TRENTON, N.J. (September 22, 2025) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will open applications for the Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program on Thursday, September 25, 2025. The program will encourage growth in New Jersey’s manufacturing sector by offering long-term benefits to manufacturing companies. Last month, Governor Phil Murphy signed A5687/ S4407 into law, establishing the $500 million tax credit program.

WHAT:          The Next NJ Manufacturing Program is a tax credit initiative designed to spur significant investment, create new jobs, and solidify the state’s manufacturing industry.Under the program, manufacturers can receive a tax credit award of up to $150 million, based on an applicant’s proposed new jobs and capital investment.

WHO:             Eligible applicants include businesses in manufacturing industries, such as advanced manufacturing, non-retail food and beverage, defense, clean energy, and life sciences.

WHEN:          Applications will open on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Click here for full eligibility requirements and to apply. For more information, please email nextnjmfg@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 FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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TRENTON, N.J. (August 15, 2025) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) is seeking public input on draft rules for the Next NJ Manufacturing Program, which will encourage growth in New Jersey’s manufacturing sector by offering long-term benefits to manufacturing companies. Yesterday, Governor Phil Murphy signed A5687/S4407 into law, establishing the $500 million tax credit program.

WHAT:          The rules will be presented to the NJEDA Board for its review and consideration for approval. If approved, the rules will be published in the New Jersey Register for formal public comment as required by the Administrative Procedure Act before adoption.

The document explaining the draft rules can be found here.

WHEN:          A listening session, which will provide an overview of the draft rules, will be held on Monday, August 18, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. To register for the webinar, click here.

Feedback must be submitted through the NJEDA’s website by Friday, August 22, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.

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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$500 Million Next NJ Manufacturing Program Will Provide Tax Credits to Catalyze Investment and Job Creation in Crucial Sector

KEARNY – Governor Phil Murphy today signed A5687/S4407, creating a new $500 million tax credit program that incentivizes manufacturing investment and job creation. The Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program, which will be administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), will encourage growth in New Jersey’s manufacturing sector by offering long-term benefits to manufacturing companies.

“From the industries that powered our early growth to the advanced facilities driving innovation today, manufacturing continues to play a vital role in shaping New Jersey’s economy and its future,” said Governor Murphy. “Since taking office, my administration has advanced policies that create good-paying jobs, attract cutting-edge manufacturers, and expand opportunity in communities across the state. The Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program builds on that progress, providing the support needed to accelerate growth, enhance our competitive position, and deliver lasting economic benefits for New Jersey manufacturers.”

Under the program, eligible businesses in manufacturing industries including advanced manufacturing, non-retail food and beverage, defense, clean energy, and life sciences can receive a tax credit award equal to the lesser of 0.1 percent of the eligible business’s total capital investment multiplied by the number of new full-time jobs or 25 percent of the eligible business’s total qualified investment, subject to a total cap of $150 million per project. $100 million in tax credits in the first two years will be reserved for clean energy product manufacturers in industries such as solar, geothermal, and green hydrogen, supporting innovative companies to further the State’s clean energy goals and support clean manufacturing. After the first two years of the program, any unused proceeds will roll over into the general manufacturing allocation.

“Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, the NJEDA has remained focused on strengthening the industries of the future through programs that encourage job growth, promote expansion, and strengthen communities across the state,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program will encourage manufacturers to establish and grow successful operations in New Jersey, producing impactful economic benefits for the state and its residents for generations to come.”

In line with Governor Murphy’s vision to create the most diverse and inclusive innovation ecosystem in the nation, the program will offer stackable bonuses to companies holding New Jersey Business Certifications, like Minority and Women Business Enterprises, businesses located in Opportunity Zones, or companies that have collective bargaining agreements or labor harmony agreements in place. For a complete list of available bonuses and more information on eligibility requirements and potential awards, click here.

The Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program adds to the NJEDA’s existing initiatives that bolster the state’s manufacturing industry, aiding in expansion and supporting workforce development. As of July 2025, the NJEDA has approved 431 applications across three phases of its historic New Jersey Manufacturing Voucher Program (NJMVP), providing a total of over $66.2 million in support for these companies. In return, program awardees have committed to investing over $252.7 million in upgrading their manufacturing equipment and processes, an amount nearly four times the financial support provided by the NJEDA. Additionally, the NJEDA sponsored the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program’s (NJMEP) Future Makers & Creators Tour, providing an opportunity for the state’s students to connect with industry leaders and learn about career opportunities.

The primary sponsors of A5687/S4407 are Senators Michael Testa and Linda Greenstein, and Assemblymembers Louis Greenwald, Antwan McClellan, and Verlina Reynolds-Jackson.

“Manufacturing has long been the backbone of New Jersey’s economy, and this historic investment reaffirms our commitment to revitalize this vital sector,” said Senator Testa. “The ‘Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program’ is designed to drive innovation, attract new investment, and create high-quality careers for our residents. Through targeted incentives, we’re giving manufacturers and entrepreneurs the tools they need to grow, compete globally, and succeed right here in the Garden State. It is a modern revival of the message proudly displayed on the Lower Trenton Bridge— ‘Trenton Makes, The World Takes.’”

“This is a landmark piece of legislation that will drive major investments in New Jersey’s manufacturing sector,” said Senator Greenstein. “With the generous tax incentives included, the ‘Next New Jersey’ program will create high-quality jobs and solidify our state’s status as a leader in clean energy manufacturing. I am proud to sponsor this bill and will continue to push New Jersey toward a more economically prosperous and sustainable future.”

“The Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program makes clear that our state is open for business and we are ready to compete for the industries and innovation that will define the future,” said Assembly Majority Leader Greenwald. “This is about building a stronger, smarter New Jersey that prioritizes good paying jobs and long-term economic growth.”

“Manufacturing is more than machines; it’s people, neighborhoods, and opportunities,” said Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson. “This bill is a bold investment in our workforce and our future. With the right tools, New Jersey can lead the way in bringing back high quality manufacturing jobs.”

“The Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program is a powerful example of how our state is leading the way on creating good jobs and investing in local businesses,” said Congressman Rob Menendez. “Manufacturing is a vital part of our economy and I’m grateful to Governor Murphy and our partners in state government for prioritizing this initiative. It’s crucial that we continue to collaborate across all levels of government to ensure that we are meeting the moment and moving our great state forward.”

“We are honored to host Governor Murphy at MAC Products, Inc. for the signing of A-5687. This legislation aligns with our decades-long commitment to strengthening New Jersey’s manufacturing backbone,” said Eddie Russnow, President, MAC Products, Inc. “As a family-owned business that lives by the motto ‘We Don’t Do Easy,’ we understand the importance of resilient, in-state manufacturing capacity. The Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program will propel local investment, fuel job creation, and reinforce the innovation and integrity at the heart of our operations—and the operations of manufacturers across the state.”

“This bill represents a vital investment in New Jersey’s future, supporting the full spectrum of manufacturing, including the clean energy sectors, while empowering the workforce that drives them,” said Peter Connolly, CEO, New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Inc. “NJMEP is prepared to stand alongside NJEDA and every business this program attracts to offer targeted training, consulting, and workforce development. With this robust support in place, this $500 million incentive can translate into real high-quality jobs and tangible economic opportunity for the people of New Jersey.”

“This investment reflects New Jersey’s commitment to supporting growth in manufacturing,” said Tom Bracken, President & CEO, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. “The Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program aims to encourage innovation, attract new industries, and expand career opportunities in the state. By combining targeted tax incentives with the strengths of our workforce, we’re creating a stronger environment for businesses to build and grow in the Garden State.”

“This law represents a significant and targeted investment for New Jersey’s manufacturing sector and our economy, with no new additional funding required,” said Michele Siekerka, President and CEO, New Jersey Business & Industry Association. “It will support much-needed workforce development in manufacturing amid both federal tariff and supply chain uncertainty that challenges these important businesses. And it will incentivize a wide range of manufacturing activities, including advanced manufacturing, food and beverage production, life sciences, defense, and clean energy component manufacturing. NJBIA thanks Governor Murphy for signing this important bill into law, as well as overwhelming bipartisan support within the Legislature. Let’s get to work.”

“New Jersey’s manufacturers are the backbone of our economy, and this program provides the kind of bold, targeted investment needed to keep them competitive in a rapidly changing economic landscape. By prioritizing innovation, job creation, and in-state capital investment, the Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program sends a clear message: our state is serious about building things here at home and supporting manufacturers up and down the state. We commend Governor Murphy for his leadership on this critical issue,” said Christina M. Renna, President & CEO, Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey.

“As the ‘Medicine Chest of the World,’ New Jersey relies on a strong manufacturing ecosystem to produce highly advanced, technologically sophisticated, and life-saving biopharma and medical device products,” said Chrissy Buteas, CEO, HealthCare Institute of New Jersey. “These products—from cell and gene manufacturing to complex metallurgic bone mesh implants to radioligand therapeutic products—are made in New Jersey because of our skilled, well-trained workforce and incentives like the Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program Act.” Buteas added, “New Jersey’s life sciences commend the bill’s sponsors and the Governor for their leadership and vision to grow New Jersey manufacturing and create jobs.”

TRENTON, N.J. (February 11, 2025) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will open applications for the Manufacturing Voucher Program (MVP) Phase III on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. The program will allow manufacturers to purchase and install equipment to help enhance company efficiency and productivity.

WHAT:          MVP Phase III will provide vouchers valued at 30 to 50 percent of the cost of eligible equipment, including installation, up to a maximum award amount of $250,000. This program will provide New Jersey manufacturers with access to essential equipment, which will enhance efficiency, productivity, and overall profitability in New Jersey.

WHO:             To ensure equitable access to funding, Phase III applications will be prioritized for new applicants who have not previously been awarded grants under Phase I or Phase II during the initial two-week application period. Following this period, all eligible businesses will have the opportunity to apply for funding, subject to available resources.

WHEN:          Applications for MVP will open on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. To apply and for more information, click here.

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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Informational webinar will be held in advance of launch

TRENTON, N.J. (February 6, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will open applications for Phase II of the Manufacturing Voucher Program (MVP) on Monday, February 12 at 10:00 a.m. An informational webinar will be held Thursday, February 8, at 2:00 p.m.

WHAT:          MVP Phase II will make available $20 million in grant funding through a rolling application process to provide New Jersey manufacturers with access to essential equipment, which will enhance efficiency, productivity, and overall profitability in New Jersey. The MVP offers vouchers valued at 30 to 50 percent of the cost of eligible equipment, including installation, up to a maximum award amount of $250,000. 

In line with Governor Phil Murphy’s vision to create the most diverse and inclusive innovation ecosystem in the nation, the New Jersey MVP offers stackable bonuses for certified woman-, minority-, or veteran-owned businesses. The stackable bonuses are also available for businesses in Opportunity Zones, businesses purchasing equipment within New Jersey, manufacturers that have a collective bargaining agreement, and companies with 50 or less full-time equivalent employees.

WHEN:          Applications for the MVP Phase II will open on Monday, February 12 at 10:00 a.m. Interested applicants can click here to learn more and apply.

The NJEDA will host an informational webinar on Thursday, February 8, at 2:00 p.m. Click here to register for the webinar.

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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Vouchers Enable Manufacturers to Purchase Equipment to Improve Production Processes

TRENTON, N.J. (May 4, 2023) – As of today, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has already approved over $8 million in vouchers to 69 New Jersey manufacturers under the New Jersey Manufacturing Voucher Program (MVP). Approved awardees can use the vouchers to purchase equipment to help New Jersey manufacturers upgrade their businesses. The program application window is now closed after being fully subscribed. NJEDA staff will continue to review applications with additional approvals expected in the coming month.

“New Jersey’s manufacturing sector continues to be a strategic component of our state’s economy, by creating essential products for people and businesses and creating skilled jobs,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, the New Jersey Manufacturing Voucher Program is providing manufacturers will the support they need to drive economic activity, boost our supply chain, and ensure New Jersey’s strong economic future.” 

Governor Murphy announced the New Jersey MVP in October 2022 as a pilot program. Originally funded with $20 million from the Governor’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget, the program offers vouchers valued at 30 to 50 percent of the cost of eligible equipment, including installation, up to a maximum award amount of $250,000. In March, in order to fulfill a robust pipeline of eligible applications, the NJEDA’s Board voted to increase available funding to $33.75 million. Governor Murphy’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget includes another $20 million for the program. The program focuses on manufacturers within targeted industries that will use purchased equipment to integrate innovative technologies, processes, and materials to improve the efficiency and productivity of their manufacturing business. Both for-profit and not-for-profit companies are eligible for vouchers.

In line with Governor Murphy’s vision to create the most diverse and inclusive innovation ecosystem in the nation, the New Jersey MVP offers stackable bonuses for certified woman-, minority-, or veteran-owned businesses, businesses in opportunity zones, and businesses purchasing equipment within New Jersey, as well as manufacturers that have a collective bargaining agreement in place and small companies with fewer than 100 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.

Sullivan announced the awards at the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program’s (NJMEP’s) 8th Annual State-of-the-State Manufacturing Summit in Trenton today. The event featured a “MADE in NJ’ product showcase and the opportunity for manufacturers to hear from, and engage with, industry leaders and policymakers.

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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Program offers grants of up to $250,000 to enable purchases of equipment to improve productivity and efficiency.

TRENTON, N.J. (December 13, 2022) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced it will begin accepting pre-qualification applications for the New Jersey Manufacturing Voucher Program (MVP) on Thursday, December 15 at 10:00 a.m. Funded at $20 million, the New Jersey MVP will provide grants to support the purchase of equipment to help manufacturers improve their operations.

A link to the pre-qualification application will be posted at https://www.njeda.gov/njmvp/ at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday morning and will remain open on until December 22 at 11:59 p.m. Pre-qualification applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, NOT first-come, first-served. Interested manufacturers must pre-qualify to access the full application that will be made available at a later date. Applicants must complete the full application to be considered for grant funding.

The New Jersey MVP will focus on New Jersey manufacturers within targeted industries that will purchase equipment to integrate advanced or innovative technologies, processes, and materials to improve the manufacturing of their products. The MVP will offer grants valued at 30 to 50 percent of the cost of eligible equipment, including installation, up to a maximum award amount of $250,000.

The program will offer stackable bonuses for certified woman-, minority-, or veteran-owned businesses, businesses in Opportunity Zones, and businesses purchasing manufacturing equipment in New Jersey, as well as bonuses for companies that have a collective bargaining agreement in place. It will also provide higher award percentages for small businesses with fewer than 100 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.

The NJEDA held an information session about the New Jersey MVP, which included details of the application process and a pre-qualification checklist. A link to that recording can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/njmvp/.

Both for-profit and not-for-profit companies are eligible, not including home-based businesses. Only applications for future purchases will be considered. Therefore, interested applicants should not purchase equipment prior to submitting the full application at a future date. Projects where a contract has been signed, a purchase order has been placed, or a deposit has been made in advance of submitting an MVP application will not be considered for funding.

Complete eligibility criteria can be found at http://www.njeda.gov/njmvp

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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TRENTON, N.J. (October 26, 2022) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking information and ideas as it considers establishing a pilot program to attract clean energy manufacturers to New Jersey. The program would help New Jersey capitalize on the manufacturing resurgence taking place nationwide. The RFI can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/bidding/#rfi. Responses are due by November 22, 2022.

RFI responses would help to shape the development of a proposed NJEDA grant or forgivable loan program that would offset the costs for New Jersey companies or institutions that procure clean energy technologies from clean energy manufacturers looking to expand or establish a presence in the Garden State. The goal of this program is to build a pipeline of projects for clean energy manufacturers that are competitive for New Jersey customers, while helping early adopters minimize the costs of implementing clean technologies. The program would also aim to create high-quality manufacturing jobs in New Jersey, make the state a hub for clean energy manufacturing and innovation, and build a diverse workforce in the clean energy sector. It would also help meet the state’s climate and clean energy targets laid out in New Jersey’s Energy Master Plan (EMP). The EMP offers a strategic vision for the production, distribution, consumption, and conservation of energy in the State of New Jersey.

“There has never been a more exciting time to be a part of the clean energy transformation, particularly when it comes to manufacturing innovative technologies needed to create a green economy,” said Jane Cohen, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy. “New Jersey continues to find new and creative ways to support businesses in this vital sector and the feedback we receive from this RFI will help us continue to attract new manufacturers while supporting those already established within the state.”

New Jersey’s manufacturing output grew at a 5.8 percent annualized pace between the fourth quarter of 2017 and the fourth quarter of 2021, which is more than double the national growth rate of 2.6 percent during that period. This program would be one of several in the manufacturing portfolio supported by more than $35 million in New Jersey’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget designed to spur capital investment, increase the adoption of new technology, attract new suppliers to the state, and expand workforce development opportunities.

“This pilot program would benefit entities that sit at the intersection of clean energy and manufacturing, two vital sectors as we work to achieve Governor Phil Murphy’s goal of establishing New Jersey as a leader in innovation,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Direct input from stakeholders with perspectives on manufacturing innovative clean energy technologies will enable us to continue make strategic investments to address their needs and positions them well for the future.”

The RFI seeks information from individuals and/or entities with perspectives on manufacturing clean energy technologies (supply) and/or accelerating their adoption (demand). Interested stakeholders in clean energy technologies, clean technology manufacturing, and/or businesses interested in, or that might benefit from, the adoption of new clean energy technologies that may still have a higher market cost are encouraged to respond.

Sullivan noted that issuance of the RFI comes just days after Governor Murphy announced the NJEDA’s plans to create a $20 million New Jersey Manufacturing Voucher Program (NJMVP) to bolster New Jersey’s manufacturing sector. That program will focus on New Jersey manufacturers within targeted industries that will purchase equipment to integrate advanced or innovative technologies, processes, and materials to improve the manufacturing of their products. The NJMVP will offer grants valued at 30 to 50 percent of the cost of eligible equipment, including installation, up to a maximum award amount of $250,000.

All RFI responses must be submitted in writing no later than 1:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, via email to earlyadopters@njeda.com. The subject line of the email should state “RFI Response-2022-RFI-OET-152 – Clean Energy Manufacturing in New Jersey – Early Adopters Pilot.”

All questions concerning the RFI announced today must be submitted in writing no later than 1:00 p.m. EDT, on Thursday, November 3, 2022, via e-mail to: earlyadopters@njeda.com. The subject line of the e-mail should state: “Questions-2022-RFI-OET-152.” Answers to questions submitted will be publicly posted on the Authority’s website on or about Thursday, November 10, 2022, at http://www.njeda.gov/Bidding-Opportunities-General/Economic-Transformation-RFIs as Addendum. It is the Respondent’s responsibility to check this website regularly for updates.

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 http://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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Program Will Offer up to $150,000 in grants to NJ Startups

TRENTON, N.J. (November 23, 2021) – The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) today announced the creation of a $1.5 million Catalyst Seed Research and Development (R&D) Grant Program to help New Jersey-based startups accelerate development of technologies. The funding will help the companies transform new discoveries from the research stage into commercially viable products and services. The application, which opens on December 6, will be available at http://www.njeda.gov/csit.

The Catalyst Seed R&D Grant Program will be open to companies conducting R&D or testing technologies in the following areas that were identified as targeted industries in Governor Phil Murphy’s economic development plan, “The State of Innovation: Building a Stronger and Fairer Economy in New Jersey: Advanced Manufacturing, Transportation and Logistics, Film and Digital Media, Life Sciences (including, but not limited to: therapeutic drug development, diagnostics, and medical devices), Non-Retail Food and Beverage, Finance and Professional Services, and Technology.

“The new Catalyst Seed R&D Grant Program will vastly expand the scope of projects and companies that CSIT is able to support,” said CSIT Executive Director Judith Sheft. “Providing seed capital to businesses in high-wage, high growth sectors is both beneficial to the individual entities and important to the strength of our overall innovation economy.”

The program will offer two grant components:

  • Grants of up to $150,000 for projects that are developing life sciences therapeutics. It is anticipated that five awards will be made in this area.
  • Grants of up to $75,000 for other innovation projects – non–life sciences therapeutics drug R&D projects and projects that are not eligible for the Clean Tech Seed Grant. It is anticipated that 10 awards will be made in this area.

Sheft noted that the Catalyst Seed R&D Program is modeled after CSIT’s successful Clean Tech R&D Seed Grant Program, which awarded nearly $750,000 to startups statewide earlier this year. CSIT anticipates opening a second round of its Clean Tech Seed Grant program in early 2022. Therefore, companies that are working on research regarding the avoidance of emissions of, or recapture, greenhouse gases and/or criteria pollutants, or to enable such avoidance or recapture, will not be eligible to participate in the Catalyst Seed R&D Grant Program. 

Applications for the Catalyst Seed R&D Grant Program will open on December 6, 2021. CSIT will host an information webinar on December 7, 2021 at 10:00 a.m., which will include a walk-through of the application. Anyone interested in attending can visit http://tinyurl.com/NJCSIT to register. A recording of the webinar will also be available on CSIT’s website. Entrepreneurs can also get information about this and other programs designed to help their early-stage companies grow during the NJEDA’s November 30 Innovation Economy Programs webinar. Attendees can register for the event at http://tinyurl.com/NJ-Innovation.

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is receiving national and international attention as an excellent place to locate and grow a startup,” NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan said. “The Catalyst Seed R&D Grant Program will be an important tool for helping us continue to foster an environment where these startups can succeed and thrive.”

Applicants for the Catalyst Seed R&D Grant Program will be required to demonstrate at least one of the following for their projects in order to be eligible for funding: description of the proof of concept results, published paper outlining results achieved, successful completion of a federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant or contract related to the project, and/or confirmation documentation from a university tech transfer office if the project relates to technology that has been developed at a university. Complete eligibility requirements can be found at http://www.njeda.gov/csit.

In support of CSIT’s mission to foster diversity and inclusion, one grant award will be reserved for an applicant meeting the minimum scoring criteria of 70 points that is women-owned as certified by the State of New Jersey and one grant award will be reserved for an applicant meeting the minimum scoring criteria of 70 points that is minority-owned as certified by the State of New Jersey. If there are no applicants that meet these criteria the funds may be allocated to other applicants.

In their roles on the CSIT Board, New Jersey State Senator Robert Singer and Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker have been vocal champions of creating resources such as the Catalyst Seed R&D Program to support New Jersey startups.

“Access to seed capital is among the most vital tools for very young companies that are often too early-stage to attract outside capital,” Senator Singer said. “Giving them that access now will pay dividends for our innovation ecosystem in the future.”

“New Jersey startups already have a tremendous number of assets available to them – including proximity to world-class universities, a top-notch talent pool, and a supportive innovation ecosystem,” Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker said. “Adding the Catalyst Seed R&D Grant Program to the suite of resources that CSIT offers startup companies will further Governor Murphy’s goal vision of making New Jersey the nation’s premier hub for innovative, science-and-technology focused entrepreneurism.”


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 https://www.njeda.gov/csit or follow @NewJerseyEDA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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