Since 2020, over $21M awarded to nearly 370 businesses across both grant programs

TRENTON, N.J. (October 15, 2024) – The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation, and Technology (CSIT) has awarded a combined $3 million in grants to 41 New Jersey startups through its Round 3 Catalyst Seed Research and Development (R&D) Grant and Clean Tech Seed Grant programs. The awards will help young companies accelerate the development of their technologies and transform discoveries from the research stage into commercially viable products and services.

“Supporting New Jersey startups through grant initiatives like the Catalyst Seed R&D Grant and the Clean Tech Seed Grant will help create a robust economy for the future and advances Governor Murphy’s vision for the state,” said CSIT Executive Director Judith Sheft. “Nurturing companies in their early stages allows them to establish a foundation in New Jersey, setting the stage for long-term financial growth, sustainability, and economic mobility.”

Companies awarded grant funding are developing innovations in medical devices, Artificial Intelligence (AI), software development, film and digital media, and non-retail food and beverage. Since 2020, CSIT has awarded 368 companies grants totaling over $21 million.

“Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has dedicated significant resources to help young, innovative companies get their products to the marketplace, allowing the state to emerge as a premier destination for startups,” said New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “These CSIT grant programs enable entrepreneurs to obtain funding for essential research and technologies that enhance our society, generate high-paying jobs, and strengthen New Jersey’s standing as a leader in equitable, diverse, and transformative innovation.”

CSIT’s Round 3 Catalyst Seed R&D Grant Program has awarded 26 early-stage startup companies a total of $1.95 million in funding through grants of up to $75,000 for companies developing innovations in various fields, including manufacturing, transportation and logistics, film and digital media, life sciences, non-retail food and beverage, finance and professional services, and technology sectors. These sectors have all been identified as targeted industries in Governor Murphy’s economic development plan. Of those receiving awards from CSIT, 70 percent of awardees have six or fewer employees, 22 percent are certified as minority-owned businesses, and 19 percent of the awardees are located in an Opportunity Zone.

“New Jersey’s startups are amongst the best in the nation and place the State at the forefront of innovation and conservation,” said CSIT 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 nurture advancements in a range of innovation areas, including life sciences, technology, and clean tech sectors. We have seen early-stage companies leverage CSIT funding 15.5X in follow on funding thereby advancing and accelerating their development trajectory.”

A total of $1.1 million in funding has been awarded to 15 companies chosen in Round 3 of the Clean Tech Seed Grant Program. The Clean Tech Seed Grant Program, which was jointly developed by CSIT and the NJEDA, provides grants to early-stage, New Jersey-based clean technology companies to help them advance the development of their products and services so they can begin finding investors and generate revenue. 87 percent of awardees have five or fewer employees. Additionally, 27 percent of the awardees are certified as minority-owned businesses, and 47 percent of the awardees are located in an Opportunity Zone.

Funding for the Clean Tech Seed Program is provided through the Board of Public Utilities’ Clean Energy Program to advance clean energy innovation and help New Jersey achieve our goals of 100 percent clean electricity by 2035 and an 80 percent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

A full list of awardees can be found below:

Catalyst Seed Grant Awardees:

  1. AlphaROC Inc. (Essex County): Built a suite of AI-powered tools leveraging unique data sets to help investors gain customized, unbiased insights into a business’ present and future economic health.
  2. ANJO.AI INC. (Bergen County): Pioneered a revolutionary technology for the early detection of life-threatening allergic reactions, specifically Anaphylaxis.
  3. Balcony Technology Group, Inc. (Hudson County): Developing groundbreaking shift in managing and safeguarding real estate data.
  4. BioNanoTech, LLC (Mercer County): Developing new class of IMAC nanoresins that provide high purity in a single-step separation of both cytosolic and membrane proteins.
  5. Conduiit (Hudson County): Building a film and television tax incentive rule engine that will give a variety of stakeholders the ability to better audit their qualified expense spending.
  6. ConductInk, LLC (Burlington County): Developing technology provides the end-user the flexibility to design and create specific diseased-state models tailored to their drug candidate.
  7. Dandelion Science Corp (Hudson County): Developing a novel therapeutic to apply AI-generated algorithms to visually stimulate the brain and retrain it to compensate for central vision loss.
  8. EnaChip, Inc. (Somerset County): Developing a groundbreaking innovation revolved around a proprietary high frequency electroplated multilayer magnetic alloy, which is highly versatile and tailored to diverse applications.
  9. Endomedix, Inc. (Essex County): PlexiClot™ is designed for use as an absorbable hemostat, initially for use in brain and spinal procedures.
  10. Fuceltech (Mercer County): Developing a special type of lasers for atomic and quantum sensors including quantum computing applications.
  11. Heal R World, LLC (Somerset County): Developing an innovative fintech card program pilot.
  1. Innovations Unlimited LLC (Camden County): Developing an alarm that alerts caregivers of a pending or actual dislodgement or decannulation of a tracheostomy tube.
  2. MIRAKARE INCORPORATED (Middlesex County): Developing a platform that integrates both quantitative and qualitative health data, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the care recipient so that the caregivers can better care for them.
  3. NeuroPair, Inc. (Mercer County): Technology can provide the necessary environment for guided neuron regrowth.
  4. Next Breath, Inc. (Middlesex County): Developing innovative technological approach to managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and anxiety in a unique, user-friendly mobile application.
  5. Novara Solutions Group, LLC (Monmouth County): Developing groundbreaking Emergency Tourniquet device that seamlessly integrates a GPS call-out system with a biosensor to provide a comprehensive solution for critical situations.
  6. Oculomotor Technologies Inc. (Mercer County): Developing medical diagnostic software utilizing commercially available virtual reality headsets with integrated eye trackers for diagnosing various vision problems.
  7. Plumeria Therapeutics Inc. (Middlesex County): Developing diagnostics for chronic pain.
  8. Serdiuk Industries, LLC (Atlantic County): Developing specialized technology market catering to Drone/UAV/Air Taxi Launching and Landing Operations on marine vessels.
  9. SNOChip, Inc. (Middlesex County): Developing disruptive optical components and sensors by leveraging innovative metasurface technology.
  10. TacIton, LLC (Monmouth County): TacIton is a data management platform that automates manual work and increases financial analyst productivity.
  11. Talon Biomarkers (Morris County): Flow cytometry assesses cell-associated proteins, determining the quantity of various cell types.
  12. TLA Innovation, Inc. dba BoomID (Bergen County): Developing SAAS Platform for ensuring proper authorization, fraud prevention, and good, healthy user interactions.
  13. VINYO (Camden County): Developing a mobile learning and engagement app helping to make wine more approachable, accessible, and inclusive for the next generation of wine lovers.
  14. Vital Start Health, Inc. (Middlesex County): Developed the first reproductive and maternity mental health platform (COURAGE) using Virtual Reality for evidence-based care.
  15. ZSX Medical, LLC (Burlington County): Developed a breakthrough surgical closure platform with a focus on women’s health, specifically for closing internal surgical incisions in laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Clean Tech Grant Awardees

  1. 4.0 Analytics (Essex County): Developing machine learning based predictive analytics for use on fleet and consumer vehicles to identify potential vehicle engine and emissions component failures.
  2. Biodome, Inc. (Burlington County): Developing sustainable, modular indoor farming units.
  3. CargoFish, LLC (Salem County): Developing energy-efficient, network capable “capillary” gage “encapsulated” system of “tracks” for delivery of consumer goods and a “containerized parcel” utility system.
  4. Energy Research Company (Union County): Developing an instrument that will increase the efficiency of converting renewable biomass feedstocks.
  5. Gendell Associates P.A (Hudson County): Develop a compact pop-up emergency solar power generator.
  6. Grid Discovery (Essex County): Developing SaaS platform to automate and standardize the traditionally complex and time-consuming microgrid planning process.
  7. HiT Nano, Inc. (Burlington County): Developing a full cell SIB system for use in low-cost electric vehicles (EVs).
  8. Materium Technologies, LLC (Union County): Develop technology for development of materials and techniques that can extend the lifespan and enhance the performance of solar panels and semiconductor devices.
  9. Oceanomics, Inc. (Middlesex County): Developed a suite of metabolite, protein, and DNA-based biomarkers that are diagnostic of thermal stress in corals.
  10. PureLi, Inc. (Somerset County): Developing a sustainable and cost-effective extraction technologies for lithium from saline water sources such as Produced Water, brines, and post-processing waste streams.
  11. Redi Farms, LLC (Union County): Repurpose underutilized buildings into vertical, hydroponic farms that serve local communities.
  12. RenewCO2, Inc. (Union County): Developed a cutting-edge electrocatalytic carbon utilization technology (eCUT) that forms C-C bonds at exceptionally low overpotentials so that the energy requirement is substantially reduced relative to competing technologies.
  13. Shutterbug Exchange, Inc. (Hudson County): Revolutionizing the solar industry by revitalizing outdated solar panels through advanced upcycling methods.
  14. Singlet02 Therapeutics, LLC (Union County): Developing a water disinfection technology for use in aquaculture.
  15. Sunray Scientific, Inc. (Monmouth County): Developing a unique multifunctional material/product that utilizes a magnetic field system during the manufacturing process.

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. Visit www.njeda.gov/csit/ for more information about CSIT incentive programs.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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TRENTON, N.J. (October 18, 2023) – The Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) will host two informational webinars to outline several programs that are aimed to support innovative, early-stage, and clean teach startups across the state.

WHAT:          The first webinar will provide an overview of CSIT’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Direct Financial Assistance Program Pilot, which enhances New Jersey’s innovation economy by providing technical and financial support to small businesses seeking to or participating in the federal SBIR/STTR program. The next round of the program will open in the coming weeks and will offer $25,000 and $50,000 grants.

The second webinar will highlight new rounds of funding available from CSIT’s Research and Development Voucher Programs. The Catalyst R&D Voucher Program helps offset the cost of leveraging R&D resources, facilities, and equipment at the state’s academic universities and colleges, federal, and non-profit laboratories to advance their technology development. The Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program supports early-stage clean tech companies access core facilities, equipment, and makerspaces at any participating state universities or government labs.

WHEN:          CSIT SBIR/STTR Direct Financial Assistance Program Webinar
Monday, October 23, 2023
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Click here to register

CSIT Research and Development (R&D) Voucher Programs Webinar
Monday, October 23, 2023
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Click here to register

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. Visit https://www.njeda.gov/csit/ for more information about CSIT incentive programs.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn

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14 NJ Clean Tech Startups Poised to Receive Funding to Test & Validate Their Technologies

TRENTON, N.J. (July 11, 2023) – The Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) has awarded over $3.6 million to 14 New Jersey startups through its Pilot Clean Tech Demonstration Grant Program. The competitive program supports clean technology businesses that have existing prototypes of their technologies and are ready to validate them in a real-world setting.

The Pilot Clean Tech Demonstration Grant Program provides grants of up to $250,000 to help startups develop their technologies focused on creating a cleaner and greener future for New Jersey. Funding received through the program can be used for testing and validating technological performance at demonstration and/or customer sites.

Funding for the Pilot Clean Tech Demonstration Grant Program is being provided by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU). The program both helps to meet plans laid out in New Jersey’s Energy Master Plan (EMP) and plants roots for new clean energy innovation in New Jersey. The EMP offers a strategic vision for the production, distribution, consumption, and conservation of energy in the State of New Jersey.

The following startups were awarded funding through the program:

In keeping with CSIT’s mission to support the state’s smallest companies, each of the awardees had fewer than 25 employees at the time of application, with all but three having fewer than 10 employees.

“Fostering opportunities for startups to succeed and impact the marketplace has been our top priority from Day 1,” said CSIT Executive Officer Judith Sheft. “Through the awards announced today, we are getting funding into the hands of entrepreneurs and innovators to further their important work in the clean technology space. We are pleased to collaborate with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and the NJBPU on this initiative to help get clean technology in New Jersey to the next step.”

“The clean energy transition is inevitable, and especially in New Jersey, it is exciting to see the continued momentum for clean energy technologies and companies that in turn will grow the industry while helping create a greener future in the Garden State,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “In addition to providing critically necessary funding to startups as they advance their technologies, the Pilot Clean Tech Demonstration Grant Program will also help progress Governor Phil Murphy’s clean energy goal of achieving 100 percent clean energy by 2035.”

Innovation spurring from awardees announced today include a power source that doesn’t require connection to the grid, an indoor farm that uses 80 to 90 percent less water than traditional farming, and next-generation, low-cost and high-performance lithium ion (Li-ion) battery materials and energy storage systems, among many others.

“The broad array of technologies being created by our grantees showcases New Jersey’s growing role as a leader in innovation,” said CSIT Chair Debbie Hart. “We knew that there was a significant need for this funding by startups statewide, given the vast number of our portfolio companies that have some form of prototype. We are pleased to support more than a dozen startups through this program.”

“As we plan for a clean energy future it is vitally important we provide support for startups that can create the technologies to help make the goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2035 a reality,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “Further, connecting clean tech startups with funding needed to validate their technologies is an important step toward creating the green economy that Governor Murphy champions. We look forward to hearing about grantees’ successful testing and validation in the future.”

The Pilot Clean Tech Demonstration Grant Program is the latest in a series of resources available to New Jersey startups growing within the state’s green economy. This program complements other CSIT clean tech-focused programs including the Clean Technology Seed Grant and Clean Tech Research & Development Voucher Programs. The NJEDA also offers funding to support companies as they advance through their lifecycle, including the New Jersey Clean Energy Loans program and the New Jersey Zero-emission Incentive Program.

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 NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn

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$2M+ in Grant Funding will be Available to Startups Developing Food and Agriculture or Drug Therapeutic Innovations

TRENTON, N.J. (May 31, 2023) – The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) will open applications on June 5 for two seed grant programs. Both the Food and Agriculture Research & Development (R&D) Pilot Seed Grant Program and Round 2 of the Catalyst R&D Seed Grant Program are designed to help New Jersey startups accelerate their R&D from the research stage to commercially viable products and services.

Governor Phil Murphy’s economic development plan, “The State of Innovation: Building a Stronger and Fairer NJ Economy,” identifies life sciences and food and beverage (non-retail) as two of the strategic sectors for accelerating growth in New Jersey’s economy. These seed grants programs will support New Jersey startups in these vital sectors. 

WHAT: CSIT plans to open applications for the following programs on June 5 at 9:00 a.m. EDT:

  • The Food and Agriculture R&D Pilot Seed Grant Program is a $750,000 competitive grant program supporting innovative technological solutions designed to improve food security statewide. The program will offer grants of up to $75,000 to startups working on food and/or agriculture-related innovation in the life sciences, technology, and food and beverage (non-retail) sectors. Complete eligibility requirements can be found here. The application will be available here until July 14, 2023.
  • The $1.5 million Round 2 of CSIT’s Catalyst R&D Seed Grant Program will provide grants of up to $150,000 to New Jersey startups that are developing life sciences therapeutics. The grant funds should enable applicants to make significant progress and have a meaningful impact on their commercialization outcomes. Complete eligibility requirements can be found here. The application will be available here until July 14, 2023.

Informational Webinar: CSIT will host an informational webinar about both of these programs on June 5 at 4:00 p.m. Registration for the webinar can be found here. A recording of the webinar will be available on each program’s website.

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

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Program Will Award Grants of up to $75,000

TRENTON, N.J. (March 31, 2023) – The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) plans to create a $750,000 grant program to help New Jersey startups develop innovative solutions designed to improve food security statewide.

Through the Food and Agriculture Research & Development (R&D) Pilot Seed Grant Program, CSIT will provide grants of up to $75,000 to startups working on food and/or agriculture-related innovation in the life sciences, technology, and food and beverage (non-retail) sectors.

The grants will enable awardees to accelerate their R&D to transform new discoveries from the research stage into commercially viable products and services that address food security needs of communities across New Jersey. Projects do not need to be located within a food desert community, but applicants should describe how their proposal will impact residents in food desert communities and food-insecure New Jerseyans more broadly. Complete eligibility requirements can be found here.  

“Food insecurity is a critical issue and New Jersey startups are developing innovative solutions in areas surrounding food processing, food access, and information on nutrition,” said CSIT Executive Director Judith Sheft. “Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, we are supporting this next generation of entrepreneurs as they work to address the needs of the hungry. From companies like Campbell’s Soup Company and Wakefern Food Corporation to B&G Foods and Mars Chocolate, New Jersey is already home to numerous food and beverage giants, and we look forward to watching startups in this vital sector grow and expand their footprints in the Garden State.”

Sheft noted that this program will bolster New Jersey’s leadership role as it gains further recognition as one of the nation’s key hubs for food innovation and technology. New Jersey has many assets that are helping attract and retain companies in this growing sector, specifically its strategic location, expansive transportation infrastructure, and easy access to the Port of New York and New Jersey, which serves as the second busiest port in North America and is the largest on the East Coast.

CSIT will host an informational webinar on the Food and Agriculture R&D Pilot Grant Program prior to the application opening. Details of that webinar will be posted on CSIT’s website once it is scheduled. A recorded version of the webinar and copy of materials presented will be made available on the CSIT webpage following the event.

CSIT expects to begin accepting applications for this program later this Spring. 

A commitment of $750,000 from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to CSIT to fund the Food and Agriculture R&D Pilot Seed Grant program was approved by both Boards this month. The funding allocation from the NJEDA was appropriated through New Jersey’s Fiscal Year 2022 state budget, which dedicated $3.5 million to the Authority for “Food and Agriculture Innovation.”

“The Food and Agriculture R&D Pilot Seed Grant Program is an important tool in furthering Governor Murphy’s vision to make New Jersey a leader in innovation while increasing access to healthy food for every resident,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “This program will also harness the brainpower of New Jersey entrepreneurs – one of our state’s greatest assets – to aid in our whole-of-government approach to combatting food insecurity.”

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. Bonus scoring will also be awarded to applicants using intellectual property initially developed at a New Jersey university, under an executed license agreement with such university. To increase the percentage of first-time CSIT awardees, staff will implement a new scoring bonus for applicants that have not previously been awarded a CSIT grant or voucher.

“Given the food insecurity in New Jersey and throughout the world, the Commission is proud to launch this important pilot program which will support entrepreneurs as they innovate to address this challenge,” said CSIT Chair Debbie Hart. “This program literally has the potential to change the world starting in the neighborhoods of New Jersey.”

The CSIT Board approved the creation of the Food and Agriculture R&D Pilot Seed Grant Program at its meeting last week.

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 and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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Total includes over $500K recently awarded to 17 startups

TRENTON, N.J. (February 16, 2023) – The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) has awarded a total of $2.425 million in matching grants to more than 80 startups since 2020 through its NJ Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Direct Financial Assistance Program. The program supports startups that are receiving funding from highly competitive federal research and development (R&D) grant programs as they work toward commercialization. The $2.425 million in funding includes $525,000 that was awarded 17 startups through the program’s fourth funding round.

The federal SBIR and STTR grant programs provide more than $3 billion each year to small businesses in a variety of technology and life sciences arenas that propose innovative ideas that meet specific federal R&D needs as they explore their technological potential. Thirteen of the 17 awardees announced today are currently in Phase 1 of, or have received a Fast-Track or Phase II designation from, the federal SBIR/STTR programs. Each of these awardees will receive up to $25,000 through the NJ SBIR/STTR Direct Financial Assistance Program. The grants are intended to help awardees increase intensity of research, strengthen commercialization plans, cover operational expenses, and become more competitive for Phase II funding. These awardees include:

The other four awardees announced today have each completed Phase I or more of the federal SBIR/STTR programs and have applied for Phase II federal funding. Each of these awardees will receive bridge grants of up to $50,000 through CSIT’s Bridge Funding program.  

“New Jersey startups are creating cutting-edge technologies that will have both far-reaching and long-lasting effects on the worldwide stage and we are proud to connect them with access to the capital they need to succeed,” said CSIT Executive Director Judith Sheft. “Our state’s blend of highly talented workforce and proximity to both a high concentration of scientists and research universities make us an attractive location for startups looking to scale their operations. The NJ SBIR/STTR Direct Financial Assistance Program is a perfect complement to those assets.”

Awardees in the latest round of NJ SBIR/STTR Direct Financial Assistance Program funding range from clean technology startups to companies focused in such areas as aerospace, gene therapy, drug discovery, and sustainability and nutrient content of packaged foods. Sixteen of the 17 awardees had fewer than 10 employees at the time of application. Twelve out of the 17 awardees had fewer than five employees.

“This grant program is specifically designed to support the smallest of startups competing in the global marketplace,” said CSIT Chair Debbie Hart. “By helping grantees maximize their federal funds, we are enabling them to scale their operations and focus on commercializing their products. This, in turn, will lead to grantees expanding their presence and creating good paying jobs in the Garden State.”

State Senator Robert W. Singer and Assemblyman P. Christopher Tully played critical roles in securing the funding needed to support startups through the NJ SBIR/STTR Direct Financial Assistance Program.

“As our innovation ecosystem continues to emerge from COVID-19, it’s more important than ever that we provide our startups the tools they need to compete in the global economy,” Senator Singer said. “This is a great step in helping New Jersey be a leader in technology.”

“An economy fueled by innovation is never just about ideas or human ingenuity alone. It’s about fostering an ecosystem where these ideas can transform into something tangible,” said Assemblyman Tully. “From our groundbreaking medical research to our technological advancements, these grants further demonstrate New Jersey is a proven home for small startups to grow and prosper.”


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.

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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 FacebookTwitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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CSIT Begins Managing Newly-Expanded Platform That Showcases Massive Volume of Research Being Conducted Statewide

TRENTON, N.J. (November 28, 2022) – The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) today announced the expansion of ResearchwithNJ.com to provide local, national, and international innovation communities with insight into groundbreaking research being conducted at five New Jersey universities – Montclair State University, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT); Princeton University; Rowan University; and Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. The Commission also announced that it has taken over management of the portal from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) due to its close ties to both the startup and academic communities.

The free, online portal, which can be accessed at www.researchwithnj.com, offers more than 250,000 pieces of research output that commercial enterprises, ranging from startups to global corporations, can use to fuel their growth. Topics range across a broad spectrum of disciplines, such as biology, chemistry, mathematics, psychology, sociology, and others. The newly-expanded Research with NJ portal now has search capabilities for specific subject matters that align with NJ’s strategic industry sectors through the site’s “strategic pillar” tabs.

Governor Phil Murphy announced the launch of Research with NJ in the summer of 2018, at the same time he announced the establishment of CSIT. Research with NJ was originally developed as a collaborative effort by the NJEDA and the OSHE to forge stronger connections between New Jersey’s research universities and the industry. Given CSIT’s goal of expanding partnerships between early-stage companies, entrepreneurs, and universities, the Commission assumed management of the portal and will work closely with the participating universities to ensure the continued support and growth of the online site. 

“Our close ties to both the startup community and the state’s many academic institutions made the management of Research with NJ by CSIT a natural fit,” said CSIT Executive Director Judith Sheft. “We anticipate the expansion of Research with NJ, combined with our ongoing efforts to enhance outreach to emerging companies and academic professionals, will help strengthen connections between New Jersey’s research universities and the industry.”

Research with NJ highlights the Garden State’s leading research experts and facilities, enhancing the visibility of research output. It also increases opportunities for users to create partnerships and build innovative new businesses and products based on the latest scientific and technological breakthroughs. Businesses can gain access to relevant areas of expertise, facilitating the transfer of technology to the marketplace. This includes information on subject matter experts, facilities, publications, intellectual property, news, and events. Investors considering investing in a startup can also use Research with NJ to learn about research done by members of the company prior to investment.

“One of New Jersey’s greatest assets is our vast network of globally-recognized universities, including all of the academic institutions that are a part of the Research with NJ portal,” said CSIT Chair Debbie Hart. “Through Research with NJ, we are harnessing the brainpower of our state’s highly-talented researchers and providing their intellectual data, free of charge, to individuals worldwide in order to help propel our innovation ecosystem forward.”

To date, the Research with NJ platform has sourced nearly 268,000 outputs from all participating universities, incorporating more than 4,500 individual profiles, over 150 core facilities, and grants/projects topping 6,200.

“New Jersey already has a tremendous story to tell when it comes to the breadth of innovation stemming from our world-class universities and the impact researchers and innovators are having on the global stage,” said Dr. Brian Bridges, the New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education. “Research with NJ will continue to strengthen the state’s ability to promote the high quality and volume of research produced by our researchers to an even broader audience.”   

Research with NJ was developed under the leadership of an Advisory Board consisting of the participating research universities and industry representatives from the NJEDA, OSHE, New Jersey Business & Industry Association, Choose New JerseyBioNJthe HealthCare Institute of New Jerseythe Research & Development Council of New Jersey, and TechUnited. The Advisory Board provides oversight and recommendations to ensure the portal’s sustainability and success.

“The Research with NJ portal offers a glimpse into the groundbreaking developments and discoveries being made at our state’s esteemed research universities,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “I am confident that this expanded resource will foster new opportunities for innovators and companies at every stage of growth and will help us achieve Governor Murphy’s goal of recapturing New Jersey’s role as a national leader in innovation.”

About CSIT
In August 2018, Governor Murphy signed legislation re-establishing the former New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology as the CSIT. Comprised of representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as academia, the Commission is tasked with leading the way in promoting the state as a home for academic and technological research, development, and commercialization.

To learn more about state resources available to New Jersey entrepreneurs and early-stage companies, visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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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 FacebookTwitterLinkedInYouTube, and Instagram.

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$1 Million Will Be Available to Support Companies Engaged with Federal SBIR/STTR Programs

TRENTON, N.J. (September 30, 2022) – New Jersey startups that are currently involved with, or applying to, the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and/or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs will soon have access to an additional funding source, the New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) announced today. CSIT will open applications for the fourth round of its SBIR/STTR Direct Financial Assistance Program on Monday, October 3 at 9:00 a.m. EDT. The program provides a $25,000 to $50,000 funding match to New Jersey-based companies that have received federal SBIR/STTR grants. 

The federal SBIR and STTR grant programs provide more than $3 billion each year to small businesses in a variety of technology and life sciences areas that propose innovative ideas that meet specific federal research and development (R&D) needs. The SBIR program enables small businesses to explore their technological potential and provides the means for participating companies to profit from its commercialization. The STTR program funds cooperative R&D partnerships between small businesses and research institutions such as universities, federal R&D centers, or non-profits. The programs are open to U.S.-based, for-profit small businesses with fewer than 500 employees.

Through three prior rounds of its SBIR/STTR Direct Financial Assistance Program, CSIT has awarded a total of $1.9 million to 66 New Jersey companies.

“Each New Jersey startup faces unique hurdles as it works toward commercialization, and helping these young companies succeed is a core part of our mission,” said CSIT Chair Debbie Hart. “Our SBIR/STTR Direct Financial Assistance Program has a proven track-record of supporting startups that are vying for these federal programs by providing funding to support their operations throughout the application process and beyond.”

This fourth round of the program will offer $1 million in grants to New Jersey small businesses in two program components. The first component (Direct funding) will provide $25,000 grants to up to 20 small businesses that have received a federal SBIR/STTR Phase I, Fast-Track, or Direct to Phase II award/contract. The grant is aimed at helping awardees increase intensity of research, strengthen commercialization plans, cover operational expenses, and become more competitive for Phase II funding. The second component (Bridge funding) will provide $50,000 grants to up to ten New Jersey small businesses that have successfully completed Phase I and have applied for Phase II of the federal SBIR/STTR program. The grant will enable the awardees to maintain operations while waiting on Phase II awards and cover general operational expenses directly related to the project/product for which a Federal Phase II award is being sought.

“Each dollar awarded through the SBIR/STTR Direct Financial Assistance Program is a dollar invested directly into New Jersey’s innovation ecosystem,” said CSIT Executive Director Judith Sheft. “We continue to see incredibly high levels of interest in CSIT programs such as this one and are appreciative of Governor Phil Murphy’s and the Legislature’s ongoing commitment to helping us support innovation-focused companies from their earliest stages.”

Sheft encouraged entrepreneurs that are interested in applying to the New Jersey SBIR/STTR Direct Financial Assistance Program to attend an informational webinar on October 11 at 1:00 p.m. to learn about the application process. A link to the webinar will be available at https://tinyurl.com/NJCSIT-Phase-4. A recording of the webinar will also be available on CSIT’s website.

The application, which can be accessed directly at https://application.njeda.com/CSIT, will be open starting October 3, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. until November 14 at 5:00 p.m. EST.

In keeping with the Governor’s vision for inclusive economic growth, applications from businesses located in an Opportunity Zone-eligible census tract or Government Restricted Municipality, minority- or woman-owned businesses or businesses with technology coming out of New Jersey universities are all eligible for points with respect to the scoring criteria. Additionally, applicants who are applying to the Direct Financial Assistance Program for the first time will also receive points. Points will also be awarded to first time federal SBIR/STTR awardees (direct funding) and first-time federal Phase II submitters (bridge funding).

About CSIT
In August 2018, Governor Murphy signed legislation re-establishing the former New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology as the CSIT. Comprised of representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as academia, the Commission is tasked with leading the way in promoting the state as a home for academic and technological research, development, and commercialization.

To learn more about state resources available to New Jersey entrepreneurs and early-stage companies, visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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