Center Will Help Accelerate Innovation, Research and Development, and Entrepreneurship in NJ’s Offshore Wind Industry

TRENTON, N.J. (June 23, 2023) – Today, June 23, 2023, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will issue a Request For Expressions of Interest (RFEI) to identify specific partners, sites, and financial commitments that can contribute to the development of a Wind Innovation Center in New Jersey.

WHAT:            The Wind Innovation Center will help accelerate innovation, research and development, and entrepreneurship in the state’s offshore wind industry. The Center will provide offices, labs, and test sites for its users to conduct research on climate-smart modeling for high performance wind farms; technological solutions for environmental impact assessments; offshore wind transmission and grid integration; and offshore wind component design and production. The RFEI will help NJEDA identify interested parties for the development of the Wind Innovation Center.

WHERE:         The RFEI can be found here.

WHEN:           Responses to the RFEI are due by September 13, 2023 via email to windinstitute@njeda.gov. Questions may be submitted via email no later than August 22, 2023 to windinstitute@njeda.gov.

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.com and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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TRENTON, N.J. (June 21, 2023) – In May, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved five grant applications totaling more than $3.7 million under the Authority’s Offshore Wind Workforce and Skills Development Grant Challenge (Grant Challenge). With this funding, recipients will launch innovative training programs focused on strengthening and diversifying the state’s offshore wind workforce, with a particular emphasis on serving Overburdened Communities.

The Grant Challenge is part of NJEDA’s Wind Institute for Innovation and Training’s (the “Wind Institute”) efforts to coordinate and deploy resources to advance offshore wind workforce development, research, and innovation in the state.

“As offshore wind grows in New Jersey, we must have a well-trained and qualified workforce that meets the needs of the industry,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, the NJEDA is committed to ensuring high-quality workforce development training programs are available so that all New Jerseyans, especially those living in minority and low-income communities, have equitable access to this emerging industry. This is another step towards achieving 11GW of offshore wind by 2040 while creating a better future for the next generation.”

The grant recipients will use the funding to provide skill development, workforce training, job placement, and other related services to develop, implement, or expand workforce development initiatives in offshore wind. All programs are either led by or partner with a community-based organization serving a New Jersey overburdened community.  The provision of wraparound services including transportation, career coaching, and other supports is a core component of the awarded programs to expand access and address barriers to entry. The funded training will support the needs identified in an offshore wind workforce assessment, which projected that the offshore wind industry will result in 20,000 new jobs in 2030 across numerous sectors in the state, including construction, manufacturing, and professional services.

The following organizations were approved for grants:

“We look forward to working closely with the grantees to ensure a diverse pool of workers with the skills, competencies and credentials needed to thrive in this growing industry sector. Wind energy is our future. With these grants, we are helping ensure equal opportunities for these sustainable careers are available to all workers in our state,” said New Jersey Department of Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo.

“New Jersey’s burgeoning offshore wind industry will not only provide New Jerseyans with new, clean energy to help improve the air we breathe and mitigate the impacts of climate change, but will provide a significant boost to the state’s economy by creating thousands of jobs,” said Joseph L. Fiordaliso, President, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. “The latest EDA grant awards provide an important step forward for training and skill development so the jobs that are being created in a growing industry can be filled by New Jerseyans.”

“The organizations that were awarded grants clearly demonstrated their ability to develop and implement an effective workforce training program, with an emphasis on serving New Jersey’s overburdened communities,” said NJEDA Vice President of Offshore Wind Jen Becker. “These training programs will provide a pathway to high-skilled, good-paying job opportunities and position individuals for long-term career success.”

Governor Murphy’s economic development plan, “The State of Innovation: Building a Stronger and Fairer NJ Economy,” identifies offshore wind as one of the strategic sectors for accelerating growth in New Jersey’s economy. Offshore wind represents a unique opportunity to meet the State’s clean energy goal of reaching 100 percent clean energy usage by 2035. Funding for the Grant Challenge is allocated under the Offshore Wind Sector Initiatives Memorandum of Understanding between the NJEDA and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities that was executed in 2021 to support offshore wind workforce development.

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.com and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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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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Program offers loans to finance clean energy projects or the creation or expansion of clean energy businesses

TRENTON, N.J. (April 12, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will host a virtual public information session on the New Jersey Clean Energy Loans (NJ CELs) Program on Monday, April 17 at 1:00 p.m. The session will provide information on program eligibility, loan terms, engagement with banking partners, and the application process.

NJ CELs is an $80 million co-lending program created by the NJEDA for small businesses seeking to finance qualifying clean energy projects or for the formation or expansion of clean energy businesses that create jobs in state.

The program’s funds come from the U.S. Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), which was reauthorized under the American Rescue Plan in order to stimulate state and local economies in the wake of COVID-19. NJ CELs will offer loans of $500,000 to $20 million with a term of one to 25 years, with the NJEDA financing up to 50 percent of the total loan amount ($250,000 to $10 million). NJEDA loans must be matched at least dollar for dollar with capital from a financial institution. NJ CELs will unlock capital for small businesses and start-ups, catalyze the deployment of clean energy in New Jersey, and support minority-, woman-, and veteran-owned businesses to participate in the State’s energy transition.  

Potential applicants, banking partners, and other interested parties, including members of the media, can register for the April 17 information session here. A recorded version of the webinar will be posted at https://www.njeda.gov/njcels/ following the event.

Applications for the NJ CELs program open Wednesday, April 19, 2023, and will be available here.  Those considering applying may conduct an Eligibility Self-Assessment here. Financial institutions interested in offering the benefits of the NJ CELs program to their clients can find information here, and may complete an expression of interest form here.

To be eligible, an entity must have fewer than 750 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) employees and be seeking financing for a clean energy business or project located in New Jersey. Complete eligibility requirements can be found here.

Businesses certified as minority-, woman-, or veteran-owned, as well as businesses or projects located in an overburdened community, are eligible for an additional one percent rate reduction and ten percent loan forgiveness if the project results in at least one job being created per $100,000 of aggregate loan. 

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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PUBLIC INPUT INVITED AT UPCOMING SESSIONS ON POSSIBLE INVESTMENTS FOR NEXT RGGI FUNDING CYCLE

(March 30, 2023) TRENTON — Following through on the Murphy Administration’s recent outline of six pillars that will serve as the foundation for a cleaner, greener, and more resilient New Jersey, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), and New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced $70 million in Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) auction proceed awards to help reduce the upfront costs of electric trucks, buses, and equipment in overburdened communities. The state agencies also announced a series of sessions in April for the public to comment on possible future investments with RGGI funds.

The $70 million investment will fund the purchase of 156 electric vehicles, including 114 school buses, eight garbage and dump trucks, 26 shuttle and transit buses, and four forklifts, all operating in approximately 20 overburdened communities across the state. The auction proceeds will also fund four projects, led by Via, Blink, Envoy and Zipcar, to bring electric ride-sharing options to communities that lack access to reliable transportation.

Today’s announcement builds on more than $240 million awarded statewide since 2019 for nearly 3,000 electric vehicle charging stations, 700 electric trucks and buses, and 12,000 electric passenger vehicles.

Drawing on the success of RGGI proceeds spent to date, New Jersey also announced the release of the 2023-2025 RGGI Auction Proceeds Scoping Document to outline potential initiatives that NJDEP, NJBPU, and NJEDA could each sponsor during the 2023-2025 funding cycle. The three state agencies are seeking feedback from the public on the prospective initiatives described in the scoping document and for other possible investments with RGGI proceeds. A series of interactive public workshops will be held on April 4, 11, 13 and 18 to collect input that will be considered in finalizing the RGGI Strategic Funding Plan for years 2023-2025.

The NJDEP, NJBPU, and the NJEDA jointly released the first RGGI Strategic Funding Plan in April 2020, detailing how auction proceeds would be invested in climate change, clean energy, and environmental justice projects for the years 2020-2022. More than $100 million from auction proceeds was dedicated across the state during that time. The Strategic Funding Plan is reviewed every three years and updated to ensure that investments are aligned across agencies to meet the Murphy Administration’s clean energy and greenhouse gas reduction goals.  

To further those efforts, New Jersey recently accepted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s offer to participate in the historic Climate Pollution Reduction Planning Grant Program, through which the state will receive $3 million for green initiatives. Specifically, the federal funds may be used to accelerate climate pollutant emissions reduction programs that will improve air quality and public health and better serve communities.

New Jersey is also committed to decarbonizing residential and commercial buildings to improve indoor air quality and public health, while leveraging federal rebates and grants through the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to reduce costs to ratepayers.

New Jersey is especially vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change, many of which are already familiar to residents due to increasingly mild winters, hotter summers, more extreme precipitation, increasing inland flooding across the state’s watersheds, and sea-level rise resulting in more “sunny day” tidal flooding along the Atlantic coast.

RGGI is a cap-and-trade pact among 11 northeastern states dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity generating sector. New Jersey invests its RGGI auction proceeds in programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, drive forward projects that boost clean energy and create jobs, protect the health of residents in environmental justice communities, and increase the resiliency of coastal communities. 

For a list of projects to be funded with the $70 million in RGGI auction proceeds, visit NJ DEP- StopTheSoot.org

For more information on New Jersey’s vehicle electrification goals and strategies, visit www.drivegreen.nj.gov

For more information on New Jersey’s RGGI Strategic Funding Plan, visit NJDEP | Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) | Strategic Funding Plan | Air Quality, Energy and Sustainability (AQES)

To sign up to attend RGGI Scoping Document Stakeholder Events, visit https://www.nj.gov/rggi/engage.html

If you are interested in receiving updates from NJBPU on RGGI funded programs, visit https://www.nj.gov/bpu/about/contact/subscribe.html.

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Update: Feedback on all C-PACE-related documents released by the NJEDA this year will be accepted through August 25, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.

Draft Program Guidelines for Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Program to be shared for public feedback

TRENTON, N.J. (March 27, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will host a virtual public information session on the Garden State Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Program on Friday, April 14 at 10:00 a.m. The session will provide an overview of the draft C-PACE program guidelines, which will be made available prior to the session. 

The draft C-PACE guidelines will be posted here.  Feedback can be sent to gardenstatecpace@njeda.com through May 15, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. The draft C-PACE guidelines will include eligibility criteria, responsibilities of participants, the application process, technical standards, fees, and local program requirements.

Members of the public, including media, can register for the April 14 information session here.

The C-PACE Program will provide a new form of financing to New Jersey property owners for renewable energy, energy efficiency, water conservation, and certain types of resiliency-related improvements. The program will enable eligible commercial, industrial, agricultural, and certain multi-family residential real property owners to access financing to undertake these kinds of improvements on their properties and repay the financing through the payment of an additional assessment to their municipality, similar to a property tax, sewer, or water bill.

As part of his administration’s ongoing commitment to address climate change, in August 2021, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation (A-2374) requiring the NJEDA to establish the C-PACE program to facilitate the financing of eligible projects in municipalities that adopt an opt-in ordinance.

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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Webinar will Help Potential Applicants Secure Funding of up to $175,000 for Zero-Emission Vehicles

TRENTON, N.J. (March 17, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will host a webinar to offer details of the expanded New Jersey Zero-Emission Incentive Program (NJ ZIP) on Thursday, March 23. Specifically, the webinar will provide business owners with important information on expanded eligibility, updated application processes, and technical assistance services in advance of the opening for Phase 2 of NJ ZIP. The application for NJ ZIP – Phase 2 will open to businesses and institutions statewide on April 18 and will be available at http://www.njeda.gov/njzip.      

NJ ZIP provides vouchers of $20,000 to $175,000, based on vehicle class, to business and institution owners to support the purchase of new, zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. Additional bonuses will also be available. The $45 million enlargement of the program for Phase 2 includes expanding eligibility statewide and the purchase of heavy-duty in addition to medium-duty vehicles.

NJ ZIP first launched in 2021 as a pilot program available only to businesses and institutions in the greater Newark and Camden areas, and subsequently expanded to the greater New Brunswick and greater Jersey Shore areas. Phase 1 of the program only supported medium-duty vehicles. More than $39 million in vouchers has been approved through Phase 1 of the program to date.

In line with Governor Phil Murphy’s recent pledge to convert to 100 percent zero-emission vehicles statewide by 2035, NJ ZIP aims to expedite the adoption and use of clean-energy vehicles for business owners to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and bolster the state’s clean energy economy.

Complete program eligibility and details can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/njzip/

The webinar is scheduled from noon to 1:30 p.m. on March 23. Those interested can find out more about the program and register for the webinar at https://njeda.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lJ8tDiYyRmS8IQIO74sfRg. A recorded version of the event will be posted at https://www.njeda.gov/njzip/ following 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 Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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Webinar will Showcase Recipients from NJ ZIP’s First Phase to Share Insights and Experiences

TRENTON, N.J. (January 25, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will host a webinar to provide small business owners in New Jersey with details of the expanded New Jersey Zero-Emission Incentive Program (NJ ZIP) on Thursday, February 2. Several small business owners who are Phase 1 recipients of the program will share their testimonials and experiences.

In line with Governor Phil Murphy’s vision to use 100 percent clean energy statewide by 2050, NJ ZIP aims to accelerate the adoption and use of zero-emission vehicles across the state, reduce overall pollutants, and help institutions and businesses go green. More than $39 million in vouchers has been approved through Phase 1 of the program. Those who benefited from the vouchers will discuss the impact on their organizations and take questions from prospective applicants. Learn more about NJZIP here. 

The NJEDA announced the $45 million expansion of the program in July 2022, which includes two important additions – statewide eligibility and purchase of heavy-duty in addition to medium-duty vehicles. The program first launched in 2021 as a pilot program available only to businesses in the greater Newark and Camden areas, and subsequently expanded to the greater New Brunswick and greater Jersey Shore areas. Phase 1 of the program only supported medium-duty vehicles.

Purchasers will be able to apply for vouchers ranging from $20,000 to $175,000, based on vehicle class, to support their purchases of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles that meet zero-emission standards. Additional bonuses are available. The application for Phase 2 of NJ ZIP is expected to launch in the coming weeks.

Complete program eligibility and details can be found at http://www.njeda.gov/njzip.

The webinar is scheduled 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on February 2. Those interested can find out more about the program and register for the webinar at https://www.njeda.gov/event/nj-zip-purchaser-application-overview/. A recorded version of the information session will be posted at http://www.njeda.gov/njzip 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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Would-Be Entrepreneurs Can Learn How to Apply for
Up to $400,000 in Income Replacement Funding & Mentorship

TRENTON, N.J. (January 13, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced it will host a webinar next week for would-be entrepreneurs to learn how they can apply for grants of up to $400,000 to pursue their endeavors through the upcoming $10 million New Jersey Innovation Fellows (NJIF) program. The January 19th virtual information session will offer an overview of the program and will provide insight on how the competitive program will support teams of at least three entrepreneurs with mentorship, training, and income replacement capital over a two-year period. Entrepreneurs interested in attending the webinar can register at https://www.njeda.gov/event/njeda-innovation-fellowship-program/.

Applications are expected to launch in the first quarter of 2023 for the NJIF, which is designed to replace a stream of income an entrepreneur might forgo to launch an early-stage business. The NJEDA anticipates that support from the NJIF Program will attract innovative ideas and entrepreneurs who would otherwise be unable to pursue the launch of a new venture due to the need for income or, in the case of a recent graduate, who would choose to accept employment in lieu of entrepreneurship due to socio-economic constraints. The program will be open to would-be entrepreneurs in the following industries: advanced transportation and logistics, advanced manufacturing, aviation, autonomous vehicle and zero-emissions research or development, clean energy, clean technology, life sciences, hemp processing, information and high technology, finance and insurance, professional services, film and digital media, and non-retail food and beverage business (including food innovation).

The NJIF Program will award 10 to 16 grants across two cohorts annually of $200,000 per team. In keeping with Governor Murphy’s vision for inclusive economic growth, teams may access an additional $50,000 award on top of the $200,000 base award if one entrepreneur verifies residency in a designated Opportunity Zone in New Jersey. Teams may be awarded an additional $50,000 for each entrepreneur leader who self-certifies as a minority or female entrepreneur or is a graduate of a New Jersey college or university. Qualifying teams may receive additional bonuses of up to $150,000 in aggregate for certifying team members, resulting in a total $400,000 award. To be eligible for the NJIF Program, at least half of the team must certify as “first-time entrepreneurs” and at least half of the entrepreneur team must come directly from the workforce. In addition to the financial benefits of the program, all entrepreneur fellows must participate in a mentorship program.

The NJEDA expects to open the NJIF Program application semi-annually in 2023 and 2024, until funds are exhausted.

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 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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Program Will Provide Grants of up to $250,000 to Startups to Offset Costs Associated
with Prototype Testing

TRENTON, N.J. (December 19, 2022) – The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) is currently accepting applications for its Pilot Clean Tech Demonstration Program. This $2.5 million competitive program will support New Jersey companies accelerating the commercialization and deployment of innovative clean energy technologies. Specifically, the program will provide grants of up to $250,000 each to help startups develop technologies intended to create a cleaner and greener future for New Jersey. The application can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/pilot-clean-tech-demonstration-grant-program/.

The Pilot Clean Tech Demonstration Program supports clean technology businesses that have existing prototypes of their technologies and are ready to validate them in a real-world setting. Awardees can use the funding for such costs as testing and validating technological performance at customer sites, travel, equipment purchase, licensing, and patent fees. A complete list of acceptable uses is available at https://www.njeda.gov/pilot-clean-tech-demonstration-grant-program/.

The application for the Pilot Clean Tech Demonstration Program is a two-step process.

Applicants MUST complete the full application to be considered for funding. Complete program eligibility and scoring criteria can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/pilot-clean-tech-demonstration-grant-program/.

CSIT recently hosted an informational webinar on the Clean Tech Demonstration Program. A link to that recording, along with a copy of the materials presented, can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/pilot-clean-tech-demonstration-grant-program/. 

Funding for the Clean Tech Demonstration Program is being provided by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. In addition to supporting emerging clean energy companies, the program will also help the state achieve its 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.

About the New Jersey 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 and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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