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

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 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:

  1. Atux Iskay Group LLC – Plainsboro
  2. BRISEA Group Inc. – Parsippany (NJ State Certified Woman/Minority-owned)
  3. DMK Pharmaceuticals Inc. – Gladstone
  4. Drone Go Home, LLC  – Oceanport (NJ State Certified Woman-owned)
  5. Innovations Unlimited, LLC – Pennsauken (NJ State Certified Woman-owned)
  6. Mgenuity Corporation – Lincroft
  7. MRIMATH, LLC – Voorhees
  8. Neutroelectric, LLC – Williamstown (NJ State Certified Woman-owned)
  9. RenewCO2, LLC – Cranford
  10. Rizlab Health, Inc. – Princeton Junction
  11. SAPHTx Inc. – Newark
  12. ShockTech – Mahwah
  13. SunRay Scientific, LLC – Eatontown (NJ State Certified Woman/Minority-owned)
  14. Telluric Labs, LLC – Red Bank

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.

  1. Andluca Technologies Inc. – Princeton
  2. BioInvenu – East Hanover

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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Selected Applicant will Receive $225,000 to Help Emerging Companies Apply to SBIR/STTR Program

TRENTON, N.J. (February 24, 2021) – The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) today announced that it will begin accepting applications next month for a competitive matching grant that will provide $225,000 to a New Jersey technical assistance provider vying for participation in the Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program. CSIT plans to award the grant to one organization seeking to execute state/regional programs that bolster the number of proposals submitted to the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) Support programs. The application for the grant opens March 22 and will be available at https://www.njeda.gov/csit.  

The FAST Partnership Program provides federal financial assistance to local organizations for outreach, technical assistance, and financial assistance initiatives that are designed to increase the number of SBIR/STTR applications. The FAST Program requires a state-level match to receive any federal funding. Technical assistance to be offered by the selected organization will include informational and technical seminars on SBIR/STTR, one-on-one support for proposal preparation, specialized reviews, webinars, online assistance, critiques and suggestions on how to create competitive applications and submission guidance.

The highly-competitive, three-phase federal SBIR and STTR grant programs provide qualified small businesses opportunities to propose innovative ideas that meet specific research and development (R&D) needs of the federal government. The SBIR 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 a small business and a research institution such as a university, federal R&D center, or a non-profit research institution. Eligibility requirements for both SBIR and STTR include that a company must be a U.S.-based, for-profit small business with fewer than 500 employees.

“Our top priority at CSIT is ensuring that young, innovative companies have the resources they need to succeed in the global economy,” said CSIT Chairman Gunjan Doshi. “Identifying and funding a technical assistance provider that can help businesses build a more comprehensive and robust SBIR/STTR application is imperative to increasing the success rate of emerging New Jersey businesses engaged with these federal programs.”

In addition to the $225,000 matching grant, CSIT will also work with Governor Phil Murphy’s office to provide the required corresponding supporting letter necessary for the organization to apply to the Federal FAST grant. This will allow the New Jersey applicant to submit a competitive application while also leveraging 1-to-1 matching CSIT funds if they are selected for the FAST Partnership Program. The funds will be made available to the NJ organization regardless of whether they receive the federal FAST Partnership Program award.

“This competitive grant is intended to harness the expertise of a seasoned technical assistance provider to propel New Jersey companies toward success within the SBIR/STTR programs while simultaneously supporting the provider’s own FAST Partnership Program application,” said CSIT Executive Director Judith Sheft. “We have a strong base of innovation in New Jersey, yet the Garden State ranks fifth regionally in total awards received through the SBIR/STTR programs, behind Massachusetts, New York, Maryland and Pennsylvania. We see the program announced today as an excellent opportunity to leverage one of our state’s greatest resources – its people – to move up in the ranking and showcase the breadth of innovation stemming from the Garden State.”  

CSIT will host an informational webinar on the FAST Grant Program on March 2. 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. Please note that applications can be submitted March 22, 2021 through April 5, 2021.  

To be eligible for the FAST Grant Program, applicants must be New Jersey-based organizations and must have at least three years of experience administering technical assistance programs including outreach activities and financial support activities. Full eligibility requirements and application details can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/csit.

This FAST Grant Program technical assistance grant is part of the NJ SBIR/STTR Program, which was originally announced in 2019. The NJ SBIR/STTR Support Program has two components, technical assistance and direct financial assistance. CSIT anticipates announcing the awardees of the latest round of direct financial support in the coming days.

About CSIT

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

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Program Makes up to $75,000 Available to Companies Furthering Clean Tech R&D

TRENTON, N.J. (February 8, 2021) – The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) today opened the application for its Clean Tech Seed Grant Program. The program will 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 is available at: https://application.njeda.com/csit


The Clean Tech Seed Grant Program 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.

These grants 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.

CSIT hosted an informational webinar last month on 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. 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. The funding is being provided through NJBPU’s Clean Energy Program.
Complete program eligibility requirements can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/clean-tech-grant.

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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Program Will Make up to $75,000 Available to Companies Furthering Clean Tech R&D

TRENTON, N.J. (January 12, 2021) – The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) today announced that it will launch its Clean Tech Seed Grant Program next month. The program will 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 will be available at https://www.njeda.gov/csit.

The Clean Tech Seed Grant Program 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.

These grants 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.

“New Jersey is ripe with young, innovative companies that have the potential to upend the current global clean technology marketplace,” said CSIT Chairman Gunjan Doshi. “The Clean Tech Seed Grant Program we’re launching soon will help these startups continue their critical R&D as they work toward commercialization.”

Doshi noted that CSIT will host an informational webinar on the Clean Tech Seed Grant Program on January 20, 2021.  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.  Please note that applications can be submitted starting on February 8, 2021.  

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. 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. The funding is being provided through NJBPU’s Clean Energy Program.

“Creating opportunities for startups to flourish in the clean technology sector will have a long-lasting impact on the state’s clean energy economy and critical environmental infrastructure,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “By investing in early-stage companies through this program, we are investing in the sustainability of our environment and our state’s clean energy future.”

All applicants for the Clean Tech Seed Grant Program should be between a minimum technology development level of Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 (analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic proof of concept) 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 New Jersey business registration and current New Jersey tax clearance certificate;
  • Have a minimum of one full-time employee (working 35 hrs. per week);
  • Have 50 percent or more of the work of its employees and contractors conducted in NJ (calculated on a full-time equivalent basis – 35 hours per week);
  • Have 50 percent or more of employees/contractors live or pay withholding taxes in NJ;
  • Have less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) in prior third-party funding over its lifetime (excluding government grants);
  • Have less than two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) 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.

“The Clean Tech Seed Grant Program sits at the intersection of two of Governor Murphy’s key priorities – reclaiming New Jersey’s role as a leader in innovation and reducing the Garden State’s dependence on fossil fuels.” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “When startups succeed, they create jobs and fuel our economy. In this case, there is the added element of bolstering the state’s crucial 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 New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, 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 https://www.njeda.gov/tls or follow @NewJerseyEDA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
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