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Planned Hub will Advance New Jersey’s leadership in AI and Catalyze Innovation in AI Technologies

TRENTON, N.J. (April 8, 2024) – Ahead of Thursday’s first-ever AI Summit, hosted by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and Princeton University, the partners are issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to seek input on best practices and operational insights for the creation and development of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hub, which will help advance New Jersey’s leadership in the field and catalyze innovation in AI technologies. The public feedback received will help the NJEDA and Princeton better understand the scope and characteristics of the AI Hub, with a particular focus on opportunities for collaboration with the private sector. Responses are due by May 31.

The AI Hub, which is supported by the NJEDA, will bring together industry leaders, researchers, and start-up companies to advance research and development in the emerging field. The hub will promote workforce development to support new AI technology development and implementation. Additionally, the AI Hub will house dedicated accelerator space and work to advance the use of ethical AI for positive societal impact.

“AI has the power and potential to drive innovation, create jobs, and build long-term economic growth. Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey remains poised to capture the incredible momentum created by this emerging industry, which will enhance our state’s economic competitiveness for years to come.” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The AI Hub will build upon the Garden State’s longstanding legacy in innovation and establish Central Jersey, already famed for its Route 1 ‘research corridor’, as a leading national base for AI activity. I look forward to our continued collaboration with Princeton University as we forge ahead in establishing New Jersey as a premier location for the creation of cutting-edge AI technologies and companies.”

In December, Governor Murphy and Princeton University President Christopher Eisgruber announced plans to create an AI innovation hub. The state’s collaboration with Princeton will leverage the university’s institutional strengths in research, technology policy and education, as well as its long history in making societal impacts. Thursday’s AI Summit at Princeton University will further these goals by convening leaders from the region and beyond, including Governor Murphy and President Eisgruber, who are both slated to speak, along with other titans of the industry and academia. Recordings of the invitation-only event will be made available shortly after the summit.

The AI Hub is part of Governor Murphy’s broader commitment to make New Jersey a national leader in the AI field. Last fall, Governor Murphy established the AI Task Force, of which NJEDA CEO Sullivan is a member, and charged it with studying emerging AI technologies and its societal impacts. The state’s AI initiative draws on New Jersey’s unique strengths in the health, sustainability, financial, and technology sectors, which stand to benefit from the application of AI technologies to advance innovative breakthroughs.

“Bringing together academia, industry, and government, this integrated hub of AI activity will foster collaboration on AI development and innovations,” said Princeton University Provost Jen Rexford. “The input and feedback we receive through this RFI will build upon Princeton’s leadership in AI and the strengths of the Central New Jersey region to ensure that we are leveraging the expertise and insights of various stakeholders, including New Jersey’s outstanding higher education institutions.”

The RFI issued by the NJEDA and Princeton is aimed at identifying potential partners and how they can help catalyze a hub for AI activity in the state. The RFI also seeks input on identifying specific sites, financial contributions, and other resources that interested parties may contribute to the development and operations of the AI Hub.

All questions must be submitted in writing no later than Friday, April 19^th, at 11:59 p.m. EDT via email to AIHub@njeda.gov. The subject line of the e-mail should state: “QUESTIONS-2024 RFI-#XXX AI Hub”.

All RFI responses must be submitted in writing no later than, Friday, May 31^st at 11:59 p.m. EDT via email to AIHub@njeda.gov. The subject line of the email should state: “RFI response-AI Hub”.

Potential respondents may include, but are not limited to, AI software developers, consumer protection and privacy firms, higher education institutions, workforce development and community outreach professionals, and technology workforce providers. Respondents do not need to be located within New Jersey to provide input. The RFI can be found 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

TRENTON, N.J. (April 8, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) is extending the deadline of its Request for Information (RFI) seeking insight from firms and individuals with perspectives on the proven best practices, potential challenges, and appropriate considerations relevant to the development of a Statewide Employee Ownership program. The deadline to submit questions will be Wednesday, April 10, 2024, and the deadline for responses will be extended to Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

The information gathered through this RFI will help the NJEDA better understand the scope and characteristics of a potential employee ownership program and engage interested parties, potential consultant, and eligible businesses in the establishment and success of the potential program.

WHAT: The NJEDA is seeking recommendations, information, and ideas that will help the NJEDA better understand the scope and characteristics of Employee Ownership – highlighted as a potential Wealth Disparity Initiative by the Governor’s Wealth Disparity Task Force – in anticipation of the development of a Statewide Employee Ownership Program.

WHO: The RFI seeks responses from interested stakeholders, including but not limited, to New Jersey-based businesses of any size and industry; Employee-Owned entities; Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) technical assistance providers; Chambers of Commerce; Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs); and foundations and philanthropic initiatives that support Employee Ownership and/or work to address socioeconomic disparities.

Respondents do not need to be located within New Jersey to provide input.

WHEN: All questions must be submitted in writing no later than 12:00 p.m. on April 10, 2024, via e-mail to EmployeeOwnership@njeda.gov. The subject line of the e-mail should read: “QUESTIONS-2024 RFI-199 Development of a Statewide Employee Ownership Program”. Answers to questions submitted will be posted on the NJEDA’s website: Bidding Opportunities – NJEDA as Addendum.

All RFI responses must be submitted in writing no later than 11:59 p.m. on April 24, 2024, via e-mail to EmployeeOwnership@njeda.gov. The subject line of the e-mail should state: “RFI Response-2024-RFI-199 Development of a Statewide Employee Ownership Program”

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s next public Board Meeting will be held in person and via teleconference on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 10:00 am.

IN PERSON:

NJEDA Board Room

36 West State Street, Trenton NJ

TELECONFERENCE:

CONFERENCE NAME: NJEDA BOARD MEETING

PARTICIPANT DIAL-IN NUMBER: 877-692-8955

PARTICIPANT ACCESS CODE: 4204420

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.

TRENTON, N.J. (April 2, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has reopened applications for film production facilities seeking a designation that will facilitate access to a separate pool of tax credits designed to encourage the development of large, long-term film production facilities in the state. Under the New Jersey Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program, as a complement to the program for individual film production projects, two additional and separate allocations were established to support projects led by Studio Partners and Film-lease Partners Facilities.

In 2022, Lions Gate Film Inc. was awarded the first Studio Partner designation after committing to occupy 253,000 square feet at Great Point Studios development in Newark. The facility is expected to be operational in 2025.

WHAT: The Studio Partner designation will unlock access to $150 million in annual incentives and allow a production company to capture additional above-the-line salaries and wages as part of its tax credit award calculation, as well as an increased award percentage. Studio Partner applicants must be a production company that has site control of a production facility that is at least 250,000 square feet for at least 10 years. Additional eligibility requirements can be found here. Only three Studio Partner designations can be approved, with only two that remain available, which will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants.

A Film-lease Partner Facility designation application is also now available for studios developers who own, lease, or operate a production facility of at least 250,000 square feet for a period of five years or more. The designation allows for future tenants of a designated Film-lease Partner Facility to receive increased tax credit awards for filming in New Jersey. The tax credit award increases if the designated facility’s tenant qualifies as a “film-lease production company”. To qualify, the production company must occupy space at designated film-lease partner facility, film at least 50 percent of the total project shoot days in New Jersey and at least 50 percent of the New Jersey shoot days at the designated facility. Applicants must have site control, and at least preliminary site plan approval, an executed redevelopment agreement, or an adopted redevelopment plan that contemplates the construction of a film studio. Studio Partner and Film-lease Partner Facilities need to be able to provide at least a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy within 36-months of the approval of the designation.

WHEN: Applications for Studio Partners and Film-lease Partners Facility Designations are now open. For more information and to apply, click here. Questions may be emailed to FilmTaxCredit@njeda.gov.

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. (April 1, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking insight from firms and individuals with perspectives on the proven best practices, potential challenges and appropriate considerations relevant to the development of a Statewide Employee Ownership program. The information gathered through this RFI will help NJEDA better understand the scope and characteristics of a potential employee ownership program and engage interested parties, potential consultant, and eligible businesses in the establishment and success of the potential program.

WHAT: The NJEDA is interested in receiving comments, questions, recommendations, facts, information, ideas, and responses that will help the NJEDA better understand the scope and characteristics of Employee Ownership – highlighted as a potential Wealth Disparity Initiative by the Governor’s Wealth Disparity Task Force – in anticipation of the development of a Statewide Employee Ownership Program. The creation of such a program will aim to engage interested parties, potential consultants, and eligible businesses in the establishment and success of an employee ownership model with the support of the Authority.

WHO: The RFI seeks responses from all interested stakeholders including but not limited to New Jersey-based businesses of any size and industry; Employee-Owned entities located within the United States; Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) technical assistance providers; Chambers of Commerce and other business advocacy organizations; business and entrepreneurship support organizations; Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs); policy and academic researchers; foundations and philanthropic initiatives that support Employee Ownership and/or work to address socioeconomic disparities; any other individual or entity who has perspectives or experiences relevant to this Request for Information.

Respondents do not need to be located within New Jersey to provide input.

WHEN: All questions must be submitted in writing no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 8, 2024, via e-mail to EmployeeOwnership@njeda.gov. The subject line of the e-mail should read: “QUESTIONS-2024 RFI-199 Development of a Statewide Employee Ownership Program”. Answers to questions submitted will be posted on the NJEDA’s website: Bidding Opportunities – NJEDA as Addendum.

All RFI responses must be submitted in writing no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 15, 2023, via e-mail to EmployeeOwnership@njeda.gov. The subject line of the e-mail should state: “RFI Response-2024-RFI-199 Development of a Statewide Employee Ownership Program”.

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TRENTON, N.J. (March 28, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will open applications for the Atlantic City Food Security Grants Pilot Program on Tuesday, April 2, at 10:00 a.m., with an application deadline of Wednesday, May 15, at 5:00 p.m. The $5.25 million pilot program is part of a broader initiative to expand food access in Atlantic City.

WHAT: The Atlantic City Food Security Grants program will provide grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 to fund projects to strengthen food security and food access in Atlantic City. Grants can be used for direct and indirect project costs and may cover 100 percent of the proposed project cost. The pilot program is meant to act as a more immediate response to the food access crisis in Atlantic City and to bring nutritious food options to the city as residents await the construction of a full-fledged supermarket.

Governor Phil Murphy announced the creation of the program last fall, as part of a broader initiative to bring fresh, healthy foods to Atlantic City residents. The Atlantic City/Ventnor Food Desert Community (FDC) is home to 41,000 residents and is the second-most acute in the state.

WHO: Eligible applicants include for-profit, nonprofit, and government entities that have been in existence for at least two years at the time of applying. Applicants must currently be serving residents in the Atlantic City/Ventnor FDC and must be able to demonstrate existing programming or services related to food access and/or food security.

WHEN: Applications for the Atlantic City Food Security Grants program will open on Tuesday, April 2, at 10:00 a.m. with an application deadline of Wednesday, May 15, at 5:00 p.m. Grants will be made to the highest-scoring eligible applications, not in a first-come, first-served manner. Interested applicants can click here to learn more and apply.

About the NJEDA

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Report aims to guide and further develop the state’s international business relationships

TRENTON, N.J. (March 22, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today presented the inaugural New Jersey Global Economic Index, a report that highlights, ranks, and analyzes the sources of foreign direct investment (FDI) into New Jersey. The report, which will be released annually, aims to guide and further develop international business relationships with the state, while bolstering Governor Murphy’s global economic development goals.

“During my administration, New Jersey has developed strong ties with key international partners, from Ireland to East Asia,” said Governor Murphy. “The findings in this report will provide guidance and assist New Jersey companies, agencies, and organizations in developing relationships abroad, which in turn will create jobs, strengthen the economy, and provide new opportunities for New Jersey residents and communities.”

The Global Economic Index indicates that New Jersey, regionally, has the strongest economic relationships with Europe, the Asia Pacific region, and North America. While Europe had the highest number of countries listed as top performers, research found that India ranked first as a global partner with New Jersey, followed by the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Germany. The report notes that the United Arab Emirates and Israel also hold a high rank as global partners. Additionally, the Asia-Pacific region is also as an area of opportunity for New Jersey, including South Korea and Japan, which ranked seventh and eighth as global partners, respectively.

“The NJEDA is committed to supporting Governor Murphy’s vision for a stronger, more diverse economy, and the findings in the New Jersey Global Economic Index show the progress we have made fostering international relationships, attracting and quantifying FDI, and maximizing opportunities abroad,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “This report will inform us as we move forward with our goal of creating more jobs, increasing our visibility in foreign markets, and acting as a global economic leader.”

During his time in office, Governor Murphy, along with the NJEDA and Choose New Jersey, has embarked on economic mission trips to India, Ireland, Israel, and Germany. As a result, Choose New Jersey has opened offices in those countries to foster ties between the Garden State and critical foreign partners. Last October, Governor Murphy, NJEDA, and Choose New Jersey traveled to East Asia, making stops in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. While in Taiwan, Governor Murphy announced Choose New Jersey will open its fifth foreign office in Taipei City.

“This report will aid us in our efforts moving forward, as it is a reflection of the work we’ve accomplished, and an indicator of the work we still need to do,” said Wesley Mathews, President and CEO of Choose New Jersey. “I am proud to have worked alongside the NJEDA to meet Governor Murphy’s mission to make New Jersey a business leader on the international stage. I look forward to continuing important conversations abroad, so that New Jersey can remain a top destination for work and travel alike.”

“This report demonstrates a new way of thinking about and analyzing our economic relations,” said NJEDA Director of International Innovation and Partnerships Andrew Gross. “By indexing the State’s sources of global investment, we are able to gain a deeper understanding of New Jersey’s relationships abroad, while encouraging development in regions where we aren’t seeing as much economic activity.”

Developed by the NJEDA Office of International Innovation and Partnerships, with support from the Chief Economist’s Office, the 2024 New Jersey Global Economic Index launched at an event today hosted in the NJEDA’s Newark office for international diplomats and economic promotion organizations.

The full report can be found online here.

About the NJEDA

A meeting of the Commission of Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) Board has been scheduled for Friday, March 22, 2024, at 10:00 am.

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

PARTICIPANT DIAL-IN NUMBER: 551-220-2262

PARTICIPANT ACCESS CODE: 858 411 544#

NEWARK, N.J. – The New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (NJMPTVC), part of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), today announced the hiring of Jon Crowley as its new Executive Director. In this role, Crowley will serve as the senior leader of all of New Jersey’s film initiatives, leading both the NJEDA’s film sector development work, as well as the management of the NJMPTVC.

Prior to joining the NJEDA, Crowley worked within the television industry for over two decades, producing and directing several well-known television series including “Impractical Jokers”, “House Hunters International”, “Big Brother”, “Lizard Lick Towing”, “Love After Lock-Up”, “Trading Spouses”, “Breaking the Ice”, “Full Contact”, and “Upload with Shaquille O’Neal”, among many others. Crowley is a two-time EMMY award winner, and CableACE Writing Nominee.

“As the film industry continues to expand across the state, I am excited to welcome Jon Crowley to the NJEDA where he will use his skills and experience to lead the Film Commission’s efforts to attract top-tier film and television productions to the Garden State,” said New Jersey Economic Development Authority Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “In his role, Jon will help boost Governor Phil Murphy’s mission to strengthen New Jersey’s leadership role in the film sector, which will fuel our economy and create good-paying jobs for our residents.”

“I’m thrilled to have Jon Crowley join the Film Commission as Executive Director and I am confident New Jersey’s film industry will continue to grow and succeed under his leadership,” said NJMPTVC Chairman Michael Uslan. “Jon’s experience will be a tremendous asset to the Film Commission as we work to promote New Jersey as a top destination to film.”

“The growth of our film industry has been incredible over the past six years under Governor Murphy’s leadership, and we have welcomed productions to our state, many of which have been smash-hits and award winners,” said NJMPTVC Executive Director Steve Gorelick. “I know with Jon at the helm, the Film Commission will continue its successful track record of attracting major productions and expanding the film industry’s presence in New Jersey.”

“I am thrilled to take on this new challenge and am ready to ensure New Jersey’s momentum in the film industry continues to skyrocket,” said incoming NJMPTVC Executive Director Jon Crowley. “I am grateful to the NJMPTVC Board and NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan for entrusting me with this responsibility and I look forward to working alongside the entire NJEDA staff in our shared mission of creating a stronger New Jersey economy.”

Crowley has also served on the Atlantic Highlands Borough Council since 2017. During his tenure, he worked closely with staff from the NJMPTVC on certifying the municipality as “Film Ready”.

“Since he took office, Governor Murphy has been on a mission to grow New Jersey’s film sector and because of the work done by the NJMPTVC, the industry has grown exponentially, leading to job creation and increased investment in our state,” said Chief Economic Transformation Officer Kathleen Coviello. “I am certain this booming industry will continue to reach new heights in New Jersey under the leadership of Jon Crowley and I am excited to see what future productions and studios decide to call the Garden State home.”

About the New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission

The NJMPTVC, part of the NJEDA, is staffed by industry professionals and serves as a resource for production companies. The Commission promotes film and television production in New Jersey.

www.film.nj.gov

About the NJEDA

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Film Commission’s next Film Ready Workshop set for April 23

NEWARK, N.J. – The New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (NJMPTVC), part of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), announced today that 14 municipalities and four counties have completed the Film Ready New Jersey Program and are now designated as Film Ready Communities. The multi-step training and certification process prepares communities to accommodate movie and television producers and effectively market themselves as film destinations.

“The Film Ready New Jersey Program is helping the state’s film industry grow by giving municipalities and counties the tools needed to welcome top-tier productions to their communities,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “As more productions choose New Jersey as their backdrop, the training provided by the Film Ready Program will generate an economic boost for communities across the state by creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and attracting tourism.”

Berkeley Heights, Cranford, Fair Lawn, Jersey City, Manville, Newark, Plainfield, Pompton Lakes, Rahway, Ridgefield Park, Ringwood, Roseland, West Orange, Westwood, and Bergen, Passaic, Somerset, and Union counties are among the newest cohort of Film Ready Communities. For more information on the newest cohort of Film Ready Communities, click here.

Film Ready New Jersey is a 5-step certification and marketing program that educates municipalities on the basics of motion picture and television production and sets basic standards for attracting filmmaking. The “film-ready” designation provides an elevated platform for certified communities to promote themselves as filming destinations and connects film and television professionals with skilled and knowledgeable liaisons across the state.

The NJMPTVC will host the next Film Ready Workshop at the Morris Museum on Tuesday, April 23. Click here for more information and to register for the workshop.

Workshop participants will receive training and guidance from industry professionals, local mayors, and NJMPTVC Commissioners and staff. Participants will also learn about the economic impact of hosting on-location filming, ordinances and permitting, opportunities for small businesses, and the expanding infrastructure.

“The State of New Jersey offers many advantages to the film and television industry, including communities that are prepared on day one. Through the Film Ready New Jersey Program, we are encouraging our cities and towns to readily welcome filmmakers and enjoy the many benefits when production crews come to town, said NJMPTC Executive Director Steven Gorelick. “Partnerships with our municipal and county governments are vital to the state’s film industry success.”

New Jersey has a rich history in entertainment, and the state’s motion picture and television industry is at the forefront again as production has exploded in recent years. Since the revival and enhancement of the NJEDA’s Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program, the state has attracted 166 feature films, television shows and digital media projects. This activity has generated $2.3 billion in spending. New Jersey now enjoys a constant flow of filmmaking across every county from Cape May to Sussex, hastening the demand to prepare municipalities for an influx of film and television production.

About the New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission

The NJMPTVC, part of the NJEDA, is staffed by industry professionals and serves as a resource for production companies. The Commission promotes film and television production in New Jersey.

www.film.nj.gov

About the NJEDA

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