A meeting of the Commission of Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) Board has been scheduled for Friday, September 24, 2021 at 10:00 am
A copy of the proposed agenda can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/csit.
+1 551-220-2262
Conference ID: 418 422 739#
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$1.25 Million Available to Support Startups Engaged with Federal SBIR/STTR Programs
TRENTON, N.J. (August 10, 2021) – The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology today announced that it will open applications for a $1.25 million round of grant funding through its New Jersey Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) Direct Financial Assistance Program on Monday, August 16, 2021. New Jersey startups can apply online at https://www.njeda.gov/csit. 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 incentive 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.
“Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is quickly recapturing its role as a leader in innovation thanks to startups such as those involved with the federal SBIR/STTR programs,” said CSIT Chairman Gunjan Doshi. “CSIT is committed to ensuring that our state’s entrepreneurs have access to every available resource to best position themselves for success. The New Jersey SBIR/STTR Direct Financial Support Program has a proven track record of doing just that.”
Doshi noted that, through two prior rounds of the New Jersey SBIR/STTR Direct Financial Assistance Program, CSIT has awarded a total of $825,000 to 29 New Jersey companies.
This third round of the program will offer $1.25 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 30 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 NJ 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.
“We are pleased to be able to significantly increase the amount of funding we are providing through this latest round and look forward to welcoming new startups into the program as a result,” said CSIT Executive Director Judith Sheft.
Sheft encouraged entrepreneurs that are interested in applying to the New Jersey SBIR/STTR Direct Financial Assistance Program to attend an August 19 information webinar to learn about the application process. A link to the webinar can be found at ttps://www.njeda.gov/event/csit-round-3-sbir-sttr-grant-assistance-program/. A recording of the webinar will also be available on CSIT’s website.
The application, which will be available at https://application.njeda.com/CSIT, will be open until October 8, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. EST.
“Startups within the innovation ecosystem are important drivers of job creation and employment and their success is absolutely essential to the vibrancy of New Jersey’s economy,” said State Senator Paul Sarlo. “Funding these early-stage companies through programs like the New Jersey SBIR/STTR Direct Financial Assistance Program will not only benefit the individual entities, but also their communities, the state, and the global marketplace at large.”
In keeping with the Governor’s vision for inclusive economic growth, 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. Additionally, applicants who are winning a federal award for the first time will also receive a scoring bonus.
“New Jersey offers startups the full package when it comes to reasons to grow here – close proximity to numerous world-class universities, a diverse and highly-educated pool of talented workers, and an innovation ecosystem that supports them from the earliest stages through valuable programs such as this one,” said Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips.
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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TRENTON, N.J. (August 5, 2021) – The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) today announced that it has awarded a total of $748,000 in seed grant funding to 10 New Jersey clean technology-focused startups through its Clean Tech Seed Grant Program. The program, which is funded by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), is designed to help accelerate development and innovation of clean technologies by furthering research and development (R&D) within New Jersey’s startup economy. The Clean Tech Seed Grant Program was created in partnership with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).
The awardees are each working on projects that involve 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. Funding through the program will help the startups 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. The funding is being provided through NJBPU’s Clean Energy Program.
“New Jersey’s innovation ecosystem stands at the forefront of the global transformation toward a clean energy future,” said CSIT Executive Director Gunjan Doshi. “Critical funding provided through the Clean Tech Seed Grant Program will help propel the projects created by these 10 startups toward commercialization and into the hands of consumers within the worldwide clean technology marketplace.”
The following startups were each awarded approximately $75,000. The exact grant sizes are noted in parentheses.
Seventy percent of the awardees 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, New Jersey is recapturing its role as a leader in innovation in a diverse, inclusive, and equitable manner,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “As we begin to see success stories that result from the funding announced today, we look forward to watching the impact these companies will have both on the international stage and here at home as they expand their footprint and create high-paying jobs.”
CSIT Executive Director Judith Sheft noted that the Commission received nearly two dozen applications for this inaugural round of funding and expects to launch a second round later this year with funding that has already been approved by the NJBPU.
“The high-level of interest we received during the inaugural round of our Clean Tech Seed Grant Program is indicative of both the vibrancy of our innovation ecosystem and the need for seed funding that all startups face,” Sheft said. “The NJBPU and the NJEDA have been tremendous partners to CSIT in helping to cultivate opportunities for very early-stage New Jersey companies in the clean energy space and we are pleased we will be able to reach even more young companies in the months ahead.”
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.
“Building and strengthening New Jersey’s clean energy economy has been a priority for Governor Murphy throughout his administration as we work to reduce the state’s dependence on fossil fuels,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “NJBPU is proud to support the Clean Tech Seed Grant Program and to fund early-stage companies that are developing vital technologies to achieve this goal. Startups within our innovation economy play a key part in creating clean technologies that will enable us to reach the Governor’s goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2050.”
New Jersey State Senator Robert Singer and Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker are among the CSIT members who helped bring the Clean Tech Seed Grant Program to fruition.
“Through innovative programs like this one, we are reaffirming and upholding our commitment to ensuring that New Jersey entrepreneurs have every available resource to fuel the growth of their companies,” Senator Singer said. “By connecting these 10 startups with access to precious seed capital, we are helping them work toward commercialization and reach a point where they can attract outside investors and begin to compete in the global economy.”
“As both a scientist and the Chairman of the Assembly’s Science, Innovation & Technology committee, I know the value that seed funding brings to young, innovative startups” Zwicker said. “I applaud each of our awardees for the ground-breaking work they are doing and am pleased to play a role in furthering their success.”
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.
TRENTON, N.J. (May 11, 2021) – The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) today announced that it will host webinars in May and June for emerging innovation-focused companies in the Garden State that are interested learning how the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) can help fuel their growth. Representatives from the National Science Foundation and the United States Department of Defense will speak on May 26 and June 9 respectively to give an overview of their agencies’ SBIR/STTR programs. During these two-hour webinars, attendees will learn the benefits of engaging with these federal programs and get tips and advice for successfully applying for support. More information can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/csit.
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 incentive 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.
Introduction to the National Science Foundation (NSF) SBIR/STTR Program will be held on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. and Introduction to the Department of Defense SBIR/STTR Program will be held on Wednesday, June 9 at 1:00 p.m. Links to both webinars can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/csit. Additionally, a recorded version of the webinar and copy of materials presented will be made available on the CSIT webpage following the event.
“Creating opportunities for young, innovative companies to leverage federal resources as they grow is key to fulfilling Governor Phil Murphy’s vision of recapturing New Jersey’s role as a leader in innovation,” said CSIT Executive Director Judith Sheft. “In 2020 alone, more than 125 early-stage New Jersey companies received SBIR/STTR awards totaling nearly $62 million. We encourage emerging businesses throughout the state to attend our upcoming webinars to discover how SBIR/STTR funding can help them develop and commercialize life-saving and life-enhancing technologies. This, in turn, will increase their competitiveness on the global stage and will lead to the creation of new jobs here in our state.”
The webinars announced today are the latest in a series of steps CSIT is taking to enhance the competitiveness of New Jersey businesses competing on the worldwide stage. CSIT’s Direct Financial Assistance Program awards grant funding to early-stage companies engaged with SBIR/STTR programs. Through two rounds of funding, CSIT has awarded a total of $825,000 to 29 New Jersey companies.
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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NJ Tech & Life Sciences Companies Can Now Apply to Sell Their Net Operating Losses
& Unused Research & Development Tax Credits for Cash
TRENTON, N.J. (May 6, 2021) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced that it is currently accepting applications for its 2021 Net Operating Loss (NOL) Program, which was recently expanded as part of the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020. The NOL Program enables early-stage technology and life sciences companies in the Garden State to sell their New Jersey net operating losses and unused research and development (R&D) tax credits to unrelated profitable corporations for cash. The NJEDA is accepting applications online through June 30, 2021 at https://www.njeda.gov/nol.
Hailed as a lifeline for companies that have not yet reached profitability, the capital raised through this program can be used for costs including, but not limited to, the expenses of fixed assets, such as the construction, acquisition and development of real estate; materials; start-up; tenant fit-out; working capital; salaries; and R&D expenditures. The NJEDA and the New Jersey Department of Treasury’s Division of Taxation jointly administer the program.
The NJEDA will host an informational webinar about the NOL Program on Tuesday, May 18, at noon to review eligibility requirements with potential applicants. Webinar registration information can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/event/2021-nol-program-launch/. A recorded version of the webinar will be made available on the NJEDA’s webpage following the event at https://www.njeda.gov/nol.
To date, more than $1.07 billion in funding has been distributed to over 550 technology and life sciences companies since the program’s inception in the late 1990s. The average award for companies approved to sell their net operating losses through the program in 2020 was $1.1 million.
The NOL Program was expanded in January 2021, when Governor Phil Murphy signed the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020. Part of the Act increased the program’s annual cap from $60 million to $75 million. It also increased the lifetime cap for an individual applicant from $15 million to $20 million.
“Governor Murphy is committed to making New Jersey the State of Innovation with the most diverse and inclusive innovation ecosystem the nation.” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The NOL program plays an important role in achieving these goals by providing resources early-stage companies need to become profitable and prepare for long-term growth. The expanded program, which is now available, will support more companies that will contribute to New Jersey’s leadership in technology and life sciences innovation.”
In addition to being vital to emerging companies, the NOL Program also provides enormous benefits to the profitable companies that are buying the net operating losses and unused R&D tax credits. A profitable company can purchase tax credits at a discount, based on the market price at the time. These tax credits have traditionally traded somewhere between 88 and 94 cents on the dollar. Once purchased, the tax credits can then be applied to reduce the buyer’s state tax obligation. For example: a purchase of $1,000,000 of tax credit at 92 cents on the dollar would enable a buyer to decrease their New Jersey taxes payable by $1,000,000 for the price of $920,000, representing a savings of $80,000. The names of the buyers who chose to be publicly listed are on the NOL Program’s website. Entities interested in becoming a buyer through the NOL Program can visit the website https://www.njeda.gov/nol or reach out via email nol@njeda.com for more information.
About the New Jersey Economic Development Authority
To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses call NJEDA Customer Care at 609-858-6767 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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Program Connects Emerging Companies with Amenities at NJ Universities & Federal Laboratories
TRENTON, N.J. (April 12, 2021) – The Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) today reminded emerging companies within New Jersey’s clean energy sector that it is currently accepting applications for its Clean Tech Research and Development (R&D) Voucher Program. The application is available at https://application.njeda.com/csit.
The $435,000 program, funded through the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), is designed to help early-stage New Jersey clean technology companies more easily access resources such as specialized equipment within the Garden State. CSIT developed the program in coordination with the NJBPU and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).
Through the Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program, eligible applicants will receive vouchers to subsidize the costs associated with one or more of the following services or activities in a participating New Jersey university or federal laboratory facility: use of facility equipment for testing and development, and training in preparation for independent use of the facility. Each eligible applicant can apply for multiple vouchers up to a cap of $15,000 within any 12-month period. An approved voucher will be valid for a period of three months. Specifically, the program will fund work on 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. A NJ clean tech asset map listing university and federal laboratory resources in NJ will also be available on the CSIT website.
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.
CSIT recently hosted an informational webinar for potential applicants to the Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program. A recording of that webinar can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrG9PJ3XVjc&t.
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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Viewers Also Heard an Overview of the Recently-Proposed Black and Latino Diversity Seed Fund
TRENTON, N.J. (April 8, 2021) – Members of New Jersey’s innovation community had the opportunity to learn about public and private resources available to entrepreneurs of color during a “Removing Barriers for Diverse Entrepreneurs” Instagram Live discussion last night featuring New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tim Sullivan and digitalundivided CEO Lauren Maillian. The chat also spotlighted the recently-proposed Black and Latino Seed Fund, which the NJEDA intends to create to drive capital to Black- and Latino-owned enterprises.
The innovation economy is facing a nationwide diversity crisis. According to Crunchbase, American companies raised a record-setting $150 billion in venture capital funding in 2020, but less than one percent of this went to Black-owned companies. The numbers are even worse for women. According to digitalundivided’s ProjectDiane, Black and Latina women received just 0.64 percent of total venture capital investment between 2018 and 2019.
During the event, Sullivan and Maillian spoke about ways their organizations are working to increase access to capital for minority-owned businesses and discussed initiatives created to empower Black and Latino founders, foster equitable entrepreneurship, and create the most diverse innovation ecosystem in the country.
“Reclaiming New Jersey’s position as the nation’s leader in innovation hinges on welcoming all entrepreneurs with original ideas to pursue their dreams,” Sullivan said. “Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, we’re working with our partners in the public and private sectors to close funding gaps that exist for far too many entrepreneurs of color and ensure that founders have the resources they need to succeed.”
Sullivan gave an overview of New Jersey’s proposed Black and Latino Seed Fund, which will focus on driving capital to Black- and Latino-owned enterprises. Governor Phil Murphy has proposed a $10 million Fiscal Year 2022 budget allocation to create the Fund. Crafted with input from Black and Latino founders, investors, and policy experts, this seed fund is an important step toward tearing down the institutional barriers that hold Black and Latino entrepreneurs back and replacing them with accessible resources that respond to these innovators’ unique needs.
The concept for the Fund resulted from a Request for Information (RFI) issued by the NJEDA last year to solicit input on ways to increase access to capital for Black- and Latino-led startups. The RFI sought input from a diverse range of stakeholders, including fund managers, angel investors, venture capitalists, small-business owners, researchers and practitioners involved in entrepreneurship work, industry and trade groups, and other states’ governments.
Sullivan also outlined a comprehensive suite of initiatives advanced by Governor Murphy to foster equitable entrepreneurship and create the most diverse innovation ecosystem in the country. This includes adding new bonuses to:
It also includes adding a diversity bonus to the NJEDA’s own venture investment plan, and an increased investment cap for investments in certified woman- or minority-owned businesses under the New Jersey Innovation Evergreen Fund, created under the Economic Recovery Act of 2020.
During the Instagram Live chat, Maillian highlighted digitalundivided’s mission and resources it offers Black and Latina women entrepreneurs. digitalundivided is a non-profit, social startup that leverages data and advocacy to catalyze economic growth for Black and Latina entrepreneurs in innovation and technology. Maillian spoke about the groundbreaking programs they offer including START 2021, a three-week virtual program for Black and Latina women founders at the idea stage of their entrepreneurial journey. She also talked about BIG Pre-Accelerator, a fast-paced pre-accelerator program for high-potential, pre-revenue Black and Latina women-led startups, as well as the Do You Fellowship, which positions high-potential, innovative Black & Latina founders for growth by providing them with funding, professional development, and access to exclusive mentorship and resources.
“Responsibility falls on all players in the innovation ecosystem to break down the barriers that far too often impede the path to success for entrepreneurs of color,” Maillian said. “It’s important to keep having conversations like we had last night and to continue connecting diverse entrepreneurs with critical resources like the programming spearheaded by NJEDA and digitalundivided. Working together, we will encourage innovation in NJ and have a lasting impact on the nation’s economy.”
A recording of the Instagram Live chat can be found at https://www.instagram.com/p/CNYd6tUobXu/.
About the New Jersey Economic Development Authority
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.
About digitalundivided
digitalundivided is a non-profit, social startup that leverages data and advocacy to catalyze economic growth for Black and Latinx women entrepreneurs in innovation and technology. Our goal is to create a world in which all women of color own their work. digitalundivided merges data and heart to change the trajectories of women’s lives. We are a connector and a catalyst, supporting Black and Latinx women entrepreneurs through best-in-class programming, mentorship, training, resources and investment. We offer unparalleled thought leadership in the space. And we bring together the shared experiences of our community to produce ground-breaking authoritative research on Black and Latinx women entrepreneurs. For more information, visit: www.digitalundivided.com and follow us on Twitter (@digundiv) and on Instagram and Facebook (@digitalundivided).
To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses call NJEDA Customer Care at 609-858-6767 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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Up to $75,000 Available Per Company to Further Clean Technology R&D
TRENTON, N.J. (March 31, 2021) – The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) today reminded New Jersey clean technology startups that the deadline to apply to its Clean Tech Seed Grant Program is Monday, April 5. The program helps 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 Economic Development Authority (NJEDA). The application is available at https://application.njeda.com/csit.
The Clean Tech Seed Grant Program, which is funded by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), provides grants for R&D activities to very early-stage, New Jersey-based clean technology companies. 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. Complete program eligibility requirements can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/clean-tech-grant.
Qualified applicants can receive up to $75,000 in grants through the Clean Tech Seed Grant Program and the total funding for this initial pilot program is $750,000. Funding through the program will help 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. The funding is being provided through NJBPU’s Clean Energy Program.
CSIT previously hosted an informational webinar about the Clean Tech Seed Grant Program. During the webinar, CSIT Executive Director Judith Sheft offered tips and advice to entrepreneurs that were considering applying to the program. A recording of the webinar can be found here.
The application will be open until April 5, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. or until the program receives 50 completed applications, whichever comes first.
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.
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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TRENTON, N.J. (March 5, 2021) – The Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) today announced it will begin accepting applications next month for its Clean Tech Research and Development (R&D) Voucher Program. The $435,000 program is designed to help early-stage New Jersey clean technology companies more easily access resources such as specialized equipment within the Garden State. 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 opens April 5, 2021 and will be available at https://application.njeda.com/csit.
Through the Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program, eligible applicants will receive vouchers to subsidize the costs associated with one or more of the following services or activities in a participating New Jersey university or federal laboratory facility: use of facility equipment for testing and development, and training in preparation for independent use of the facility. Each eligible applicant can apply for multiple vouchers up to a cap of $15,000 within any 12-month period. An approved voucher will be valid for a period of three months. Specifically, the program will fund work on 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. A NJ clean tech asset map listing university and federal laboratory resources in NJ will also be available on the CSIT website.
“New Jersey is known the world over for its high-caliber research universities, and it is incumbent upon us to provide Garden State companies at their earliest stages with access to these invaluable resources,” said CSIT Chairman Gunjan Doshi. “CSIT is proud to work with its partners at the NJEDA and the NJBPU to bring this important and impactful program to fruition.”
CSIT announced the program this week to give applicants adequate time to prepare their applications. The Commission will host an informational webinar on the Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program on March 16 at 10:00 a.m. to offer tips and advice to potential applicants. 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. Applications will be accepted beginning April 5 on a rolling basis until the funding is expended.
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.
“We developed the Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program first and foremost to support the many innovative clean technology companies working to impact the global marketplace,” NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan said. “At the same time, it will increase access to, and awareness and utilization of, the State’s physical clean tech innovation-related amenities. This program will be a terrific tool for attracting companies to the Garden State, a top priority as we continue to recapture New Jersey’s role as a leader in innovation.”
In early 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.
“Up and coming New Jersey companies bring fresh ideas to the table and fostering opportunities for them is critical as we continue to shape a clean energy future,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “We want to ensure that these businesses have every resource at their disposal as they develop important clean technologies. Programs like the one announced today are an important step toward fulfilling the Governor’s goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2050.”
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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TRENTON, N.J. (February 25, 2021) – The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) today announced that it has awarded a total of $450,000 to 16 early-stage companies through the state’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) Direct Financial Assistance Program. Each of the awardees is currently engaged in the federal SBIR and/or STTR programs. The awards will enhance the state’s innovation economy by strengthening the competitiveness of Garden State businesses participating in the federal programs. To date, CSIT has awarded a total of $825,000 to 29 New Jersey companies during the program’s two funding rounds.
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 incentive 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.
“New Jersey’s emerging businesses are generating an abundance of innovation and supporting them as they tap into the federal SBIR/STTR programs will have lasting economic effects at both local and global levels,” said CSIT Chairman Gunjan Doshi.
CSIT Executive Director Judith Sheft noted that nearly a third of the 16 awardees for this round of funding are NJ state certified as women- owned businesses. Awardees hail from 10 different counties within the Garden State and more than two-thirds of companies have an affiliation with New Jersey universities.
“The combination of our state’s highly-talented workforce and our world-class research universities make New Jersey the ideal spot for innovative companies to succeed,” said Sheft. “We are very encouraged to see such a high percentage of applicants benefiting from partnership opportunities with these universities as they work toward commercialization.”
Fourteen companies that have received federal SBIR/STTR Phase I, Fast-Track or Direct to Phase II awards/contracts were each awarded a grant of $25,000. The selected companies include:
Additionally, the following two New Jersey small businesses will each receive $50,000 bridge funding grants. They have successfully completed Phase I and have applied for Phase II of the federal SBIR/STTR program.
These funds can be utilized to maintain project activities and cover general operating costs.
The awardee’s focus areas fell into the following categories, all of which were identified in Governor Phil Murphy’s economic development strategic plan as high-wage, high growth sectors: technology, life sciences, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing.
“Participants in this program run the gamut from drug-discovery companies to a business creating a drone detection system to one that develops an augmented/mixed-reality medical and surgical assist system for astronauts of exploration-class space missions,” said Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips. “The work they are doing is both critical and far reaching. We are proud to support them in their endeavors.”
State Senator Paul Sarlo sees the awards announced today as critical to recapturing New Jersey’s role as a leader in innovation.
“The strength of our innovation ecosystem is directly correlated to the economic vibrancy of our state,” Senator Sarlo said. “Resources like the NJ SBIR/STTR Direct Financial Assistance Program are useful tools as we seek to attract businesses to locate to, and grow within, the Garden State.”
In June, CSIT awarded $375,000 in matching grants to 13 New Jersey small businesses that were engaged in the federal SBIR/STTR 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.
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