Update (June 29, 2023): The deadline to respond to this RFI has been extended to July 24th, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. EDT.

TRENTON, N.J. (June 13, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) yesterday issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking insight from qualified stakeholders on opportunities to accelerate building decarbonization within the commercial building sector. The information gathered through the RFI will guide the development of programs to reduce harmful emissions from New Jersey’s building sector; the second highest source of overall greenhouse gas emissions in the state. The RFI can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/bidding/#OET with responses due by July 6.


WHAT: The NJEDA is exploring the creation of programs, especially around project financing, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from existing and new commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings within the state. The RFI issued yesterday will ensure the Authority has a better understanding of key opportunities and barriers of building decarbonization, as well as specific partnerships, funding, programs, and other resources needed to support the acceleration of decarbonization efforts. Building decarbonization efforts include, but are not limited to, energy efficiency improvements, on-site renewable energy generation, and the reduction of operational emissions via fuel switching or beneficial electrification.

Commercial buildings alone account for 10 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions in New Jersey, emphasizing the critical need of robust building decarbonization efforts in reducing overall statewide emissions. In line with Governor Phil Murphy’s vision to bolster New Jersey’s clean energy economy and reduce dependance on harmful pollutants, the RFI is an important step in the continuation of the NJEDA’s efforts to support the state’s innovative clean energy industries and further the Governor’s goal of reducing statewide greenhouse gas emissions to 80 percent below 2006 levels by 2050.

WHO: Respondents do not need to be located within the State of New Jersey to provide input. The RFI seeks responses from qualified entities, organizations, and individuals in commercial building decarbonization efforts. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Commercial building owners and property developers of all development models and sizes, including those with single buildings or larger portfolios
  • Financial institutions involved in real estate transactions and construction financing
  • Building management, maintenance, and operations personnel
  • Building construction businesses and workers, including, but not limited to, industry associations, chambers of commerce, and unions
  • Other businesses and associated trade groups (restaurants, manufacturers, retailers, grocers, etc.)
  • Building design professionals (engineers, architects, planners, modelers, etc.), especially those with experience in green buildings, energy management, and building decarbonization approaches
  • Subject matter experts and entities with expertise on green building technologies and best practices, including research institutions
  • Manufacturers and installers for electric heating and cooling systems (including heat pumps and variable refrigerant flow systems) and other electric appliances
  • Energy efficiency, building envelope, and related contractors
  • Utility providers and operators
  • Environmental and other public policy-focused organizations
  • Organizations representing Environmental Justice communities (together with individual representatives of these communities)
  • And Jurisdictional and regulatory representatives (from New Jersey, all other states and territories, and international sources)


HOW TO RESPOND: All questions concerning this RFI must be submitted in writing no later than 5:00 p.m. EDT on June 19, 2023, via e-mail to buildingdecarbRFI@njeda.gov. The subject line of the e-mail should state: Questions-2023-RFI-180. Answers to questions submitted will be publicly posted on the Authority’s website on or about June 26, 2023, at https://www.njeda.gov/bidding/#OET as Addendum.

All RFI responses must be submitted in writing no later than 5:00 PM EDT on July 6, 2023, via e-mail to: buildingdecarbRFI@njeda.gov. The subject line of the e-mail should state: RFI Response-2023-RFI-180.

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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Assistance available to indoor amusement centers and arcades will help offset COVID-19 pandemic-related losses

TRENTON, N.J. (February 9, 2023) –The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved yesterday the creation of a grant program that will help indoor amusement parks, arcades, and entertainment centers rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic. The New Jersey Indoor Amusement Park Grant Program will provide eligible applicants with up to $150,000 to offset losses incurred due to decreased business as a result of the global pandemic. 

“As the New Jersey economy continues to rebound in the wake of COVID-19, investment into family-friendly entertainment centers like indoor amusement facilities adds to the comprehensive nature of our pandemic recovery strategy,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, the NJEDA has helped thousands of small businesses not only recover from the pandemic, but thrive for years to come. The NJ Indoor Amusement Park Grant Program will join our suite of programs designed to build the economic resilience of small businesses, especially those that play an essential role in the fabric of our local communities.”

These one-time grants will range from $5,000, up to $100,000. Those in Opportunity Zone eligible census tracts will be eligible for up to $150,000, and businesses that are not located in an Opportunity Zone eligible census tracts can qualify for up to $100,000. The funds may only be used for working capital costs. This program is being created to help these niche businesses, which were not eligible for funding under the Small Business Administration’s Shuttered Venue Operators Grant or Restaurant Revitalization Fund, by providing funding that will meaningfully improve their viability.

For eligibility, venues must have opened on or before March 9, 2020, and demonstrate a financial need by reporting at least a 50 percent loss in indoor self-reported gross revenue from the 12-month period of April 2019. Businesses must be open and operating at the date of application.  Facilities that include both indoor and outdoor offerings are eligible, yet the losses must be proven to be related to the business’s indoor aspects.

“The pandemic was especially devastating for indoor entertainment facilities, along with other businesses that rely solely on in-person customers,” said NJEDA Chief Community Development Officer Tai Cooper. “These grants will help eligible businesses continue to drive thriving communities, including a focus on those located in Opportunity Zone-eligible areas, where they are so important to the vitality of their neighborhoods.”

Funds will be disbursed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Funds will be available for the application period, which will be at least 30 days, or until funds are exhausted.

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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Opportunity for stakeholders to learn about this first-in-the-nation investment program

TRENTON, N.J. (January 20, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will hold a virtual information session to provide venture capitalists, private equity investors, and New Jersey startups with information on how they can access capital from the New Jersey Innovation Evergreen Fund (NJIEF). Established by Governor Phil Murphy’s New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020, the NJIEF is a ground-breaking tool designed to grow the state’s innovation economy by catalyzing up to $600 million to support early-stage innovation-focused businesses in New Jersey, while creating mentoring, networking, and educational opportunities to help position these companies for success.

Last month, the NJEDA announced the results of a $50 million tax credit auction, in which established corporations committed funding, technical assistance, and mentorship to help startup businesses in the state. Funds raised through the tax credit auction are expected to help support six to ten high-growth businesses this year.

The information session will be held on January 26th at 9:30 a.m. Register at https://www.njeda.gov/event/njeda-innovation-evergreen-fund-investment-program/. A recorded version of the information session will be posted at http://www.njeda.gov/evergreen following the event.  

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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NJEDA to Launch Additional Financing Tool for Micro Businesses Next Month

Montclair, N.J. (May 5, 2022) – In celebration of National Small Business Week, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced plans to open applications for its Micro Business Loan next month, which will make additional funding resources available through the Authority’s Main Street Recovery Program. The NJEDA has already issued nearly $5.5 million in grants through the Main Street Recovery Program.

Governor Phil Murphy’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget proposal includes $50 million for the Main Street Recovery Program. The Governor visited East Side Mags, a comic book store in Montclair to highlight a business that has received this funding.

“Small businesses like East Side Mags are essential to New Jersey’s vibrant and thriving Main Streets,” said Governor Murphy. “As we transition from pandemic to endemic, we must continue to support small businesses as they recover from the devastating impact of COVID19. I am proud to support New Jersey’s small businesses and look forward to seeing their continued resiliency and contributions to our economy and communities.”

“During Governor Murphy’s tenure, we have made historic progress to spur economic growth and support small businesses dealing with the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “We’re already seeing the impact of the Main Street Recovery Program, as new businesses open their doors, hire new employees and move their local communities forward.”  

The Main Street Recovery Program is budgeted to provide $100 million to support the growth and success of small businesses in New Jersey. In just over six months, more than 200 small businesses have been approved for the Small Business Lease Grant and 32 small businesses have been approved for the Small Business Improvement Grant since February. The Small Business Lease Grant provides funding to help businesses who leased or expanded their commercial space in the last twelve months, while the Small Business Improvement Grant reimburses grantees for 50 percent of the cost of capital improvements, furniture, fixtures, and equipment at their facilities.

Realizing the need for access to flexible capital for the early-stage micro businesses the NJEDA will open applications for its Main Street Micro Business Loan in early June. The Main Street Micro Business Loan will offer forgivable working capital loans with a two-percent interest rate and no interest and no payments due for the first year. Eligible micro businesses in New Jersey with 10 or fewer full-time employees and no greater than $1.5 million in annual revenues will be able to apply for financing of up to $50,000. The Micro Business Loan will be available to for-profit, non-profit, and home-based businesses with a business location in New Jersey and that have been in operation for at least six months. Funding will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Seeking support for improvements, Kosher eatery Crunch Time was reimbursed through the Small Business Improvement Grant funding for improvements made to its facility prior to opening in mid-2020 to transform the eatery known for burgers, sandwiches, soups and more to the Lakewood community.

“We had a vision to transform an old bakery into a lively and attractive place for families to gather and share a meal,” said Crunch Time Owner Eliezer Kadoch. “We are grateful that funding from the NJEDA’s Small Business Improvement Grant was available to support our dream.”

Another success of support through NJEDA funding is Dreamweaver Equine Center, a non-profit in Ringoes which provides equine-assisted activities and social and emotional learning for individuals of all abilities and ages, starting as young as two years old. With support from the NJEDA’s Small Business Improvement Grant, the minority- and woman-owned nonprofit has increased accessibility throughout the property.

“When we opened our doors in 2020, we knew that people were looking for ways to stay connected while staying safe and having fun,” said Dreamweaver Equine Center Founder and Director Ali Cho. “Our family-friendly learning environment has been extremely well-received by the community, and we are so grateful. Improvements made to our facilities with support from the NJEDA will enable our farm to accommodate more individuals seeking opportunities to connect with our horses and farm critters, furthering our mission to promote mental health and wellness in Hunterdon County and all our surrounding communities.”

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 state resources available to New Jersey entrepreneurs and early-stage companies, visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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Important Update (June 2, 2022)

  • The deadline to submit proposals has been extended to June 27, 2022.

TRENTON, N.J. (May 2, 2022) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking insight from qualified entities with perspectives on the creation of a physical innovation center dedicated to financial technology (fintech) in New Jersey. The RFI seeks to collect information on whether a fintech strategic innovation center would create a unique opportunity for further economic development, sustain job growth and job creation, and catalyze innovation in the state. The RFI can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/bidding/#OET. Responses are due by June 6, 2022.

The NJEDA is interested in receiving comments, questions, recommendations, facts, information, ideas, solutions, and responses that provide insight into the scope and characteristics of technology-driven financial innovation, generally referred to as fintech, and the potential value in creating a center for fintech activity in New Jersey.

Additionally, this RFI seeks to better understand the opportunities and challenges associated with establishing a fintech innovation center, including market need and gaps, potential sites and logistical considerations; information on potential projects or solutions that present the best return on investment and opportunity for sustainability; and national and international models that should be considered when developing a fintech innovation center.

“The creation of new innovation-centric spaces is an important element of Governor Murphy’s efforts to build New Jersey’s innovation economy,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Gathering insights into how a fintech innovation center could contribute to the economic vitality and quality of life in the State will help us identify best practices and innovative ideas for developing a successful center that makes sense for New Jersey in terms of its long-term economic competitiveness.”

New Jersey is well on track to become the nation’s central location for the fintech industry, considering many of the world’s leading financial services companies have already located their back-office data and technology support operations in the Garden State. New Jersey offers a strategic location at the heart of the densely-populated and transit-connected Northeast Corridor, next to Philadelphia and New York City; it provides best-in-class digital infrastructure; it’s home to a highly-educated, skilled, and diverse workforce; and it serves as an international gateway with easy access to employees, clients, and customers across the globe.

The NJEDA is seeking responses from qualified entities including, but not limited to, finance and insurance companies, information technology companies, suppliers within the Financial Services and Technology supply chains (e.g., product and technology development), post-secondary educational institutions, relevant industry or trade groups, policy and academic researchers; real estate developers; business leaders, employers and entrepreneurs; technical assistance providers, and municipal or county governments.

Responses to the RFI are due no later than 11:59 p.m. EDT, on Monday, June 6, 2022, via e-mail to: FinTech@njeda.com.  The subject line of the e-mail should state: RFI Response-2022-RFI-OET-PFS-146 – New Jersey Financial Technology Innovation Center. 

All questions concerning this RFI must be submitted in writing no later than 11:59 p.m. EDT, on Monday, May 9, 2022, via e-mail to: FinTech@njeda.com. The subject line of the e-mail should state: QUESTIONS-2022-RFI-OET-PFS-146 – New Jersey Financial Technology Innovation Center. Answers to questions submitted will be publicly posted on the Authority’s website on or about Monday, May 23, 2022, at: https://www.njeda.gov/Bidding-Opportunities-General/Economic-Transformation-RFIs as Addendum.

 
About 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 609-858-6767 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. 
  

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Authority Adopts Final List of 50 Communities that May Be Eligible for $240M in Food Desert Relief Act Funding


Trenton, N.J. (February 10, 2022) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced that it approved the final list of New Jersey’s 50 designated Food Desert Communities during its Board meeting yesterday. Over the next several years, up to $240 million in funding through the Food Desert Relief Act will be available to strengthen food security and combat food deserts in these communities.

The Food Desert Relief Act is part of the Economic Recovery Act (ERA), signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy in January 2021. The Act directs the NJEDA to address the food security needs of communities across New Jersey by providing up to $40 million per year for six years in tax credits, loans, grants, and/or technical assistance to increase access to nutritious foods and develop new approaches to alleviate food deserts. The NJEDA expects to issue regulations later this year, a critical step in the development of any Food Desert Relief Act-related programs.

“New Jersey has long been at the forefront in the fight against food insecurity,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. “We have a moral duty to reduce food insecurity within our state’s borders and the programs we create under the Food Desert Relief Act will strengthen our ability to connect New Jerseyans in the 50 designated Food Desert Communities with access to much-needed nutritious food.”  

A January 2022 U.S. Census Bureau survey found that nearly one in 13 New Jersey households reported not having enough to eat in the past seven days. The total population of New Jerseyans residing in Food Desert Communities exceeds 1.5 million individuals across a diverse range of communities in all 21 of New Jersey’s counties.

Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin has been a vocal advocate of finding ways to eliminate food deserts and played a key role in the passage of the Food Desert Relief Act.

“The statistics surrounding food insecurity are sobering and unacceptable,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. “By approving the designation of New Jersey’s Food Desert Communities, we are a crucial step closer to directly addressing the impact of food deserts on New Jersey communities and to securing access to fresh and nutritious foods, with real brick and mortar food retailers and neighborhood food service programs, so everyone feels the comfort of knowing where their next meal will come from.”  

The designation of Food Desert Communities approved yesterday includes consideration of factors such as: food retail environment, demographics, economic indicators, and health indicators. The NJEDA developed the list and accompanying methodology for designation of the Food Desert Communities in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA) and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA), along with input from the New Jersey Department of Human Services (NJDHS) and New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH). The NJEDA issued a Request for Information (RFI) in March 2021 to solicit insight into food security challenges faced by communities across the Garden State, including specific obstacles and disparities within communities that are considered “food deserts.” The RFI also asked for feedback on specific criteria for the Food Desert Communities designation. The list was created based on feedback received through the RFI process and input compiled from research and from other public-sector organizations. The final list was revised to incorporate written and verbal input submitted by members of the public based on the draft list of Food Desert Communities released in January 2022.

“The level of engagement we saw throughout the public feedback process underscores the importance of bringing the issue of hunger out of the shadows,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Under Governor Murphy’s leadership – and armed with one of the most comprehensive process and methodology for designating Food Desert Communities in the nation – we will continue to work with our sister agencies to create a robust suite of programs to address food insecurity in every county in our state.”

“Known the world over as the Garden State, New Jersey is currently home to over 10,000 farms,” said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher. “We can, and must, leverage the ingenuity of our farmers and the resources made available through the Food Desert Relief Act to connect food insecure New Jerseyans with access to the fresh-grown fruits and vegetables produced at these farms.”   

Enrollment in nutrition assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) were among the factors considered in the designation of the Food Desert Communities. Overseen by NJDHS, NJ SNAP served more than 900,000 New Jerseyans in 2021 and has provided more than $2 billion in extra food assistance since March 2020. NJ WIC, administered by NJDOH, served over 140,000 women and children between October 2020 and September 2021.

“The Murphy Administration is committed to combating food insecurity throughout New Jersey, and these new designations are a big step toward ensuring all residents – no matter their zip code – have access to healthy food,” Human Services Acting Commissioner Sarah Adelman said. “Healthy food promotes healthy living, and we look forward to continuing to work with the NJEDA to promote access to nutritional meals across New Jersey. We also urge anyone facing food insecurity to visit njhelps.org to see if they qualify for assistance.”

“This once is a lifetime pandemic has greatly exacerbated the issues of food insecurity in our state,” said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “The whole-of-government approach will help us to provide the resources and supports our communities need to assist families in leading long, healthy lives.”

Today’s announcement also follows action taken yesterday by the NJEDA Board to create Phase 3 of the Authority’s Sustain & Serve NJ program. Sustain & Serve NJ supports New Jersey nonprofits combatting food insecurity by providing grants to organizations to purchase meals from local restaurants and distribute them for free to residents throughout the state. To ensure the program benefits New Jersey’s small restaurants, participating establishments must have 50 or fewer employees. To date the program has supported the purchase of nearly 3.2 million meals from over 400 restaurants. The NJEDA expects to open applications for Phase 3 of the program in early March.

The Food Desert Relief Act is part of the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2021 signed into law by Governor Murphy in early 2021. In addition to the Food Desert Relief Act, the ERA creates a suite of programs that includes tax credits to incentivize job creation, new construction, and revitalization of brownfield properties; financial resources for small businesses; historic property reinvestment; new funding opportunities for early-stage companies in New Jersey; and support for the growing film and digital media industry. The NJEDA will continue to engage the public as new programs and rules are developed.

About the New Jersey Economic Development Authority

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 609-858-6767 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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Program Provides Up to $75,000 to NJ Startups Furthering Clean Tech R&D in NJ

TRENTON, N.J. (January 24, 2022) – The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) opened applications today for the $1.5 million Round 2 of its Clean Tech Seed Grant Pilot Program. The program is designed to help accelerate development and innovation of clean technologies by furthering research and development (R&D) within the Garden State’s clean technology startup community. CSIT developed the program in coordination with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).  

The application for Round 2 of the Clean Tech Seed Grant Pilot Program can be found at: https://www.njeda.gov/clean-tech-grant/. Applications will be accepted through March 21, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.

Similar to the inaugural round of the program, Round 2 of the Clean Tech Seed Grant Pilot Program will provide grants of up to $75,000 for R&D activities to very early-stage, New Jersey-based clean technology companies. These grants will help clean technology-focused businesses create proof-of-concepts and prototypes so the companies can more readily attract outside investors and, in some cases, begin to generate revenue. Specifically, the program will fund projects that are developing or testing clean technologies intended to recapture or avoid emissions of greenhouse gases and/or criteria pollutants, or to enable such avoidance or recapture. The following technology areas are eligible under the program: Chemicals/Advance Materials, Energy Distribution/Storage, Energy Efficiency, Energy Generation, Green Buildings, Transportation, Waste Processing, and Water and Agriculture.

CSIT will host an informational webinar, including a walk-through of the Clean Tech Seed Grant Program – Round 2 application on Wednesday, January 26, 2022.  Registration information can be found here. A recorded version of the webinar and copy of materials presented will be made available on the CSIT webpage following the event. 

This latest round offers double the amount of funding that was available in the initial round of the Clean Tech Seed Grant Pilot Program. CSIT awarded a total of nearly $750,000 to 10 companies statewide through the program’s first round last year. 

All applicants for the Clean Tech Seed Grant Program should be between a minimum technology development level of Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2 (applied research) and maximum of TRL 7 (full-scale, similar (prototypical) system demonstrated in relevant environment), based on the Department of Energy definitions. Applicants should use the tool included in the Technical Proposal attachment on the application portal to determine TRL score.

Additional eligibility criteria require that applicants:

  • Be authorized and in good standing to conduct business in New Jersey as evidenced by a New Jersey current New Jersey tax clearance certificate;
  • Have a minimum of one full-time equivalent employee (working 35 hrs. per week) including founders, with at least one employee working 50% of their time on the project being proposed;
  • Have 50 percent or more of the work of its employees, including founders and contractors conducted in NJ (calculated on a full-time equivalent basis – 35 hours per week);
  • Have 50 percent or more of employees including founders/contractors live or pay withholding taxes in NJ;
  • Have less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) in prior third-party funding over its lifetime (excluding government grants);
  • Have less than five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) in previous calendar year sales revenue.

Applications from businesses located in an Opportunity Zone-eligible census tract, minority- or woman-owned businesses or businesses with technology coming out of New Jersey universities are all eligible for bonus points with respect to the scoring criteria. At least one award will be reserved for an applicant that is a women-owned company as certified by the State of NJ and one award will be reserved for an applicant that is minority-owned as certified by the state of NJ.

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.


To learn more about state resources available to New Jersey entrepreneurs and early-stage companies, visit http://www.njeda.gov/csit or follow @NewJerseyEDA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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Latest Funding Round Will Make up to $75,000 Available
to Companies Furthering Clean Tech R&D in NJ


TRENTON, N.J. (January 10, 2022) – The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) today announced that it will launch a $1.5 million Round 2 of its Clean Tech Seed Grant Pilot Program later this month. Funding awarded through the program helps accelerate development and innovation of clean technologies by furthering research and development (R&D) within the state’s clean technology startup community. CSIT developed the program in coordination with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).  The application will be available at http://www.njeda.gov/csit beginning on January 24, 2022.  

The Clean Tech Seed Grant Pilot Program provides grants for R&D activities to very early-stage, New Jersey-based clean technology companies. These grants will help clean technology-focused businesses continue their work toward the proof of concept and prototyping stages, at which point they can more readily attract outside investors and, in some cases, begin to generate revenue. Specifically, the program will fund projects that are developing or testing clean technologies intended to recapture or avoid emissions of greenhouse gases and/or criteria pollutants, or to enable such avoidance or recapture. The following technology areas are eligible under the program: Chemicals/Advance Materials, Energy Distribution/Storage, Energy Efficiency, Energy Generation, Green Buildings, Transportation, Waste Processing, and Water and Agriculture.

This latest round offers double the amount of funding that was available in the initial round of the Clean Tech Seed Grant Pilot Program. CSIT awarded a total of nearly $750,000 to 10 companies statewide through the program’s first round last year. 

“Startups within New Jersey’s clean technology industry are impacting the world in immeasurable ways,” said CSIT Executive Director Judith Sheft. “During the last round, we received applications from a broad range of companies throughout this crucial sector and we look forward to supporting even more young companies as they work toward commercialization and enter the global marketplace.”

CSIT will host an informational webinar, including a walk-through of the Clean Tech Seed Grant Program – Round 2 application, on January 26, 2022.  Registration information can be found on the CSIT webpage. A recorded version of the webinar and copy of materials presented will be made available on the CSIT webpage following the event. 

Applications can be submitted starting on January 24, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. and will be accepted through March 21, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. Similar to the inaugural round of the program, qualified applicants can receive up to $75,000 in grants through Round 2 Clean Tech Seed Grant Pilot Program. The funding is being provided through NJBPU’s Clean Energy Program.

“NJBPU is proud to work with our partners at CSIT and the NJEDA to place money into the hands of the small businesses statewide helping to pave the way toward a clean energy future,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “By providing this very early-stage funding, we are setting the foundation for these companies to flourish in the Garden State and to help us meet Governor Murphy’s goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2050.”

All applicants for the Clean Tech Seed Grant Program should be between a minimum technology development level of Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2 (applied research) and maximum of TRL 7 (full-scale, similar (prototypical) system demonstrated in relevant environment), based on the Department of Energy definitions. Applicants should use the tool included in the Technical Proposal attachment on the application portal to determine TRL score.

Additional eligibility criteria require that applicants:

  • Be authorized and in good standing to conduct business in New Jersey as evidenced by a New Jersey current New Jersey tax clearance certificate;
  • Have a minimum of one full-time equivalent employee (working 35 hrs. per week) including founders, with at least one employee working 50% of their time on the project being proposed;
  • Have 50 percent or more of the work of its employees, including founders and contractors conducted in NJ (calculated on a full-time equivalent basis – 35 hours per week);
  • Have 50 percent or more of employees including founders/contractors live or pay withholding taxes in NJ;
  • Have less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) in prior third-party funding over its lifetime (excluding government grants);
  • Have less than five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) in previous calendar year sales revenue.

Applications from businesses located in an Opportunity Zone-eligible census tract, minority- or woman-owned businesses or businesses with technology coming out of New Jersey universities are all eligible for bonus points with respect to the scoring criteria. At least one award will be reserved for an applicant that is a women-owned company as certified by the State of NJ and one award will be reserved for an applicant that is minority-owned as certified by the State of NJ.

Seventy percent of the awardees in the first round of the Clean Tech Seed Grant Program were businesses located in an Opportunity Zone-eligible census tract, minority- or woman-owned businesses, and/or businesses with technology coming out of New Jersey universities.

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, the state is taking a whole-of-government approach to creating an equitable green economy as we work toward his goal of making New Jersey 100 percent clean energy by 2050,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Our robust suite of programs positions us to cultivate the growing number of clean technology companies within our state.”

In addition to the Clean Tech Seed Grant Program, Sullivan also cited New Jersey’s forthcoming Green Fund, the New Jersey Zero-Emission Incentive Program (NJZIP), and the Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program as initiatives designed to support early-stage companies in the clean technology sector.

In January 2020, Governor Murphy unveiled the state’s Energy Master Plan, which outlines key strategies to reach the Administration’s goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2050. In May 2018, Governor Murphy’s Executive Order No. 28 directed the NJBPU, in partnership with other state agencies, to develop this statewide clean energy plan and shift away from energy production that contributes to climate change. The Energy Master Plan laid out ways to fuel the clean technology economy through workforce training, investments in developing clean energy knowledge, and the growth of world-class R&D.

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 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.

About NJBPU

NJBPU is a state agency and regulatory authority mandated to ensure safe, adequate and proper utility services at reasonable rates for New Jersey customers. Critical services regulated by NJBPU include natural gas, electricity, water, wastewater, telecommunications and cable television. The Board has general oversight and responsibility for monitoring utility service, responding to consumer complaints, and investigating utility accidents. To find out more about NJBPU, visit our website at www.nj.gov/bpu.


To learn more about state resources available to New Jersey entrepreneurs and early-stage companies, visit http://www.njeda.gov/csit or follow @NewJerseyEDA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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