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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Program Dedicates $750,000 in Grant Funding to New Jersey-Based Early-Stage Innovation Companies to Tackle Maternal & Infant Health Challenges

Trenton, N.J. (June 30, 2022) – The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation, and Technology (CSIT) will open applications for its $750,000 Maternal and Infant Health Research and Development (R&D) Seed Grant Program on Friday, July 1. The application will be available at https://www.njeda.gov/maternal-and-infant-health-grant.

Through the Maternal and Infant R&D Seed Grant Program, CSIT will award 10 grants of up to $75,000 each to help New Jersey-based early-stage innovation-based companies accelerate the development of technologies, products, and services that support pregnant women and new mothers. Specifically, the Maternal and Infant Health R&D Seed Grant Program will support investments in R&D and new technologies supporting maternal and infant health in targeted sectors including life sciences, technology, and non-retail food and beverage.

With the Maternal and Infant Health R&D Seed Grant Program, CSIT will advance the innovation economy through the development of critically necessary research, products, and services designed to enhance maternal and infant health. This effort supports the goals established by the Nurture NJ Strategic Plan, which aims to make New Jersey the safest place in America to deliver a baby, specifically focusing on ending racial disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes. Launched in 2019 by Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy, Nurture NJ is a comprehensive, whole-of-government effort to reduce maternal and infant mortality and morbidity and ensure equitable care among women and children of all races and ethnicities in New Jersey.

In order to be eligible, applicants must be authorized and in good standing to conduct business in New Jersey, must have $1 million or less in 2021 calendar year sales revenue, and must have 25 or fewer full-time equivalent workers. Complete eligibility requirements can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/maternal-and-infant-health-grant. Applications from businesses located in an Opportunity Zone-eligible census tract or a Government Restricted Municipality (Atlantic City, Paterson, or Trenton), or businesses that are minority-, woman-, or veteran-owned are all eligible for bonus points with respect to the scoring criteria.

CSIT hosted an information session about the new grant program earlier this week. A recording of that session is available on CSIT’s website www.njeda.gov/csit. 

CSIT signed an agreement last month with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) whereby the NJEDA will dedicate $250,000 from the Economic Recovery Fund towards this program and CSIT will provide the remainder of the funding from its current budget.

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 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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Dedicates $750,000 in Grant Funding to New Jersey-Based Early-Stage Innovation
Companies to Tackle Maternal & Infant Health Challenges

Trenton, N.J. (May 16, 2022) – The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation, and Technology (CSIT) and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced plans to enter into an agreement that will lead to the establishment of a $750,000 Maternal and Infant Health Research and Development (R&D) Seed Grant Program. Through the program, CSIT will award 10 grants of up to $75,000 each to help New Jersey-based early-stage innovation-based companies accelerate the development of technologies, products, and services that support pregnant women from pre-natal, through birth and post-partum, and into infancy.

With the Maternal and Infant Health R&D Seed Grant Program, CSIT will advance the innovation economy through the development of critically necessary research, products, and services designed to enhance maternal and infant health. This effort supports the goals established by the Nurture NJ Strategic Plan, which aims to make New Jersey the safest place in America to deliver a baby, specifically focusing on ending racial disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes. Launched in 2019 by Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy, Nurture NJ is a comprehensive, whole-of-government effort to reduce maternal and infant mortality and morbidity and ensure equitable care among women and children of all races and ethnicities in New Jersey.

“Mothers, those who are pregnant, and families are at the heart of the Nurture NJ Strategic Plan, which aims to make New Jersey the safest and most equitable place in the nation to give birth and raise a baby,” said New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy. “Investing in research and new technologies strengthens our families by ensuring the health and safety of mothers and their babies. I’m thrilled the Maternal and Infant Health R&D Seed Grant Program will advance our work to end racial disparities by funding New Jersey companies committed to supporting maternal and infant health through innovation.” 

As part of the agreement announced today, the NJEDA will dedicate $250,000 from the Economic Recovery Fund towards this program and CSIT will provide the remainder of the funding from its current budget. Both the NJEDA and CSIT Boards approved the agreement during their monthly meetings last week.

The Maternal and Infant Health R&D Seed Grant Program will support investments in R&D and new technologies supporting maternal and infant health in targeted sectors including life sciences, technology, and non-retail food and beverage. CSIT will be hosting an information session about the new grant program in June and details will be available on the CSIT website www.njeda.gov/csit.  Applications for the program will open July 1, 2022.

“The Maternal and Infant Health R&D Seed Grant Program joins a suite of CSIT R&D Seed Grant programs designed to advance New Jersey’s innovation economy,” said CSIT Executive Director Judith Sheft. “By supporting early-stage innovationcompanies, the NJEDA and CSIT will help transform new discoveries from the research state into commercially-viable products and services that enhance the quality of care for women and infants.”

“Today’s announcement of $750,000 for CSIT’s Maternal and Infant Health R&D Seed Grant Program serves as a testament to New Jersey’s commitment to ending racial disparities and adverse health outcomes for New Jersey mothers and their children,”said CSIT Vice Chair Debbie Hart. “This funding will support research in an underinvested area of research while aiding in the development and discovery of new technologies designed to support pregnant people to reduce future rates of maternal and infant mortality.”

“Inequity in healthcare access is unacceptable, and under Governor Murphy and First Lady Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is taking bold steps to invest in technologies, resources, and programs that ensure equitable care for women and children of all races and ethnicities,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Providing seed funding to early-stage New Jersey-based companies dedicated to advancing maternal and pediatric health outcomes will not only contribute to our state’s growing innovation economy, but will produce long-lasting economic returns through advancements in research and increased health outcomes for mothers and infants. The Maternal and Infant Health R&D Seed Grant Program joins a suite of innovative products that leverages investment to drive real, meaningful, change within one of our state’s most vulnerable populations.”

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 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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Please be advised that the New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation, and Technology meeting scheduled for Friday, February 18, 2022 @ 10:00 AM is cancelled.

The next regularly scheduled meeting will be the Annual Meeting held on Friday, April 1, 2022 @ 10AM.  Members will meet to discuss and approve items via conference call only.

Members of the public whom wish to speak during the public comment segment of the meeting, pertaining to agenda items, may call into the meeting by using the following conference number:

________________________________________________________________________________

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The agenda can be found 48 hours prior to the meeting at our website: www.njeda.gov/csit.

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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A meeting of the Commission of Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) Board has been scheduled for Friday, January 7, 2022 at 10:00 am

A copy of the proposed agenda can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/csit.

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

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

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

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

The program will offer two grant components:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


About CSIT

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

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

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Six Startups Awarded Vouchers to Help Them to Access Amenities at World-Renowned NJ Universities


TRENTON, N.J. (September 27, 2021) – The Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) today announced that six startups have been approved, with more in the pipeline, to participate in its Clean Tech Research and Development (R&D) Voucher Program. The $435,000 program helps early-stage New Jersey clean technology companies more easily access resources such as specialized equipment at one of the state’s many world-class universities or federal laboratory facilities. CSIT continues to accept program applications on a rolling basis. The application is available at https://application.njeda.com/csit. The program was developed in coordination with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).

“Through the Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program, we are able to support the cultivation of innovative technologies in our state’s earliest stage companies and showcase the breadth of amenities that our world-class universities offer to the innovation community,” said CSIT Chairman Gunjan Doshi. “We encourage all emerging companies to explore how this program can further their growth.”

Doshi noted that in addition to the six approvals announced today, another 10 applications are under review.

Through the Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program, eligible applicants receive vouchers to subsidize the costs associated with using equipment at a New Jersey university or federal laboratory for product testing and development. Each eligible applicant can apply for multiple vouchers up to a cap of $15,000 within any 12-month period. An approved voucher is valid for a period of three months.

The program specifically funds work on projects that are developing clean technologies that recapture or avoid emissions of greenhouse gases and/or criteria pollutants. 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. A New Jersey clean tech asset map listing university and federal laboratory resources in NJ is available on the CSIT website.

“The Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program is making it easier for startups around the state to leverage one of New Jersey’s greatest assets – its globally-recognized higher education network – as they work toward commercialization and beyond,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “This will have the dual benefit of supporting both technological advances and job creation as these young companies grow, a priority for Governor Phil Murphy and his entire administration.”

To be eligible for the Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program, applicants must be registered to conduct business in New Jersey and must have no more than 50 full-time employees at the time of application. Additionally, 100 percent of the project work for which the voucher is being sought must be conducted in New Jersey. Full eligibility requirements can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/csit.

“Governor Murphy has put forth an ambitious vision to achieve 100 percent clean energy by 2050 and we are helping carry out that vision through our robust offshore wind, solar, energy efficiency and vehicle electrification programs,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “Our state’s vibrant startup community is also playing an instrumental role in helping us reach the Governor’s goal. Supporting these emerging companies through innovative programs such as the Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program will lead to long-term economic success, environmental sustainability and a vibrant clean energy economy.”

The following startups were each approved for vouchers totaling $15,000, unless otherwise noted:

Parsippany-based BRISEA Group Inc. has provided environmental and energy professional services, technology and know-how transfer from the United States to the developing nations for over two decades. With support from the Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program, the company is using equipment at the New Jersey Institute of Technology’s (NJIT’s) Otto York Center to develop technology that enables massive disinfection of personnel and medical equipment, material surfaces and waters that humans come in contact.

Eion NJ Corporation, located in Princeton, is developing a specialty fine-grained mineral product that rapidly captures and stores CO2 when applied to agricultural soils. Funding through the Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program will support Eion Corporation’s use of equipment at the Rutgers University’s School of Environmental and Biological Science’s Greenhouses to further its efforts. Eion NJ Corporation previously received funding through CSIT’s Clean Tech Seed Grant Program.

Bordentown-based HiT Nano Inc. develops next-generation, low-cost and high-performance lithium ion (Li-ion) battery materials and energy storage systems by using novel high temperature nanotechnologies. The company will use equipment at the Princeton University’s – Princeton Institute of Materials (Imaging and Analysis Center and Micro and Nano Fabrication Center) to further the R&D of its technologies. (HiT Nano Inc. has been approved for $11,250 in vouchers through the program).

Michrinik Technologies, LLC., located in Cedar Knolls, is a green technology company focused on creating new materials for energy storage application. Support from the Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program will help the company offset the cost of using equipment at the NJIT’s Maker Space and Otto York Centers it works toward commercialization of its products.

Nanosepex Inc., located in Newark, is an environmental research company that is developing what it considers to be the next generation desalination and water treatment technology. The company plans to use equipment at NJIT’s Laboratory for Analytical Chemistry and Nanotechnology to further its development of technologies to treat industrial wastewater (such as power plants and Fracking water) and ultimately reduce greenhouse gas emission.

RRTC, Inc., located in Bella Mead, is developing advanced composite materials for a myriad of uses based on Low Temperature Solidification (LTS) technology originally developed at Rutgers University. The company is using vouchers from the Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program to offset the costs of equipment at Rutgers University’s Materials Science and Engineering core facility as it produces materials for such applications as wind turbine blades, wood substitutes and capture media for a new solid-state carbon capture system.

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

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