The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board has approved more than $12.5 million in funding for two Strategic Innovation Centers (SICs) aimed at supporting startups in medical technology and maternal health. The investment is intended to foster entrepreneurship and strengthen the state’s innovation ecosystem.
The New Jersey Accelerator for Innovation in Medtech (NJ AIM), which will operate in Camden and Mullica Hill, will focus on research, development, and commercialization of new medical technologies and devices. Another center, New Baby New Jersey SIC, will be located at Trenton’s Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center (MIHIC) to help early-stage companies develop solutions for maternal and infant health.
“Throughout the Murphy administration, New Jersey has invested heavily in creating environments where entrepreneurs can thrive, opening pathways to capital, encouraging collaboration, and leveraging the strength of the state’s academic institutions and private sector partners,” said NJEDA Acting Chief Executive Officer Mary Maples. “The NJEDA’s latest investments into NJ AIM and the New Baby New Jersey SIC further establish the state’s leadership in the medtech and maternal health sectors, advancing scientific breakthroughs, creating jobs, and bolstering the regional economy.”
Plug and Play will manage both programs. Each year they will run two cohorts of startups—at least 20 companies per cohort—in both Camden and Trenton. At least 20 percent of these companies must be from New Jersey; others may relocate with support from initiatives such as NJ Accelerate.
NJEDA’s commitment includes up to $5.5 million for investments in participating companies at both centers, $2.25 million matched by Rowan University for accelerator program support, $1.5 million for a venture studio operated by NLC Ventures to help build new medtech and maternal health businesses statewide, and $3 million reserved for an early-phase maternal health initiative in Trenton.
“New Jersey is making a clear statement about its commitment to building the next generation of medical technology companies,” said NLC Ventures USA Director Jaap Haemers. “Through this venture studio, we will work hands-on with founders to translate breakthrough science into scalable companies, while embedding them in a world-class ecosystem of clinical partners, universities, and investors. We’re proud to partner with NJEDA to help position New Jersey as a global launchpad for health innovation.”
The NJ AIM SIC will occupy 8,500 square feet across two Camden locations: Joint Health Sciences Center and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University; it will also have space on Rowan University’s West Campus in Mullica Hill once open. The facility includes labs for research on new technologies. Cooper University Health Care is serving as anchor commercial affiliate while Rowan Foundation plans investments in select accelerator participants.
“Innovation begins with bold investment,” said Rowan University President Ali A. Houshmand. “The future of New Jersey is built on collaboration and partnerships that make a difference. Backed by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and strengthened by private industry, early-stage investors, and public entities like ours, together we will shape a stronger, more vibrant New Jersey.”
New Baby New Jersey SIC features 5,000 square feet within MIHIC dedicated to research focused on maternal care equity—addressing digital health solutions, doula support services, perinatal mental health resources—and improving access to public benefits.
“We’re incredibly proud to be part of this pivotal moment in New Jersey’s innovation journey. The accelerator is more than a program — it’s a launchpad for bold ideas that have the power to reshape maternal health across our state,” said Lisa Asare, CEO of the New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority (NJMIHIA). “Our vision is a world where every mother and baby flourish. NJEDA’s investments to scale maternal health companies and support entrepreneurs is critical — not only to uplift NJ’s mothers and babies but also strengthening the infrastructures that deliver on the highest level of care.”
Plug and Play operates over 60 offices worldwide with partnerships involving more than 550 corporations; it runs over 100 accelerator programs annually across various sectors including AI, fintech, healthcare,and energy industries.The organization previously partnered with NJEDA on financial technology accelerators such as NJ FAST at Stevens Institute of Technology.
“New Jersey is doubling down on startup innovation where it matters most: helping breakthrough medical technologies reach patients and accelerating solutions that improve health outcomes,” said Plug and Play Partner Michael Olmstead.“PlugandPlayisproudtopartnerwithNJEDA ,RowanUniversity,andCooperUniversityHealthCareto give founders what they needtoscale:deepclinicalandacademiccollaboration,hands-oncommercializationsupport,anddirectpathwaystocustomersandcapital.”
Strategic Innovation Centers are facilities providing research opportunities,business development mentorship,and networking.Such centers serve as accelerators or incubators,giving entrepreneurs physical spaces designedforcollaborationandlong-termeconomicgrowth.NJEDAhassupported12SICsstatewideacrossindustriesincludingartificialintelligence,aerospace,lifesciences,andbiotech.More information about these initiatives can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/strategic-innovation-centers/.
According to its official site,the New Jersey Economic Development Authority offers low-interest financing options,tax credits,and other tools designedtohelpbusinessesgrowandinnovate.The agency works topromoteeconomicgrowth,equitableopportunities,anddiversitythroughcommunitysupportprogramsandcollaborationswithglobalpartners(see official website). It played a role inthe2020EconomicRecoveryActwhichintroducednewincentivestoboostjobcreationamid economic disruptions (official site). Internationally,NJEDAcollaborateswithpartnersandleveragesitspositionasakeyhubforimportsandexpor ts(official page).
