most.”

Each of the 23 grant recipients will receive awards of up to $500,000 and will primarily focus their projects on serving residents of one or more of the highest-need FDCs, which are spread across seven counties, comprise portions of 12 municipalities, and are home to 567,349 residents. Primary Focus FDCs include portions of Bridgeton, Camden, Fairfield Township, Lawrence Township, Newark, New Brunswick, Passaic City, Paterson, Pennsauken, Salem City, Trenton, and Woodlynne.

The second round of awards approved by the NJEDA board will also serve 36 additional FDCs such as Dover, Jersey City, Irvington, East Orange, and Perth Amboy.  All 50 of the state’s designated FDCs will be served by FEED NJ projects, which include creating new or expanded food pantries and mobile markets, partnering with farmers to bring locally-grown food to New Jersey residents, buying new delivery vehicles, and strengthening meal recovery initiatives.

Click here to view the full list of all 73 awardees and descriptions of their proposed projects.

“With community-driven initiatives like FEED NJ, the NJEDA is continuing to make transformative investments to advance food security, recognizing that access to fresh, affordable food is essential for both economic stability and social well-being,” said NJEDA Chief Economic Security Officer Tara Colton. “FEED NJ will empower nonprofits and private partners to bring meaningful food access programs to underserved areas, opening the door to greater opportunity for countless families.”

The NJEDA’s list of New Jersey’s 50 FDCs, which was created in consultation with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, considers more than 24 variables related to the food retail environment, demographics, economic health, and community factors. A full list and map of all 50 FDCs is available on the FEED NJ website.

“FEED NJ represents targeted investments in the districts and communities across our state and helps ensure families can access fresh, affordable food in the neighborhoods where they live,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. “This second round of grants continues our commitment to meeting needs on the ground and supporting the local partners who work tirelessly to strengthen local food access. Fighting food insecurity is fundamental, and when we take the steps to make sure families have what they need, we lay the foundation for better health and lasting opportunity.”

“Just this week a survey of Americans revealed that nearly 70% of people are struggling to afford groceries for their household. That is staggering,” said Department of Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman. “These grants will help community feeding organizations expand their programs and more effectively address hunger needs in neighborhoods that lack consistent, reliable and affordable access to nutritious food. I am grateful to the NJEDA for continuing to prioritize basic necessities like food access as critical components of economic security and success for all New Jersey families.”

“The FEED NJ grants are another tool New Jersey is using to build a more sustainable food system,” said Ed Wengryn, New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture. “These grants create opportunities to connect our state’s farmers with food desert communities, providing local foods, strengthening our food system, and meeting critical nutritional needs.”

“Every community deserves a fair opportunity to close the gaps that exist between local residents and dignified access to nourishing food, and to address the root causes of those gaps,” said NJ Office of the Food Security Advocate Executive Director Mark Dinglasan. “This second round of FEED NJ funding expands that opportunity to more communities, and does so through a number of trusted local organizations I know are collaborating with farmers and growers, healthcare, school- and faith- based partners, residents, peer service providers and municipal and county offices to help prevent neighbors from being swept into a time of dire need, even as they care for the neighbors they serve each day. OFSA congratulates and is ready to support the new FEED NJ grantees and our NJEDA colleagues in this intentionally broader, more holistic work.”

FEED NJ complements the NJEDA’s robust toolkit of existing programs taking different approaches to expanding food access, which includes the Food Security Planning Grant Program, the Atlantic City Food Security Grants Pilot Program, and the Food Desert Relief Supermarket Tax Credit Program. Last month, the NJEDA announced that it provided $900,000 to support the State’s six Emergency Feeding Organizations as they faced increased demand due to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits crisis caused by the federal government shutdown.

FEED NJ is funded with $30 million in proceeds from the NJEDA’s 2023 and 2024 Food Desert Relief Tax Credit Auctions, which were authorized by the Food Desert Relief Act of 2021. For more information on the NJEDA’s food security programs, visit https://www.njeda.gov/food-security-programs/.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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Award to IUOE Local 825 will increase training capacity and prepare apprentices for modern projects

TRENTON, N.J. (December 16, 2025) – Yesterday, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved a grant award of more than $1.2 million to the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 825 for the construction of a new training facility in Dayton. The funding, awarded under the Apprenticeship Training Centers Construction Grant Program, will allow IUOE Local 825 to increase its apprentice intake, provide comprehensive skill development to New Jerseyans, and ensure apprentices are equipped to meet the demands of modern construction projects, bolstering workforce development opportunities in a crucial industry. 

“Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has invested in innovative apprenticeship and workforce development programs to prepare residents for high-quality job opportunities in the state’s key industries,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “With new construction and development occurring across the Garden State, the expansion of Local 825’s training facilities will ensure New Jerseyans have the skills necessary to capitalize on these new economic opportunities.”

IUOE Local 825, based in Springfield, has more than 8,200 members across the Garden State and New York’s Hudson Valley. Its workers operate heavy equipment such as cranes, bulldozers, front-end loaders, backhoes, and graders for construction projects across the region. To prepare members for modern development projects, Local 825 is committed to expanding training opportunities in new technologies and processes to preserve mastery of heavy equipment.

The new construction project at IUOE Local 825’s training facility will replace existing trailer structures on-site and supplement the currently insufficient office and classroom space. The grant award will cover 70 percent of eligible project costs, with IUOE Local 825 covering the remainder.

“Thank you to Governor Phil Murphy, NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan, and the NJEDA Board for recognizing the technology-driven evolution of operating engineering and the strong demand reflected in Local 825’s annual apprentice applications,” said IUOE Local 825 Business Manager Greg Lalevee. “Their commitment to training New Jerseyans will enable us to expand our facilities in line with these realities and deliver cutting‑edge instruction to more apprentices.” 

The grant program is supported by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s (NJDOL) Workforce Development Partnership Fund. In February 2024, the NJEDA Board approved an MOU with the NJDOL that permits disbursement from the fund for the NJEDA to create and sustain workforce development programs and projects. Since 2018, New Jersey has invested more than $100 million in grant funding to support registered apprenticeship programs and has experienced a 157 percent increase in earn-while-you-learn opportunities.

“We are incredibly proud to see workforce development funds fueling opportunities that expand New Jersey’s record-setting achievements in apprenticeship over the past eight years,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “The construction of this new training center is a powerful example of how strategic investment in our workers strengthens our economy, opens doors to good careers, and helps our state continue to lead the nation.”

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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NJ AI Hub investment fund will provide entrepreneurs with essential resources for scaling inventive businesses

TRENTON, N.J. (December 15, 2025) –Today, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and CoreWeave, along with other accredited investors, announced a $20 million investment to support a fund for startups that are associated with the NJ AI Hub Strategic Innovation Center (SIC). The investment fund will help startups access capital, overcome challenges, and accelerate growth, strengthening New Jersey’s standing as a national leader in AI innovation.

On Monday, the NJEDA Board approved the $10 million investment into the fund, which will be matched by an equal investment from CoreWeave and affiliated investors.

“The growth of New Jersey’s innovation ecosystem creates immense opportunities for residents and entrepreneurs, helping create jobs in growing industries, transform communities, and catalyze new startup creation,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “With this new Hub Fund, along with our ongoing efforts to shape AI’s future, we are reviving the Garden State’s legendary legacy of innovation and, in the process, making our state more competitive in the global economy for decades to come.”

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, the NJEDA has utilized its Strategic Innovation Center initiative to support growth among the state’s most dynamic industries, partnering with private sector leaders, academia, and other stakeholders to accelerate research and bolster entrepreneurship,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The NJEDA’s and CoreWeave’s investment into the NJ AI Hub will ensure that startup founders in New Jersey have access to the capital needed to grow in the state, helping create jobs and boost local economies.”

This morning, the NJ AI Hub announced that Plug and Play will manage an accelerator program at the SIC, connecting New Jersey’s AI startups and higher-ed-affiliated entrepreneurs with mentors, investors, and industry partners. Plug and Play will run selected cohorts each year that support startups at different stages of development.

The NJEDA also announced today that Plug and Play has been awarded a $3.8 million grant to develop and manage the upcoming AI Challenge, which will engage New Jersey residents, researchers, entrepreneurs, students, and companies to identify challenges across the state and develop AI-based software solutions. Winners of the challenge will work with Plug and Play on pilot testing or commercialization of the software and receive mentorship and advisory support from Plug and Play’s network of subject matter experts.

Building on its partnership with the NJEDA through the existing New Jersey Fintech Accelerator at Stevens Institute of Technology (NJ FAST) SIC and a new multi-location SIC in Camden, Mullica Hill, and Trenton in collaboration with Rowan University, Plug and Play will leverage its global network of venture capital firms, corporate investors, and innovation partners to help founders secure follow-on funding and achieve long-term growth. With over 60 offices globally and partnerships with more than 550 corporations, Plug and Play runs more than 100 accelerator programs annually across sectors like AI, fintech, health, and energy.

“New Jersey is fast becoming one of the most compelling places in the country to build an AI company, and this fund makes that real for founders, not just on paper,” said Plug and Play Partner and Chief Revenue Officer Michael Olmstead. “By pairing NJEDA’s commitment with CoreWeave and the NJ AI Hub, we’re giving New Jersey startups the capital, connections, and support they need to go from first pilot to meaningful scale right here in the Garden State. We’re excited to back founders who are using AI to solve practical problems, create good jobs, and carry New Jersey’s long legacy of innovation into the next decade.”

Announced in December 2023 and founded by the NJEDA, CoreWeave, Microsoft, and Princeton University, the NJ AI Hub brings together AI researchers, industry leaders, start-up companies, and other collaborators to advance research and development, bolster startup creation, advance the use of ethical AI for positive societal impact, and promote workforce development. The $20 million investment announced today will foster further private capital funding into AI startups, eliminating barriers to capital and resources faced by early-stage companies

“New Jersey has the talent, the infrastructure, and the drive to become a national leader in AI innovation,” said Brian Venturo, Co-Founder and CSO at CoreWeave. “This commitment is designed to deliver real benefits for people across the state, more opportunity, more high quality jobs, and a stronger economy, while supporting the next generation of AI leaders building technology that will improve how we live and work. We are proud to partner with Governor Murphy, the NJEDA, and the NJ AI Hub to help make New Jersey a top destination for AI advancement.”

“The launch of this $20 million fund is an essential catalyst for AI startups in New Jersey,” said NJ AI Hub Executive Director Liat Krawczyk. “It will provide critical support to entrepreneurs, helping to position New Jersey for the next generation of transformative technologies.”

The NJ AI Hub is an integral part of Governor Murphy and the NJEDA’s efforts to expand state resources for the AI sector. In June, the NJEDA opened applications for the Next New Jersey Program – AI, which provides tax credits to eligible businesses investing in large-scale AI data centers and companies engaging in AI-related activities. The NJEDA also approved a dedicated AI cohort within the New Jersey Innovation Fellows Program (NJIF) in 2024, which will provide income replacement grants of up to $400,000 to eligible entrepreneur teams looking to launch an AI-driven business.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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TRENTON, N.J. (December 10, 2025) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) recently closed on investments for three cutting-edge businesses through the New Jersey Innovation Evergreen Fund (NJIEF). The companies, which span across three municipalities in New Jersey, received investments through the approvals of applications submitted by Qualified Venture Funds for a combined $6.2 million.

“The New Jersey Innovation Evergreen Fund is a pioneering initiative that strengthens New Jersey’s economy by combining public and private funding to support high-potential startups and entrepreneurs and creating a sustainable investment cycle for innovators who require access to capital,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is strengthening its reputation as a global innovation hub by making significant investments in the next wave of groundbreaking companies based in the Garden State.”

The NJIEF, launched in 2022, is a unique tool to increase access to strategic resources and venture capital in New Jersey. Under the NJIEF, the State is an equity investor in early-stage companies, deploying up to $600 million into companies alongside professional venture capital firms. The Evergreen Fund currently has over $5 million of unallocated capital available and is expected to use this to fund initial investments into additional high-growth businesses in New Jersey. The NJEDA recently auctioned $85 million in tax credits to raise additional capital, which will be available for investment in early 2026.

“These investments build on the momentum of the NJIEF and highlights the state’s dedication to backing emerging minority and women-led businesses and entrepreneurs,” said NJEDA Chief Economic Transformation Officer Kathleen Coviello. “By generating a steady flow of venture capital into high-growth startups, the NJIEF will keep fueling job creation and economic development throughout New Jersey.”

All companies approved for investment under the NJIEF will benefit from the strategic commitments made by NJIEF tax credit purchasers. These purchases, which fund investments made by the Qualified Venture Firms (QVFs), are made in tandem with commitments to provide strategic support to strengthen the State’s innovation ecosystem. Commitments include networking, mentoring, and educational opportunities, and are a scored component of the tax credit purchasers’ bids.

The following companies received investment funding through the NJIEF:

PolyGone Systems – Princeton

PolyGone Systems was founded by Princeton University graduates Yidian Lu and Nathaniel Banks. Through the use of their patented filtration media, PolyGone is revolutionizing the water treatment industry, and has launched the world’s first industrial microplastic treatment pilot, which is set to capture over 580 million microplastics annually. Through an application submitted by FYRFLY Venture Partners, PolyGone received an NJIEF investment of $1.25 million.

“The New Jersey Evergreen Fund has been transformational for our company, PolyGone Systems. As a cleantech startup developing hardware, raising early-stage capital is uniquely difficult. The Evergreen Fund served as a powerful catalyst, motivating investor commitments and enabling us to close our full seed round within just six months,” said Yidian Lui, Co-Founder of PolyGone Systems. “Throughout the process, the Evergreen team was collaborative and deeply supportive, working closely with our team and prospective investors to help accelerate the round. Their involvement is a testament to New Jersey’s commitment to advancing cleantech innovation and supporting startups addressing urgent environmental challenges. Looking ahead, we’re proud to be expanding our operations by establishing our new headquarters in Kearny. It’s our way of paying forward the Evergreen Fund’s support by building global-scale innovation within the Garden State.”

Founded in 2012, FYRFLY Venture Partners is a woman-led seed-stage venture capital firm with an office in San Francisco, California and a presence in Zurich, Switzerland. With a focus on the enterprise information technology and deep technology sector, PolyGone is its first New Jersey investment.

“PolyGone Systems is tackling one of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time—removing microplastics from water at scale” said Julie Maples, Founding Partner at FYRFLY Venture Partners. “FYRFLY invests in teams building transformational technologies with enduring value, and we’re proud to partner with NJEDA to help PolyGone grow in New Jersey, a state that’s fast becoming a national hub for climate innovation and advanced manufacturing.”

JOGO Health – Bridgewater

JOGO Health is a MedTech and digital health company that focuses on developing treatments for chronic pain and neuromuscular disorders. Their innovative approach leverages neuroplasticity through an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered platform to provide non-invasive and drug-free relief for conditions such as chronic back pain, stroke paralysis, migraines, and incontinence. JOGO Health has treated over 25,000 patients across more than 50 hospital partnerships, such as Mayo Clinic, Mount Sinai, and Brigham & Women’s. JOGO Health also received support from the Authority through the Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer (NOL) program.

“The NJEDA, and in particular the Evergreen Fund, continues the long tradition of keeping New Jersey at the forefront of the innovation economy,” said Sanjali Murali, Co-Founder & CEO of JOGO Health. “This funding has been key to further commercialization of digital therapies that are a game changer for millions of patients who suffer from migraines, incontinence, and stroke related movement disorders.”

JOGO Health received two investments through the NJIEF, one for $2 million through an application submitted by Atma Capital, and one for $1.18 million through an application submitted by Creative Ventures Management, LLC.

Atma Capital was founded in 2021 as a women-led Seed-stage venture capital firm, with offices located in California, Dubai, and China, with an investment focus on deep technology startups with positive societal and environmental impacts. The investment into JOGO Health will be the firm’s first investment in a New Jersey-based business.

“At Atma Capital, we invest in technologies that elevate human potential through the intelligent integration of mind and body,” said Ying Lee, Managing Partner at Atma Capital. “JOGO’s non-invasive neuro-muscular platform exemplifies this vision—bridging modern neuroscience with holistic wellness to promote healthy, happy aging and empower individuals to take charge of their own vitality.”

Creative Ventures is a minority-owned, California-based, early-stage deep-tech venture capital firm. The firm was founded in 2015 and invests in early-stage companies that address labor shortages, rising healthcare costs, and climate change. JOGO Health will be the firm’s first investment in a New Jersey-based business.

“We always look for transformative technologies and are excited to partner with JOGO Health. We think their team and technology have incredible potential to positively impact the lives of patients, and bring a new model to management of chronic conditions in the healthcare system,” said James Wang, General Partner at Creative Ventures.

Hill Research – Bridgewater

Hill Research is an AI startup that initiated its relocation from Boston to Bridgewater, New Jersey. Hill Research leverages Generative AI to accelerate the last mile of clinical trials for pharmaceutical companies. The company’s modular AI agents address key challenges in the clinical trial life cycle, including patient screening, Case Report Form annotation, clinical evidence synthesis, compliance, and reporting. Hill Research received an NJIEF investment of $1.75 million through an application submitted by Covenant Venture Capital.

“Clinical trial data analysis is often repetitive and slow, with processes like double programming taking valuable time away from biostatistics experts. Hill Research changes that process with AI tools that automate routine work while keeping human expertise at the center for accuracy and control,” said Louise Liu, Co-Founder & CEO of Hill Research. Our platform helps biostatistics teams to interpret data faster and make smarter decisions that accelerate drug development, bringing new treatments to patients sooner. Support from NJEDA allows us to expand our R&D team, strengthen partnerships, and scale our technology across the biopharma sector. As a women-led company, we’re proud to drive innovation and create opportunities for diverse talent across New Jersey’s innovation ecosystem.”

Founded in 2020, Covenant Venture Partners is a minority-owned venture capital firm based in New York City, with a focus on investing in companies developing AI technologies that will disrupt existing processes, as well as unique, early-stage technology and life science companies.

“The Evergreen Innovation Fund program demonstrates the effectiveness of a public-private partnership when it’s designed to achieve specific outcomes, including more founders funded, faster growth, and stronger talent pipelines,” said René Bastón, Venture Partner at Covenant Venture Partners. “With the NJEDA’s support, Covenant led Hill Research’s seed round to scale Agentic AI in clinical development to shorten trial timelines and improve submission readiness. This is New Jersey at its best: aligning capital, capability, and community to create real economic value.”

Applications for venture firms seeking to qualify as a QVF can be found here and are being accepted on a rolling basis. The firms approved to date represent diversity in terms of investment strategy, industry, and stage. Additionally, there continues to be strong momentum from interested managers. The roster of the current approved managers can be found here.

Applications for approved QVFs to apply for Qualified Investments into high-growth, innovative businesses based in New Jersey are also open. The total capital available for new investments stands at over $5 million and the NJEDA recently auctioned $85 million in tax credits to raise additional capital for further investment.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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TRENTON, N.J. (November 17, 2025) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board recently approved a tax credit award under the Aspire Program for Phase 3 of the New Jersey Health + Life Science Exchange (HELIX) building in New Brunswick. Known as H-3, the proposed development consists of a 42-story, nearly 560,00-square-foot mixed-use tower that will include affordable residential units, commercial office space, specialized laboratories, and housing for Rutgers School of Medicine students.

“The NJEDA Board’s approval of Aspire awards for this next phase of the HELIX represents a key milestone in our ongoing effort to make New Jersey a leader in technological innovation,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “With strong partnerships from institutions such as Rutgers University, the HELIX will accelerate groundbreaking research, help startups expand, and generate sustained economic opportunity across the state.”

The HELIX will bring together New Jersey’s public, private, and academic sectors to create a world-class hub of innovation and a strong base of support and talent pipeline for innovative companies. The HELIX campus, consisting of three separate buildings, will provide 1.5 million square feet of multifaceted, state-of-the-art environments supporting the gamut of health and life science organizations and professions. H-3 will be located directly across from the New Brunswick Train Station, adjacent to a NJ TRANSIT bus stop, in close proximity to Rutgers University, and approximately 15 miles from Newark Liberty International Airport.

“The HELIX exemplifies Governor Murphy’s vision to drive inclusive economic growth and strengthen New Jersey’s position as a national leader in discovery and innovation,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Through the Aspire Program, the NJEDA continues to support transformative development projects that bring together housing, business, and transit to create vibrant, walkable communities. This award will help expand New Brunswick’s innovation ecosystem while delivering high-quality housing options, new jobs, and long-term economic opportunity for residents.”

The proposed development has four main components, including:

1. Residential: The 298,390-square-foot residential portion will include 265 units, 53 of which will be affordable. The 212 market-rate units will comprise 38 studios, 148 one-bedrooms, and 26 two-bedrooms. The 53 affordable units will include 4 studios, 6 one-bedrooms, 32 two-bedrooms, and 11 three-bedrooms. Amenities include a gym, co-working and lounge spaces, communal kitchen, billiards room, and outdoor terrace.
2. Rutgers WINLAB & ESRG Research Facilities: Rutgers University will consolidate its Wireless Information Network Laboratory (WINLAB) and Energy Storage Research Group (ESRG) into 33,620 square feet of dedicated research space within H-3. These programs will benefit from proximity to campus and adjacency to Nokia Bell Labs’ new Research & Development facility at H-2, enabling enhanced collaboration and accessibility for students.
3. Rutgers School of Medicine Student Housing: H-3 will include 52,304 square feet of purpose-built housing for medical students, creating a living-learning environment that integrates researchers, entrepreneurs, and faculty within the HELIX ecosystem.
4. Commercial Office Space: Additionally, H-3 will include 178,522 square feet of commercial office space that will be leased to Middlesex County to accommodate various County departments and administrative functions.

The Applicant, Downtown HUB Associates III, LLC, which is owned by DEVCO and Pennrose Holdings, LLC, was awarded a tax credit award of up to 80 percent of the total project cost, not to exceed $359.3 million.

“When we created the Aspire program through legislation, we did so with a vision of supporting transformative projects that create jobs, expand housing, and spur long-term economic growth both in New Brunswick and across the state,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. “The Board’s approval of these awards marks another major step forward for the HELIX project and for New Jersey’s leadership in life sciences and innovation. Together, we are showing the world that New Jersey is open for business and ready to compete, without losing sight of our commitment to our local communities.”

“The HELIX continues to redefine what’s possible for New Brunswick and for our entire state,” said New Brunswick Mayor Jim Cahill. “H3 represents another major step forward in creating a world-class destination for research, innovation, and opportunity. We are grateful for the NJEDA’s continued support and for the strong partnerships with Rutgers University, Middlesex County, DEVCO, and our private-sector collaborators. Together, we are building a place where students, scientists, entrepreneurs, and residents can thrive, and where ideas become breakthroughs that strengthen our community and New Jersey’s economy for generations to come.”

“This region has the potential to become one of the top research corridors in the country, and HELIX is a critical piece of that,” said Rutgers University president William F. Tate IV. “Grateful to Governor Murphy, the Legislature, the EDA, and our local leaders for making this happen. Rutgers is excited to add leading-edge technology, energy, and biomedical discovery to this space, and to deepen our partnerships with the state’s public and private sectors.”

“By the end of 2028, the HELIX will encompass 1.5 million square feet, representing an investment of over $2 billion. More than 4,000 people will be researching, working, living, and learning as part of this dynamic ecosystem,” said New Brunswick Development Corporation (DEVCO) President Chris Paladino. “It will be a place where creative collisions spark new companies, drive innovation, and fuel growth across New Jersey’s economy, exceeding even our highest expectations.”

The first phase of the HELIX was approved for Aspire tax credits in 2023, and the second phase, with Nokia Bell Labs as its main tenant, was approved for Aspire tax credits in March 2025.

Aspire is a place-based economic development program created under the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020 (ERA) to support mixed-use, transit-oriented development with tax credits to commercial and residential real estate development projects that have financing gaps. All residential Aspire projects must include at least 20 percent affordable housing. As a performance-based program, projects must certify that all commitments established at time of approval have been met before receiving their first disbursement of tax credits.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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Nearly $105M investment will support the expansion and renovation of institutions in Jersey City and Morristown

TRENTON, N.J. (November 14, 2025) – This week, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved more than $104.8 million in tax credits under the Cultural Arts Facilities Expansion (CAFE) Program to support major expansions and renovations of the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City and the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown. The projects, which are receiving the first awards under the CAFE Program, will upgrade existing spaces and add new experiences for guests, increasing attendance, generating revenue for local businesses, and bolstering the state’s arts and cultural sector.

“New Jersey is home to a thriving arts and culture sector that strengthens our state’s economy and highlights our incredible diversity and talent,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The expansion of vibrant cultural institutions like the Liberty Science Center and the Mayo Performing Arts Center will serve as an economic catalyst for communities across the state, increasing quality of life for New Jerseyans and expanding economic opportunities for arts and culture organizations.” 

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has supported the creativity and talent of the state’s residents through meaningful investments in the arts and culture sector,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Today’s approvals under the NJEDA’s CAFE Program are a significant milestone in our continued efforts to strengthen arts and culture institutions in throughout the state, helping create jobs and strengthen our economic future.”

“Arts and cultural institutions in New Jersey are community pillars, creating jobs for residents, revitalizing main streets, and boosting local tax revenues,” said NJEDA Deputy Chief Executive Officer Mary Maples. “The Liberty Science Center and the Mayo Performing Arts Center exemplify the economic impact of arts and cultural facilities, attracting thousands of guests and generating millions of dollars in economic activity. With support from the NJEDA’s CAFE Program, these centers will continue to educate and attract locals and visitors for decades to come.”

Located in Liberty State Park in Jersey City, the Liberty Science Center is a 300,000-square-foot interactive museum that serves more than 800,000 visitors annually, serving as a hub for large scale art installations, live and media arts performances, and on-site cultural events. The renovation, known as Project Supernova, will add more than 100,000 square feet of outdoor exhibition space and rehabilitate the center’s current exhibitions, including the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium, which is the largest and most technologically advanced planetarium in the Western Hemisphere. New immersive science exhibits and cultural experiences in the outdoor sections will transform the Liberty Science Center into an all-weather destination where learning is hands-on and accessible to all.

The Liberty Science Center was approved for an award of 100 percent of eligible project costs, not to exceed $39.8 million.

“The Liberty Science Center has inspired millions of students, teachers, and parents over the years by making science and technology both accessible and fun. For countless children, a field trip to the Center is a cherished part of growing up — an experience that has made it a true hallmark of a New Jersey education,” said Senator Angela V. McKnight (D-31). “This outdoor expansion and rehabilitation under the CAFE Program will allow the Liberty Science Center to evolve and grow just as our understanding of science does, providing even more opportunities for hands-on learning and exploration. I thank the NJEDA, Governor Murphy, and NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan for investing in and prioritizing a Jersey City cultural institution that fosters curiosity, creativity, and innovation in the next generation.”

“With construction now underway on SciTech Scity, Jersey City has become a model for how investment in innovation can transform an entire community,” said Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop. “We’re thankful for this NJEDA funding to make future upgrades at Liberty Science Center, reinforcing our city’s role as a national leader in driving jobs, growth, and opportunity for generations to come.”

“This major expansion of LSC is a vibrant fusion of science, ecology, and culture, honoring New Jersey’s famous scientific legacy and natural ecosystems,” said President and CEO of Liberty Science Center Paul Hoffman. “True to the DNA of Liberty Science Center, the project is bold, forward-looking, and inclusive, transforming the Center into an all-weather campus and world-class tourist destination where learning is fun, hands-on, and accessible to all. I am grateful to Governor Murphy and the EDA for embracing this visionary project.”

The Mayo Performing Arts Center operates a historic 1,300-seat venue and has served as a cultural institution in Morristown for over 30 years, generating more than $18 million to the local economy and attracting over 240,000 patrons annually. The project will add more than 31,000 square feet of new construction, including a new arts and education center, artist spaces, and studios, renovate more than 16,000 square feet of existing spaces, and restore the 46,000-square-foot historic theater auditorium. New spaces and upgrades to the property will expand the center’s Performing Arts School and update its artistic offerings, enhancing learning opportunities and increasing attendance.

The Mayo Performing Arts Center was also approved for an award of 100 percent of eligible project costs, not to exceed $65 million.

“The Mayo Performing Arts Center is not just a world-class venue, it’s a cultural cornerstone of our community, energizing downtown Morristown and enriching the lives of residents across the Garden State,” said Senator Anthony M. Bucco (R-25). “Our arts organizations play a vital role in strengthening our economy, inspiring creativity, and expanding opportunities for young people and this investment will go a long way toward supporting critical upgrades, expanding programs, and improving the guest experience. I look forward to continuing to work with our partners in the arts to ensure our cultural institutions continue to grow, innovate, and remain a lasting fixture of New Jersey’s future.”

“Morristown’s arts community has always been a source of pride for our town,” said Morristown Mayor Timothy P. Dougherty. “The expansion of the Mayo Performing Arts Center will build on that legacy, bringing more opportunities for creativity, education, and community. This investment will help keep Morristown a destination where the arts continue to thrive and strengthen our local economy.”

“Since it began as a single screen movie theatre in 1937, to its current standing as one of the top 50 Performing Arts Centers worldwide, MPAC has been at the heart of arts and entertainment in the North Jersey region. The awarding of $65 million in CAFE tax credits is a transformational opportunity for MPAC’s next phase in our evolution and further elevates Morristown as a premier arts destination in our state.  We are deeply grateful to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority for this extraordinary award,” said Allison Larena, President and CEO, Mayo Performing Arts Center.

The CAFE Program aims to increase cultural arts activities across the state, attract visitors, boost engagement with the arts in underserved communities, and revitalize downtowns by providing tax credits to build or renovate facilities, including aquariums, historical societies, libraries, galleries, and museums. Eligible awardees can receive tax credits covering 100 percent of eligible project costs, up to $75 million. For more information on the program, click here.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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