Program Will Offer Grants of Up to $250,000 to Offset Costs Associated
with Demonstration & Validation in Real-World Settings

TRENTON, N.J. (November 18, 2022) – The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) today announced plans to launch a competitive $2.5 million program to support New Jersey companies accelerating the commercialization and deployment of innovative clean energy technologies. The Pilot Clean Tech Demonstration Program will provide grants of up to $250,000 each to help startups develop their technologies intended to create a cleaner and greener future for New Jersey. Applications for this program open on December 5, 2022 and will be available at https://www.njeda.gov/pilot-clean-tech-demonstration-grant-program/.

The Pilot Clean Tech Demonstration Program is designed to support clean technology businesses that have an existing prototype 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 will be available at https://www.njeda.gov/pilot-clean-tech-demonstration-grant-program/.

“The majority of our clean technology portfolio companies have some form of prototype, and funding through this program will offset many of the costs associated with demonstration and validation as they work toward commercialization,” said CSIT Executive Director Judith Sheft. “This new program is a complement to our existing Clean Technology Seed Grant and Voucher programs, and we are proud to expand the continuum of support we offer clean technology businesses growing in New Jersey.”

Sheft noted that companies do not have to have participated in a previous CSIT program to be considered for this award.

Examples of some prototypes in the clean energy space include energy management solutions, electric storage devices, biomass powered generators, and wind turbine components.

“In addition to their innovations in the life sciences and technology sectors, New Jersey innovators are creating technologies that are intended to combat climate change and reduce carbon footprints worldwide,” said CSIT Chair Debbie Hart. “By providing resources necessary to support entrepreneurs as they bring their products to the marketplace, we are not only helping early-stage New Jersey companies succeed, but also helping to build the green economy that Governor Phil Murphy champions.”

CSIT will host an informational webinar on the Clean Tech Demonstration Programon November 30, 2022. Registration information can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/pilot-clean-tech-demonstration-grant-program/. A recorded version of the webinar and copy of materials presented will be made available on the CSIT webpage following the event. Please note that applications can be submitted starting on December 5, 2022.  

The Pilot Clean Tech Demonstration Program will fund pilot demonstration projects intended to avoid emissions of, or recapture, greenhouse gases and/or criteria pollutants, or to enable such avoidance or recapture.  The proposed project must be between Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6, ready to beta test the prototype, and TRL 8, in the pre-commercial demonstration. The TRL is a globally-recognized scale that measures and assesses a technology’s maturity. 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.

All applicants must have a minimum of two full-time employees and no more than 50 full-time equivalent employees at the time of application. Additionally, at least 50 percent of the work being performed by employees, including founders and contractors, must be conducted in NJ. Lastly, all pilot demonstration projects must be done in New Jersey. Complete program eligibility can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/pilot-clean-tech-demonstration-grant-program/.

Award scoring will be based on innovation, market opportunity, feasibility, and economic and environmental impact. In keeping with Governor Murphy’s goal of creating the most diverse and inclusive innovation ecosystem in the country, bonus scoring will be awarded to applicants that are New Jersey-certified women-owned, minority-owned, or veteran-owned businesses; or have a primary place of business/research and development located either within an opportunity zone eligible census tract or within Trenton, Paterson, or Atlantic City.

Funding for the Clean Tech Demonstration Program is being provided by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU).

“CSIT has been a tremendous partner in our efforts to get funding to startups that are working to advance our clean energy future,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “The clean tech program announced today is an important step in the State of New Jersey’s ability to reach even more emerging companies as we work to meet Governor Murphy’s goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2050.”

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.

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, and follow NJBPU on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.

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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 Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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Program Connects Property Owners with Funding Needed to Implement Energy Efficiency Measures

TRENTON, N.J. (October 12, 2022) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced today that it will hold a virtual information session on Thursday, October 20 to provide an overview of the Garden State Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Program and to gather community feedback about specific elements of the program. The Garden State C-PACE Program, which is currently under development, will further the Murphy Administration’s commitment to battling climate change by helping businesses, non-profits, and multi-family residential developers and property owners overcome the financial hurdles of implementing energy efficiency, renewable energy, and climate resiliency measures.

The information session will take place on October 20 at 1:00 p.m. Registration is open now at https://tinyurl.com/NJ-C-PACE. In addition to providing details about the program, the NJEDA will also seek public input on topics related to the creation of the Garden State C-PACE Program during the information session. These topics include:

  • How to incorporate the financing of new construction projects into the program; and
  • How to effectively engage municipalities to participate in the program.

A recording of the webinar will be available at https://www.youtube.com/c/NewJerseyEDA/videos.

Authorized by legislation signed by Governor Phil Murphy last year, the Garden State C-PACE Program will provide a new form of financing to property owners for renewable energy, energy efficiency, water conservation, and certain types of resiliency-related improvements for New Jersey. The program works by enabling 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 their real property tax, sewer, or water bill.

C-PACE assessments are a tool which municipalities levy on real estate parcels to serve valuable public purposes. C-PACE builds on a long history of using such assessments and serves a public purpose through reducing energy costs, stimulating the economy, potentially improving property valuation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and creating jobs. Over the past decade, C-PACE programs in more than two dozen states around the country have proven an effective tool to attract private capital into the renewable energy, energy efficiency, and resiliency markets.

Interested stakeholders who are unable to attend the information session but would like to provide feedback are encouraged to email GardenStateCPACE@njeda.com with their input.

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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TRENTON, N.J. (August 8, 2022) – The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation, and Technology (CSIT) today announced that it has awarded a combined $3.9 million in grants to 45 startups statewide through its Catalyst Seed Research and Development (R&D) Grant and Clean Tech Seed Grant programs. The awards will help these young companies accelerate development of their technologies and transform their discoveries from the research stage into commercially viable products and services.

“Funding New Jersey startups today through grant programs like the Catalyst Seed R&D Grant and the Clean Tech Seed Grant helps to guarantee a strong economy in the future and furthers Governor Phil Murphy’s vision for the state,” said CSIT Executive Director Judith Sheft. “Cultivating companies within our state during their formative years helps us to promote financial growth, sustainability, and economic mobility for years to come.”

CSIT’s Catalyst Seed R&D Grant Program has awarded 27 early-stage startup companies a total of $2.6 million in funding through grants of up to $150,000 for life sciences startups focusing on drug development and therapeutics and up to $75,000 for R&D. Emerging companies receiving awards for R&D are involved in technological innovation across manufacturing, transportation and logistics, film and digital media, life sciences, non-retail food and beverage, finance and professional services, and technology sectors, all of which are identified as targeted industries in Governor Murphy’s economic development plan. Of those receiving awards from CSIT, 95 percent (25) of awardees have five or fewer employees, 43 percent (12) are certified as minority-owned businesses, and 30 percent (9) are certified women-owned. Additionally, 22 percent (6) awardees have licensed technology from a New Jersey university.

“New Jersey’s startups are amongst the very best in the nation and truly place the State at the forefront of innovation and conservation,” said CSIT Vice Chair and BioNJ Founding President and CEO Debbie Hart. “The Catalyst Seed R&D Grant and Clean Tech Seed Grant Programs reinforce the State’s commitment to its small businesses and nurtures advancements in a range of innovation areas including technology, life sciences, and clean tech sectors.”

A total of $1.3 million in funding will also be awarded to 18 companies chosen in Round 2 of the Clean Tech Seed Grant Program. The Clean Tech Seed Grant Program, which was jointly developed by CSIT and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), provides grants for R&D activities to very early-stage, New Jersey-based clean technology companies that will help them to advance their development on products and services to a point where they can more readily appeal to outside investors and, in some cases, begin to generate revenue. Seventy-two percent (13) of awardees have five or fewer employees. Additionally, 15 percent (3) of the awardees are certified as minority-owned businesses, and 15 percent (3) are certified women-owned. Eleven percent (two companies) awardees have licensed technology from a NJ university.

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has become one of the best places in the nation to grow and scale a company, especially a startup,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “CSIT’s Catalyst Seed R&D Grant and Clean Tech Seed Grant programs allow entrepreneurs to secure funding for vitally important research and new technologies that not only better our society, but also create new high-paying jobs grow our economy and solidify New Jersey’s reputation as a leader in equitable, diverse, and transformative innovation.” 

“Grants such as the Clean Tech Seed Program bring us one step closer to achieving Governor Murphy’s goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2050,” said New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “Our partnership with NJEDA and CSIT, coupled with today’s announcement, exemplifies this Administration’s cross-agency approach to developing and implementing initiatives that will simultaneously help us meet our clean energy goals and grow our green economy with exciting innovation.”

The funding for the Clean Tech Seed Grant Program, which is being provided through the NJBPU’s Clean Energy Program, will advance innovation that will help the state achieve Governor Murphy’s clean energy goals as outlined in New Jersey’s Energy Master Plan.  The plan, created in 2019, helps to set New Jersey on a path toward 100 percent clean energy by 2050.  

A list of all awardees can be found below:

Catalyst Seed Grant Program
(Drug Development)

Applicant Name (Funding Amount)

Catalyst Seed Grant Program
Other Categories
Applicant Name (Funding Awarded)

Clean Tech Seed Grant Program Awardees

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.


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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 NJ ZIP will make an additional $45 million available and widen
eligibility to include heavy-duty vehicles later this year

From left: NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan, NJEDA Director of Clean Energy Kevin Lynch, GreenPower Motor Company Regional Sales Manager Larry Sharp, Clean Energy Program Project Officer Olivia Barone, ENAT Transportation & Logistics Co-Founders Luis and Vanessa Abad, NJEDA Clean Energy Manager Victoria Carey, ENAT Transportation & Logistics Logistics Manager Ernesto Abad, Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey Chairman Luis O. De La Hoz, Supreme Green Team Founder Moises Luque
From left: NJEDA Clean Energy Manager Victoria Carey & ENAT Transportation & Logistics Co-Founder Vanessa Abad

LYNDHURST, N.J. (July 19, 2022) –The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced the expansion of the New Jersey Zero Emission Incentive Program (NJ ZIP) to support businesses and institutions statewide that are purchasing new, zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles operating in New Jersey. Last week, the NJEDA’s Board approved the $45 million expansion, through its Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) allocation, doubling the amount of funding dedicated to the program.

In addition to increased funding for the program, the NJEDA Board also approved two major eligibility changes from the earlier phase – expanding eligibility to include heavy-duty vehicle classes, and expanding statewide, beyond the four pilot communities in the first phase.

NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan was joined by Vanessa and Luis Abad outside the offices of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (SHCCNJ), which was instrumental in promoting the pilot to business owners, to announce the expansion of the program. The Abads’ business, ENAT Transportation & Logistics, located in Ridgefield Park, was one of the first businesses approved for support under the program. The Abads and Sullivan, together with GreenPower Motor Company Regional Sales Manager Larry Sharp, placed “Powered by NJ ZIP” bumper stickers on four of the zero-emission medium-duty electric vehicles funded by NJ ZIP. GreenPower Motor Company is an authorized vendor under NJ ZIP from which ENAT Transportation & Logistics procured their vehicles.  

As of last month, the NJEDA had approved 144 NJ ZIP applications totaling $32.2 million in vouchers for zero-emission medium-duty vehicles, with more applications still in process. The NJEDA anticipates the expansion of the program will allow 200-400 additional vouchers to be awarded. Over 90 percent of the entities approved to date are small businesses, and approximately 57 percent are minority- and/or woman-owned. The vehicles supported so far through the program are expected to result in the reduction of annual carbon emissions by more than 6,500 short tons within the communities in which they operate.

“Over 40 percent of New Jersey’s carbon emissions are produced by vehicles, so helping small businesses make the transition to zero-emission technology is a key step toward accelerating Governor Phil Murphy’s efforts to improve air quality, and create economic opportunity within the state,” said Sullivan. “Small businesses participating in the program are poised to reap the benefits of electric vehicle ownership by modernizing their fleets with environmentally friendly, state-of-the-art vehicles that not only reduce fuel costs and require less maintenance, but mitigate the harmful environmental impacts of transportation emissions in communities across New Jersey.”

ENAT Transportation & Logistics, one of the first NJ ZIP awardees to receive its vehicles, is on its way to transitioning its entire commercial fleet to electric vehicles within the next five years and is currently working with Bergen Community College to serve as a location to house their zero-emission vehicles as part of the Bergen Community College Business Accelerator.

“NJ ZIP is a fantastic resource for small businesses like mine to afford transitioning to an electric fleet as we strive to reduce our carbon footprint and the additional bonus it provides gives woman-owned minority businesses, like mine, the opportunity for progress,” said Abad. “The additional $40,000 in bonuses we received for being a minority and women-owned small business has allowed us to compete with other transportation companies in an industry that has traditionally been operated by men.”

“NJ ZIP offers a clear and accessible path for businesses across New Jersey, especially those in underserved communities, to buy and drive electric vehicles,” said Sharp. “GreenPower Motor will continue to deliver some of the first commercial electric vans and trucks to New Jersey businesses that are taking a bold step in addressing climate change by reducing their carbon footprint. We look forward to continuing to supply future recipients with zero-emission vehicles through the NJ ZIP program.”

Another small business that recently received support from the NJ ZIP is Camden County-based Juan Kelmy Productions, LLC. Located in Sicklerville, this minority-owned small business is an event photography, marketing and web design company that serves the tri-state area.

“Our company is honored to be a recipient of NJ ZIP’s electric vehicle vouchers which will support our day-to-day business operations,” said Juan Kelmy Productions Owner Juan Martinez. “The funding received from this program further advances our commitment to clean energy initiatives that contribute to our zero-emission goals to transition into new electric vehicles.”

“The NJDEP is pleased to partner with the NJEDA to further reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming and climate change in our state,” said New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Commissioner Shawn LaTourette. “As New Jersey’s transportation sector is the largest source of these emissions, the NJ ZIP expansion constitutes a significant step forward. These types of partnerships also demonstrate the power and strength of collaboration among State agencies. NJ ZIP supports small businesses with an eye toward transitioning their current vehicle fleet to zero emission alternatives, helping to protect the environment, improve public health, and advance our environmental justice and clean energy goals.”

In addition to expanding the program’s funding capacity, the NJEDA will also work to identify a New Jersey university partner to provide technical assistance as part of the NJ ZIP program. This assistance will provide critical guidance to small businesses as they are applying for zero-emission vehicle vouchers.

The NJEDA anticipates opening applications, including those for businesses in newly-eligible parts of the state, in the coming months. Vouchers will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. More information on NJ ZIP, including all eligibility requirements for vendors and purchasers, is available at https://www.njeda.gov/njzip.


About New Jersey’s Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)

In 2020, the NJEDA, along with the NJDEP and NJBPU, released the State’s first Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) Strategic Funding Plan. The Plan identified the four initiatives the Agencies will invest the RGGI auction proceeds in for the years 2020 through 2022. NJ ZIP is funded by proceeds allocated to the NJEDA by the RGGI for the purposes of reducing harmful emissions, especially in communities disproportionately impacted by transportation emissions, and creating economic opportunity within the state.

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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TRENTON, N.J. (July 18, 2022) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s Board (NJEDA) has approved the purchase of a 109.4-acre property which will enable the planned expansion of the NJ Wind Port in Lower Alloways Creek, Salem County. The approval took place during last week’s Board meeting.

The New Jersey Wind Port is a first-in-the-nation infrastructure investment that will provide a location for essential staging, assembly, and manufacturing activities related to offshore wind projects on the East Coast. At full build-out, the Wind Port has the potential to create up to 1,500 manufacturing, assembly, and operations jobs and drive billions of dollars in economic growth back into the New Jersey economy.

Phase 1 of the Wind Port broke ground in September 2021 with marshalling activities due to commence in early 2024. The purchase of the 109.4-acre property from NDEV LLC, a subsidiary of PSEG Power, will enable Phase 2 of the project as proposed, expanding the Port’s total footprint to over 220 acres and enabling it to support marshalling of two wind projects concurrently as well as up to three co-located manufacturing facilities.

“Today’s approval is another major step forward for the New Jersey Wind Port and for delivering on Governor Murphy’s goal of making New Jersey the engine room of the U.S offshore wind supply chain,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The ability to marshal two projects at once, with additional space for component manufacturing, will turbocharge job creation, opportunities for small businesses, and all forms of ancillary economic activity both locally and across the state.”

Sullivan added that expanded marshalling capacity will also help to alleviate the current shortfall in fit-for-purpose port capacity across the region, helping states up and down the U.S east coast to deliver on their wind targets on time and cost-effectively.

The 109.4-acre property is set directly north of property the NJEDA is leasing from PSEG Nuclear to develop Phase 1 of the NJ Wind Port. It is currently permitted as a confined disposal facility (CDF), with the permitting process to enable the Port’s expansion due to commence shortly. The purchase from NDEV LLC was for a negotiated price of $24.25 million.

The State of New Jersey is committed to constructing the New Jersey Wind Port using union labor and requires developers and contractors to pay prevailing wage. The State is also committed to setting a new standard for inclusion of women- and minority-owned businesses during construction of the New Jersey Wind Port. The NJEDA has established a requirement that at least 25 percent of subcontractors for the port construction are small businesses and at least 15 percent are women-, minority-, or veteran- owned. The project also includes worker diversity goals of 18 percent people of color and 6.9 percent women.

NJEDA expects to commence tenant selection for parcels of the property in the coming months.

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. NJEDA is developing the Wind port on behalf of the State.
 
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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Parcel to be Purpose-built for Tier 1 wind component manufacturing, Co-located with a Marshaling Port and with Ready Access to East Coast Offshore Wind Sites

Trenton, N.J. (May 20, 2022) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced that it will shortly launch the next phase of its eagerly-anticipated tenant selection process for the New Jersey Wind Port. This phase will involve seeking offers from Tier 1 wind component manufacturers, such as blades, for an approximately 70-acre parcel of property at the Port.   

The New Jersey Wind Port, located on the Delaware River in Lower Alloways Creek, Salem County, will be a transformative, hub-style port serving offshore wind projects in New Jersey and up and down the U.S. East Coast. The Port is being developed by the NJEDA on behalf of the State and represents a new approach to economic development that will spur both job creation and opportunities for businesses throughout the offshore wind supply chain. It has the potential to create up to 1,500 manufacturing, assembly, and operations jobs, with wind projects supported by the Port driving billions more dollars in economic growth.

The Port is situated at the geographical center of the United States’ burgeoning offshore wind sector – with approximately 40 gigawatts (GW) of committed and planned offshore wind projects along the East Coast, including 7.5 GW of projects off the coast of New Jersey. The Port will offer offshore wind industry tenants the following key features:

  • Access to the Atlantic Ocean free of vertical restrictions;
  • Upland acreage purpose-built for marshalling and component manufacturing;
  • A wide approach channel from the main Delaware River Channel;
  • A purpose-built heavy-lift wharf, comprising both delivery and installation berths; and
  • Heavy-haul Road connections between inland port parcels and the Wharf.

The NJEDA will shortly seek non-binding offers from Tier 1 offshore wind component manufacturers, such as blades manufacturers, for an approximately 70-acre parcel at the Port. The parcel is currently undeveloped but is intended to be purpose-built for manufacturing and would adjoin a deep-water port. The parcel would be connected to two marshalling parcels via a purpose-built heavy-haul road corridor, providing unrivalled cost efficiencies for a manufacturer and their developer clients. The NJEDA anticipates that the parcel will be available for sublease from late-2026. A notice for the sublease of property will be issued in coming weeks and will be available at Bidding Opportunities – NJEDA.

“There is simply no better site to anchor an offshore wind manufacturing facility in the nation than at the New Jersey Wind Port, the nation’s only purpose-built greenfield wind port and epicenter of the nation’s fast emerging wind supply chain hub,” said NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan. “For a manufacturer, being co-located with two marshalling parcels means significantly lower logistics costs, a win for industry and a win for energy consumers. At the same time, being part of the nation’s supply chain hub means ready access to a growing ecosystem of tier two suppliers across Southern New Jersey and throughout the state.”

Home to a high concentration of skilled labor, a well-established maritime industry and workforce, and a network of highly-regarded colleges and universities, New Jersey is ideally-placed to drive the development of the offshore wind industry in the United States.

“Manufacturing critical components of the offshore wind supply chain here in New Jersey will not only benefit our own offshore wind projects, but the entire industry up and down the East Coast,” said New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “By diversifying the manufacturing opportunities available, we will bring more jobs and economic development opportunities to the Garden State as we work to achieve Governor Murphy’s goal of 7.5 GW by 2035.”

Last fall, Governor Phil Murphy led the celebration for the New Jersey Wind Port’s groundbreaking, alongside Federal Secretary of Labor, Martin J. Walsh and a host of state and local officials. The event also included the signing of a Project Labor Agreement (PLA), with the State committed to using union labor to construct the Port and to setting a new standard for inclusion of minority and women workers and business owners.

Governor Murphy announced last month that the NJEDA and Orsted North America had executed a letter of intent (LOI) for Orsted to marshal its Ocean Wind 1 project from the Port. As part of its bid to the NJBPU Orsted had proposed to marshal Ocean Wind from an interstate port, with its commitment to instead use the Wind Port creating over 200 pre-assembly, load out and stevedoring jobs in New Jersey that would otherwise have been lost to other states.

Core construction of the Wind Port commenced in January of this year, with the first phase of the Port due to reach completion in early 2024.

Further information on the Port is available at: https://www.nj.gov/windport/.

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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Programs Connect NJ Startups with Amenities at NJ Universities & Federal Laboratories

TRENTON, N.J. (April 11, 2022) – The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) today announced plans to open applications for the newly-created Catalyst Research & Development (R&D) Voucher Pilot Program and Round 2 of the state’s Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program. The programs are designed to connect early-stage New Jersey technology companies with access to laboratory facilities and specialized equipment statewide. CSIT expects to open applications for both programs on May 2, 2022 at http://www.njeda.gov/csit. The programs were developed in partnership with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU).

Both the Catalyst R&D and Clean Tech R&D Voucher programs will help the state’s startups accelerate development and transform new discoveries from research stage to commercially viable products and services. Eligible applicants can receive vouchers to defray the costs associated with the use of equipment and technicians for testing and development, and for training in preparation for independent use of the equipment from participating University Facilities or Government or non-profit labs.

“New Jersey’s universities and colleges are uniquely positioned to assist and support entrepreneurs that are developing innovative technologies,” said CSIT Executive Director Judith Sheft. “By harnessing the resources of these world-class higher education institutions and other facilities statewide, the programs announced today will help accelerate the growth of New Jersey startups and strengthen our innovation ecosystem as we continue to reclaim our status as a leader in innovation.”

CSIT will host an informational webinar on the programs on April 19 at 10:00 a.m. to offer tips and advice to potential applicants. Registration information can be found at http://tinyurl.com/CSIT-May2022. A recorded version of the webinar and copy of materials presented will be made available on the CSIT webpage following the event. Applications will be accepted beginning May 2 on a rolling basis until funding from both programs is allocated.

“New Jersey entrepreneurs are creating truly extraordinary things and developing technologies that will have a lasting impact,” said CSIT Acting Chair Debbie Hart. “The programs announced today will enable some of the best minds to leverage state resources as they continue to make their mark on their communities and the innovation ecosystem as a whole.”

Through the $275,000 in total funds provided by the Catalyst R&D Voucher Program, eligible applicants can apply for vouchers to defray the cost associated with eligible services or activities. The vouchers can also be used to hire technicians for testing and development as well as the use of participating facilities. A startup can apply for multiple vouchers, capped at $25,000, within any 12-month period. An approved voucher will be valid for a period of twelve months, starting from the date of the voucher reservation approval letter.

The following technology areas are eligible under the program: advanced manufacturing, advanced transportation and logistics, film and digital media, life sciences (therapeutic drug development and other), non-retail food and beverage, professional and financial services, and technology. Complete eligibility criteria and usage of funds can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/catalyst-voucher.

The Catalyst R&D Voucher Program is a complement to CSIT’s Catalyst R&D Seed Grant Program, which saw a high level of interest from New Jersey’s startup community. That program provided seed funding to approved applicants developing technologies in all industry sectors except clean tech (which has a separate dedicated funding pool).

CSIT also announced today that it will provide vouchers totaling up to $375,000 to eligible startups within the clean technology sector through Round 2 of the Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program. Eligible startups can apply for multiple vouchers up to a cap of $25,000 within any 12-month period. Each approved voucher will be valid for a period of six months, starting from the date of the voucher reservation approval.

The program is open to New Jersey companies with fewer than 25 full-time employees that are developing or testing clean technologies intended to avoid emissions of, or recapture, greenhouse gases and/or criteria pollutants, or to enable such avoidance or recapture in the following target areas: chemicals/advanced materials; energy distribution/storage; energy efficiency; energy generation; green buildings; transportation; waste processing; and water and agriculture. Complete eligibility criteria and usage of funds can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/cleantechvoucher.

Funding for the Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program is provided by NJBPU.

“Our support of these programs will help pave a path for New Jersey to reach Governor Murphy’s important goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2050,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “Startups play an essential role in our state’s growth and success and supporting them will push us forward toward a sustainable future.”

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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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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