Irish-American entrepreneurs in the fields of clean energy, marketing, real estate, and small business joined the conversation

TRENTON, N.J. (March 24, 2025) – In recognition of Irish-American Heritage Month and Saint Patrick’s Day, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) hosted a roundtable discussion last week with state legislators and Irish-American entrepreneurs to discuss state support for the Irish business community and efforts to strengthen economic relationships with the country. Hosted at the NJEDA’s Trenton office, the roundtable brought together business leaders from a variety of industries across New Jersey, exemplifying the impact of Irish Americans on the state’s economy.

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, the NJEDA is committed to creating a stronger, more diverse economy by fostering international relationships and promoting economic opportunities for every New Jerseyan,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Irish Americans are an integral part of New Jersey’s economic fabric, and frank discussions with representatives of the community will help the state craft and refine resources to strengthen businesses and support entrepreneurs.”

Moderated by Director of the New Jersey Ireland Center Steven Lenox, the discussion included representatives from the New Jersey General Assembly, including Speaker Craig Coughlin, Majority Whip Carol Murphy, and Assemblyman William F. Moen, Jr.

“We have a lot to be proud of here in New Jersey, especially when it comes to fostering a strong business environment for Irish-American entrepreneurs and our international partners,” said Speaker Coughlin. “With nearly one million residents of Irish descent, the economic and cultural ties between New Jersey and Ireland continue to drive investment and opportunity. The partnership between our two regions has already brought tremendous growth and opportunity, and there is still so much more to build and achieve together for generations to come.”

“Through the development of the American National & New Jersey Irish Caucus, we had the opportunity to travel and speak with government officials and business leaders in Ireland,” said Assemblywoman Murphy. “Recognizing New Jersey’s potential, Ireland continues to explore future business and education opportunities in the state. Conversations, like the one held by the NJEDA, are important as we continue building our partnership with Ireland.”

“I was extremely grateful for the opportunity to participate in NJEDA’s Irish American Roundtable earlier this week on St. Patrick’s Day. It was a great opportunity to highlight the strength of the Irish American community and its continued role in the economic success of New Jersey,” said Assemblyman Moen. “As a member of the Irish Trade Commission, we are committed to strengthening the relationship between Ireland and New Jersey as well as the Irish American culture around our great state.”

“While the close ties between New Jersey and Ireland are especially evident in March, they run deep throughout the year,” said Lenox. “Not only did our discussion highlight this, but the initiatives we’ve undertaken to make our state more attractive to Irish companies looking to expand into the US — including making New Jersey the first US state with a permanent economic development presence in Ireland — put this into action every day.”

Applegreen Electric, which maintains its United States headquarters in Glen Rock, designs, develops, and operates electric vehicle charging stations at over 630 Applegreen travel plaza sites in the United States, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. Vice President of Electric Vehicles Jimmy Ellis, who participated in the roundtable discussion, oversees the expansion of convenient, high-speed electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Originally from Cork, Ireland, Michelle McCarthy, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MCC Marketing Group, has over 15 years of expertise in leading transformative marketing campaigns for some of the most iconic names and venues in the sports and entertainment industry. In 2023 and 2024, she was featured in Irish America Magazine’s prestigious Business 100 list, celebrating her contributions to arts, entertainment, philanthropy, and community action.

“Irish brands have long been synonymous with quality, authenticity, and innovation – values that deeply resonate with American consumers. Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has cultivated an environment where international businesses can thrive, offering Irish companies a unique opportunity to leverage this dynamic ecosystem,” said McCarthy. “By fostering direct connections between Ireland’s graduates, Irish entrepreneurs, and New Jersey’s industry leaders and investors, we can create even greater opportunities for growth and collaboration. As the founder of MCC Marketing Group, I’m proud to have our company based in New Jersey – a state that champions innovation and international partnerships. We understand the power of storytelling in shaping a brand’s success, and we’re excited to see Irish businesses continue to flourish in the New Jersey market.”

Ann Wycherley, a Real Estate Broker at Brown Harris Stevens, emigrated to New Jersey from Ireland and studied at the Marketing Institute of Ireland. Wycherley is an award-winning agent with over 20 years of experience in the Hudson County market. She has been recognized by the New Jersey Circle of Excellence and earned a Lifetime Membership in the New Jersey Association of Realtors Distinguished Sales Club.

Tim Bauersachs owns and manages the Cross and Shamrock, a family-run gift shop and online store located in Hamilton Township specializing in Irish gifts and religious items. He also serves as Treasurer for the North American Celtic Trade Association, which promotes the sale of Irish and Celtic products in North America. The Cross and Shamrock received grant funding through the NJEDA’s COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Assistance Program.

“Cross and Shamrock has been in my family for 40 years and it’s an honor to keep the business alive and continue serving Central Jersey,” said Bauersachs. “Irish culture runs deep throughout New Jersey and I’m proud that our family business is part of the story. I’m grateful to the NJEDA for its assistance in helping keep our doors open during the pandemic and I look forward to offering our Irish gifts and religious items for years to come.”

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 FacebookTwitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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Next NJ Program and AI Innovation Challenge Administration Grant Program will increase AI investment and catalyze groundbreaking research

TRENTON, N.J. (March 18, 2025) – Last week, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved the creation of the Next New Jersey Program – AI and the AI Innovation Challenge Administration Grant Program. Both programs build on Governor Phil Murphy’s goal of establishing New Jersey as a leader in AI by encouraging private investment into the state’s growing AI sector and promoting collaboration between New Jersey’s citizens and government in AI innovation.

“AI presents a tremendous economic opportunity for New Jersey, poised to create good-paying jobs, catalyze new discoveries, grow our start-up community, and foster long-term economic growth,” said Governor Murphy. “New Jersey’s continued investment in the sectors of the future will pay dividends for generations to come, setting the Garden State on a path of economic strength and prosperity.”

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, the NJEDA has focused on supporting cutting-edge industries like AI, creating family-sustaining jobs for residents and bolstering the state’s innovation economy,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “AI offers a multitude of economic opportunities for the state’s entrepreneurs, businesses, and residents, and these new initiatives will ensure that companies and industry stakeholders have the opportunity and resources needed to invest in AI and contribute to its ongoing growth and evolution.”

The Next New Jersey Program – AI will drive economic growth, collaboration, and the development of AI infrastructure across the state by providing tax credits to eligible businesses investing in large-scale AI data centers and companies engaging in AI-related activities. The $500 million program leverages AI to stimulate innovation, boost productivity, and attract high-tech investments, positioning New Jersey as a key player in the rapidly evolving AI economy.

A business must commit to creating at least 100 new full-time jobs and meet a minimum capital investment of $100 million to be eligible for tax credits. Additionally, the program requires that the business enter into a collaborative relationship with a New Jersey-based public or private research university, technology startup, incubator, accelerator, or similar entity. For more information, including additional eligibility requirements, click here.

The AI Innovation Challenge Administration Grant Program will provide $3.8 million in grant funding to an eligible Administrator through a competitive application process. The Administrator will develop and manage a statewide AI Challenge and disburse sub-grant awards to challenge winners. The NJEDA-approved Administrator’s creation of the AI Challenge will promote participation from a diverse array of stakeholders across New Jersey to identify challenges throughout the State, and leverage AI to develop innovative software solutions that advance social and public good.

 The AI Challenge will include an initial competitive event and virtual showcase where participants will create and present AI-based software prototypes. Winners from the initial competitive event will continue developing their prototypes towards a Minimum Viable Product and present their solutions at a demo day event. After the demo day event, winners will continue working with the Administrator on pilot testing or commercialization of the AI-based software solution. Winners will also receive mentorship and advisory support from the Administrator’s network of subject matter experts.

Applications for the AI Innovation Challenge Administration Grant Program will open during a defined application period following a Notice of Funding Availability being published on the NJEDA’s website. Entities interested in applying for the Grant Program are recommended to start the New Jersey business registration and tax clearance certificate process early to ensure timely submission and processing of applications in compliance with the NJEDA’s eligibility requirements.

The two programs approved today are part of Governor Murphy and the NJEDA’s efforts to expand state resources for the AI sector. In 2023, the Murphy Administration and Princeton University announced a partnership to develop an AI Hub, which will advance New Jersey’s leadership in the field and catalyze innovation in AI technologies. In February, Governor Murphy and Princeton University announced Microsoft and CoreWeave as founding partners of the AI Hub, helping position New Jersey as a leading East Coast center for AI innovation. The NJEDA also approved the creation of 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 FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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A meeting of the Commission of Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) Board has been scheduled for Friday, March 21, 2025, at 10:00 am.

A copy of the proposed agenda can be found at https://www.njcsit.gov/.

PARTICIPANT DIAL-IN NUMBER:              551-220-2262

PARTICIPANT ACCESS CODE:                    439 360 822#

New Jersey Film Works Grant Program and partnerships with institutions of higher learning will expand access to high-quality careers

TRENTON, N.J. (March 13, 2025) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved the creation of the New Jersey Film Works Grant Program and entered into Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Montclair State University and Brookdale Community College to expand film and digital media workforce development initiatives. The new program and partnerships will prepare New Jersey residents for family-sustaining careers in the booming film and entertainment industry, fostering and diversifying the state’s talent pipeline in a critical economic sector and bolstering different approaches to support the state’s film industry.

“Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has reclaimed its status as a leading hub for film and television production. Through the development of state-of-the-art film studios and the success of the Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program, the industry remains poised for long-term growth,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The NJEDA is committed to providing New Jersey residents of all backgrounds with the skills and training they need to capitalize on the immense economic opportunities created by the film and digital media industry. As more studios and production companies utilize New Jersey’s premier incentives and diverse filming locations, they can rely to the state’s expansive talent pool to fill essential roles.”

The $3 million New Jersey Film Works Grant Program will award grants of up to $750,000 to entities that provide New Jersey residents with access to workforce development training, internship, apprenticeship, and learning opportunities in film and digital media. In line with Governor Murphy’s mission to strengthen economic opportunity for every New Jerseyan, the competitive program includes a focus on providing training and career opportunities for residents of Overburdened Communities.

The program is expected to award grants to about six eligible applicants, which can include, but are not limited to, nonprofit and community-based organizations, educational institutions, and labor unions. A Notice of Funding Availability will be available for interested parties in Spring 2025.

In addition to the new program, the NJEDA Board entered into an MOU with Brookdale Community College to provide $1 million to the New Jersey Film Academy initiative. The partnership with Brookdale will provide students, adult learners, diverse underserved populations, and incumbent workers with education and career pathways to pursue careers in film and increase employers’ access to a skilled workforce. The curriculum is standardized and will be replicated in New Jersey’s community college system, expanding the reach of the program to other institutions. The MOU also dedicates $100,000 in funding to support tuition assistance and student scholarships for participation in the program.

For more information on the New Jersey Film Academy, visit https://www.njfilmacademy.org/.

“This partnership with the NJEDA is a game-changer for students and professionals looking to break into the film industry,” said Dr. David Stout, President of Brookdale Community College. “By providing high-quality, accessible education and career pathways, we are not only empowering our students but also strengthening New Jersey’s growing film sector with a skilled and diverse workforce.”

Additionally, the NJEDA Board entered into an MOU with Montclair State University to fund construction of the Making Innovations for X (MIX) Lab, which is a centerpiece of the university’s state-of-the-art Dreamscape Learn facility and curriculum. The lab, which will include a 26-seat immersive classroom and virtual reality pod, enables cutting-edge virtual reality and motion capture educational experiences to powerfully engage students in 21st-century learning.

The MIX Lab is expected to open in July 2026. For more information on Dreamscape Learn, visit https://www.dreamscapelearn.com/.

“We proposed creating the Dreamscape Learn Virtual Reality Lab at Montclair State University to host a space where students can learn and create without limitation. In partnership with Dreamscape Learn, Montclair will develop a cutting edge virtual reality curriculum that offers students an immersive learning opportunity beyond what traditional classroom settings or labs can provide,” said Montclair State University President Jonathan Koppell. “Montclair thanks Governor Murphy and the NJEDA for empowering us to prepare the next generation of creators that will support New Jersey’s growing film, television and media industry.”

“The NJEDA is committed to nurturing resources and partnerships that prepare New Jersey workers for the industries that will define the state’s economic future,” said NJEDA Executive Vice President of Clean Energy and Workforce Development Partnerships Jen Becker. “These new initiatives will strengthen the Authority’s efforts to bolster the talent pipeline for the Garden State’s thriving film and digital media industry, which is poised to provide lasting economic opportunity for decades to come.”

Since the revival and enhancement of the NJEDA’s Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program, the state has attracted hundreds of feature films, television shows, and digital media projects. The surge in production has been accompanied by new construction on state-of-the-art studios, including Netflix in Monmouth County and 1888 Studios in Bayonne, hastening the need for skilled industry professionals in the film and digital media industry.

“As major studios and networks continue to choose the Garden State due to its incredible locations and nation-leading incentives, New Jersey residents must be prepared to take on the jobs created by the industry,” said New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission Vice President Jon Crowley. “Through the NJ Film Works Program and our partnerships with higher education and other stakeholders, the state will deliver unique and best-in-practice job training programs not seen anywhere else in the U.S. This will position New Jerseyans to better reap the economic opportunities that are already heading to the Garden State.”

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 FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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Sun Pharma will keep headquarters in NJ and bring 220 new jobs to the state

TRENTON, N.J. (March 13, 2025) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved tax credits under the Emerge Program to support Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Inc.’s (Sun Pharma) plan to open a new U.S. headquarters in Princeton. Sun Pharma engages in pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing and is the fourth largest specialty generic pharmaceutical company in the world. The pharmaceutical company’s new location will create 220 new jobs and keep hundreds of jobs in the state, including the 230 that are in its current headquarters.  

“New Jersey has long been the medicine chest to the world, helping bring lifesaving pharmaceuticals to the marketplace,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Securing a new headquarters location for Sun Pharma is another mile marker in our state’s history and a sign that New Jersey continues to be at the forefront of health care innovation. The increased economic activity created by Sun Pharma will help bolster our economy and build a stronger future for the Garden State.”

Following several recent acquisitions, Sun Pharma is committed to the continued growth of its business in New Jersey. With more than 600 employees already working at locations across New Jersey, including its Princeton headquarters and facilities in Cranbury and New Brunswick, Sun Pharma has been scouting new locations large enough to house several hundred additional employees. Sun Pharma had considered an alternate site in Horsham, Pennsylvania. However, approval of the Emerge tax credits is a material factor in the company’s decision to choose New Jersey, as well as its talent pool and proximity to colleges and universities.

“Governor Murphy’s commitment to supporting New Jersey’s life sciences industry is keeping the Garden State competitive, helping grow our economy and create new, good-paying jobs,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “From Genmab to Sun Pharma, the Emerge Program is having a major impact on cutting-edge companies choosing to do business in New Jersey. Along with our talent pool and prime location, New Jersey is poised to welcome more innovators and entrepreneurs to our state.”

Sun Pharma’s products cater to a vast range of therapeutic segments covering psychiatry, anti-infectives, neurology, cardiology, diabetology, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, nephrology, urology, dermatology, gynecology, respiratory, oncology, dental, and nutritional. Sun Pharma has over 41,000 employees in 100 locations worldwide, and its recent global revenue is $5.8 billion. In the U.S., it has nine offices with 1,527 employees.

“With our long history as a valued corporate member of the state of New Jersey and the Princeton community, Sun Pharma is proud to participate in the Emerge Program,” said Abhay Gandhi, CEO Sun Pharma North America. “As we continue to bolster investments in our innovative medicines, generics and consumer medicines businesses, we look forward to seeing the positive impact our growth will have for New Jersey, the Princeton community and the patients we support.”

The Emerge Program will award $748,000 in tax credits yearly for seven years, totaling $5,236,000 to support the opening of Sun Pharma’s new headquarters located at 750 College Road East in Princeton. As part of the program’s requirements, Sun Pharma will also remain in New Jersey for a minimum of 11 years. The new headquarters will house a total of 450 corporate jobs, almost doubling the number of employees based out of the current headquarters. The 100,000 square feet Class A office building will help attract top-level talent and allow Sun Pharma to remain competitive in the industry by including modern infrastructure, new, upscale technology, and a collaborative work environment to fuel innovation.

The Emerge Program was created under the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020 (ERA). Through the Emerge Program, small to large businesses, as well as non-profits, can apply for tax credits to support projects that meet minimum capital investment, job creation or retention, and other requirements when competing with another State.

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 FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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Nokia Bell Labs will serve as main tenant in H-2

TRENTON, N.J. (March 12, 2025) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board today approved tax credits through the Aspire Program to support the second New Jersey Health + Life Science Exchange’s (HELIX) building in New Brunswick, known as H-2. Nokia Bell Labs, the industrial research arm of Nokia, will serve as the main tenant of H-2, a 10-story, nearly 370,000-square-foot building that will be an innovation hub in the city’s downtown. The first phase of the HELIX was approved for Aspire tax credits in 2023.

“This approval by the NJEDA Board serves as another milestone in our mission to cement New Jersey as a national leader in technological innovation, helping strengthen the New Brunswick community and create long-term economic growth across the state,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Through the partnership of major institutions, like Nokia Bell Labs, the HELIX will support the creation of advanced technologies and allow startups to scale their business and commercialize lifechanging inventions.”

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.

“The HELIX serves as a cornerstone of Governor Murphy’s vision to supercharge New Jersey’s economy and retain our legacy as a national leader in innovation,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The Aspire Program fuels catalytic development projects that transform communities into dynamic, transit-oriented hubs, ideal for living, working, and doing business. With today’s Aspire award, Nokia Bell Labs addition to the HELIX will further support New Brunswick’s innovation ecosystem by creating cutting-edge technology, high-quality jobs, and long-term economic growth that will benefit generations of New Jerseyans.”

Last month, the NJEDA announced it will partner with Nokia Bell Labs to launch a Strategic Innovation Center (SIC) consisting of the NJ Nokia Innovation Center and Bell Labs Venture Studio, both of which will eventually be located at H-2. Both components will be focused on enabling startups to accelerate and commercialize intellectual property from Nokia Bell Labs and local universities with an emphasis in the fields of communication, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and optical and wireless networks.

“We are thrilled that the NJEDA Board has approved the Aspire tax credits for the second phase of the HELIX project. New Jersey has long been a significant hub for innovation, and this significant achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support from Governor Murphy and the NJEDA through the Aspire Program,” said Nokia Chief Strategy and Technology Officer Nishant Batra. “This state-of-the-art facility will not only enhance our research and development capabilities, but will also drive the creation of cutting-edge technology, generate new jobs, and stimulate long-term economic growth in the state through the NJ Nokia Innovation Center and the Bell Labs Venture Studio.”

H-2 will be a research and development facility comprised of chemistry and biology laboratories, data centers, 3D printing areas, machine shops, office space, and conference rooms. The main lobby of H-2 will include a technology showcase and a coffee shop, which will have access to the Paseo, a public outdoor space connecting the Rutgers campus, the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital District, the New Brunswick train station, and the Government and Arts District in downtown New Brunswick.

“This investment in New Brunswick’s HELIX campus is another example of how New Jersey is solidifying its position as a national leader in life sciences and technological innovation,” said Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. “With world-class partners like Nokia Bell Labs and transformative programs like Aspire, we’re building on an already impressive ecosystem that draws in top talent, keeping New Jersey at the cutting edge of global innovation. Further, major public-private partnerships such as the HELIX illustrates to the American and foreign private sector job-creators that New Jersey can get big things done with the right leadership and vision in place.”

“The approval of Aspire tax credits for H-2 marks another transformative step in New Brunswick’s evolution as a hub for cutting-edge research, innovation, and economic growth,” said New Brunswick Mayor Jim Cahill. “Nokia Bell Labs’ decision to establish its headquarters in New Brunswick is a tremendous opportunity that will further enhance our City’s role as a leader in technological advancement. This move will attract top-tier talent, drive new investment, and create opportunities that will benefit our community for years to come.”

SJP Properties is the lead developer of H-2 and was approved for Aspire tax credits of up to 80 percent of the eligible project cost, not to exceed $103.9 million.

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 FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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Please be advised that the next New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission Board Meeting will be held in person and via teleconference on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 10:30 am. 

Members of the public who wish to speak during the public comment segment of the meeting, pertaining to agenda items, may attend in person or call into the meeting by using the conference number, and are encouraged to call in prior to the meeting start time to avoid any delays.

IN PERSON:

New Jersey Economic Development Authority

One Gateway Center

11-43 Raymond Plaza West, 14th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102

The agenda and teleconference number can be found 48 hours prior to the meeting here.

Please be advised that the next Capital City Redevelopment Corporation Board Meeting will be held in person and via teleconference on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 11:00 am. 

Members of the public who wish to speak during the public comment segment of the meeting, pertaining to agenda items, may attend in person or call into the meeting by using the conference number, and are encouraged to call in prior to the meeting start time to avoid any delays.

IN PERSON:

NJEDA Board Room

36 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08625

TELECONFERENCE:

CONFERENCE NAME:                                CCRC BOARD MEETING

PARTICIPANT DIAL-IN NUMBER:              551-220-2262

PARTICIPANT ACCESS CODE:                    550 079 501#

The agenda can be found 48 hours prior to the meeting on the website: www.njeda.gov/ccrc.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s next public Board Meeting will be held in person, via conference call, and via Microsoft Teams on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 10:00 am.

Members of the public may participate in the meeting attending in person, by calling in on the conference line, or joining via Microsoft Teams link.  Members of the public will have an opportunity to speak during the public comment segment of the meeting. The following conference number and Microsoft Teams link are being provided:  

MEETING NAME: NJEDA BOARD MEETING (MARCH 12, 2025)

IN PERSON:

NJEDA Board Room

36 West State Street, Trenton NJ

PARTICIPANT DIAL-IN NUMBER:       1-888-790-3708

PARTICIPANT ACCESS CODE:             7825427

Members of the public are encouraged to call in prior to the time the meeting is scheduled to begin to avoid any delays.

The agenda can be found 48 hours prior to the meeting on our website: https://www.njeda.gov. The meeting will also be recorded and posted to the NJEDA website shortly after the conclusion of the meeting.

Grant Awards Support the Goals Established by the Nurture NJ Strategic Plan

PRINCETON – First Lady Tammy Murphy and New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) CEO Tim Sullivan today announced the Commission on Science, Innovation, and Technology (CSIT) awarded a combined $1.7 million in grants to 23 New Jersey-based start-ups focused on developing technology, therapeutics, and other solutions to address maternal and infant health challenges. The grant funds support the research and development (R&D) of technologies, products, and services that will enhance the quality of care and service delivery activities to women, infants, and health care agencies. 

“New Jersey is home to some of the most innovative startups in the nation, and it is a privilege to acknowledge their exciting new developments in maternal and infant health,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “The startups receiving awards today will carry on our critical work to ensure New Jersey is the safest and most equitable state in the nation to deliver and raise a baby and ultimately, continue to transform the health care industry beyond the Murphy administration. And, with the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center currently in development in Trenton, our state’s capital city will serve as an innovation hub ensuring these types of businesses are fostered on a grander scale for years to come.”

“Under Governor Murphy and First Lady Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is exploring innovative solutions to make the Garden State the safest place to give birth, while addressing racial disparities in maternal and infant health,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “These grants will invest in vital programs, research, and services that will enhance the well-being of women and children, and reduce racial inequities in access to health care. Additionally, we are creating more opportunities for young, innovative businesses in the in the state, helping create jobs and a stronger, more diverse economy.”

The grants were awarded through Round 2 of CSIT’s Maternal and Infant Health R&D Grant Program. Through the program, CSIT will advance the innovation economy through the development of critically necessary research, products, and services designed to support maternal and infant health. This effort supports the goals established by the Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan, which aims to make New Jersey the safest, most equitable state in the nation to deliver and raise a baby. 

In line with Governor Murphy’s vision to create the most diverse and inclusive innovation economy in the nation, the awardees announced today represent a diverse group of entrepreneurs focused on supporting maternal health in New Jersey. Nearly 29 percent of awardees are self-reported minority-owned startups and 46 percent are self-reported women-owned businesses. 

The following startups within New Jersey’s life sciences, technology, and non-retail food and beverage sectors were each awarded grants of up to $75,000:

  1. Neoventech, LLC (North Brunswick)
  2. PONS (Newark)
  3. Pumpkin Baby, Inc. (Lawrenceville)
  4. Primo Pharmatech, LLC (Somerset)
  5. NeoGeneStar, LLC (Warren)
  6. HeraNano Therapeutics (Sewell)
  7. Vitruviae, Inc. (Nutley)
  8. UCHU Biosensors, Inc. (Newark)
  9. Smartbody, LLC (Teaneck)
  10. Thrivo Health, LLC (New Brunswick)
  11. Delphine Diagnostics, Inc. (Newark)
  12. Gosia Genomics, Inc. (Kearny)
  13. Mycsology Foods, Inc. (Princeton)
  14. Ricovr Healthcare, Inc. (Princeton)
  15. Quarks Advantage Group (Jersey City)
  16. High Throughput Biology, Inc. (Short Hills)
  17. Analytical Diagnostic Solutions, Inc. (Mount Laurel)
  18. InteguRx Therapeutics, LLC (Califon)
  19. Neoneur, LLC (Pennington)
  20. Ability HUB, Inc. (Princeton)
  21. AfsarTech, Inc. (Rutherford)
  22. Within Health Technologies, LLC (Hopewell)
  23. Medifvu, LLC (Somerset)

“We are honored to once again collaborate with First Lady Murphy and our partners across the state to support the vital and lifesaving efforts of the Nurture NJ initiative. We have seen great outcomes from Round 1 of the Maternal and Infant awardees and look forward to continuing this important work,” said CSIT Executive Director Judith Sheft. “By helping these startups move their products and services from concept to commercialization, we will create a lasting impact on the quality of care for New Jersey’s mothers and infants. The awardees are developing a range of drug, diagnostic, hardware, and software solutions to improve maternal and infant health.”

Launched in 2019 by Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy, Nurture NJ is a comprehensive, whole-of-government effort to reduce maternal and infant mortality and morbidity and ensure equitable care among women and children of all races and ethnicities in New Jersey. A key component of this initiative is the establishment of the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center (MIHIC). Based in Trenton, the MIHIC is being developed in partnership with the NJEDA, the Office of First Lady Tammy Murphy, and the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority (MIHIA), which will oversee day-to-day operations of the Center.

“The startups being recognized today will help strengthen New Jersey as an innovation hub while driving improvements in maternal and infant health across the state,” said MIHIA Chief Executive Officer & President Lisa Asare. “These grants represent a significant step forward in advancing cutting-edge solutions that will ensure more equitable access to care for women and infants, especially in underserved communities. By supporting these startups, we are laying the groundwork for long-term, sustainable improvements in maternal and infant health in New Jersey, and continuing our work to make NJ the safest and most equitable place to give birth and raise a child.”

“CSIT is thrilled to continue our partnership with First Lady Murphy, the Maternal and Infant Health Authority, and the NJEDA on this vital initiative that will support babies and their families by leveraging the innovative capabilities of New Jersey startups to tackle critical maternal and infant healthcare challenges,” said CSIT Board Chair, Debbie Hart. “In Round 2 of the program, 23 companies have received $1.7 million in funding to advance their projects, creating solutions where they are urgently needed.”

“On behalf of Princeton Innovation Center BioLabs, I would like to thank First Lady Tammy Murphy, NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan, and other State and local officials for hosting this year’s Commission on Science, Innovation, and Technology Maternal and Infant Health R&D Seed Grant Awards here among our scientific entrepreneurship community,” said Melina Blees, Director of Business Operations and Strategy at the BioLabs for Advanced Therapeutics. “This award ceremony shines a well-deserved light on maternal and infant health — a critical scientific and social issue with both acute individual and long-term public health implications. Here at Princeton Innovation Center BioLabs, we partner with Princeton University to provide equipment, space, support, and community to world-class scientists and entrepreneurs, supporting our dozens of member startups who are hard at work on a wide range of groundbreaking technologies, from photonics to preeclampsia detection. Tackling these challenges and driving both scientific progress and social change holds critical importance for our families, our communities, our health care systems, and for the next generation.”

“The NJCSIT Seed Grant will provide vital capital, to move our CrossCare application from the proof of concept phase, to a usable minimum viable product. It has been extremely difficult to obtain seed funding and we were very close to giving up,” said Dr. Alexandria Massey, DNP, MPH, MBA, Founder of SmartBody LLC. “NJCSIT has given us the opportunity to create a grass-roots solution born from the ground up, not pushed from the top down.  We can now bring to market, a solution based in community level engagement and lived experiences, to effect change in the care of women and babies throughout the state.”

“This grant represents a significant step forward in addressing the challenges parents face with breastmilk storage and preservation. Through innovative research and community partnerships, PumpKin Baby aims to provide families with the tools and knowledge they need to successfully navigate their breastfeeding journey,” said Justin Silpe, Co-Founder of PumpKin Baby Inc. “Supporting my wife through our breastfeeding journey left me not only concerned as a partner but deeply dissatisfied as a scientist with the lack of data and evidence-based information available surrounding household practices. We are deeply indebted to our NJ friends, partners, employees, and most importantly, the milk donors who continue to show up across New Jersey—their contributions are essential to our mission of helping more families among the 60% who currently don’t meet their breastfeeding goals achieve success.”

About CSIT
In August 2018, Governor Murphy signed legislation re-establishing the former New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology as the CSIT. Comprised of representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as academia, the Commission is tasked with leading the way in promoting the state as a home for academic and technological research, development, and commercialization.

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 FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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