The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) on Monday said it plans to open applications for the newly created Catalyst Research & Development (R&D) Voucher Pilot Program and Round 2 of the state’s Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program on May 2, 2022 at http://www.njeda.com/csit.
The programs, which were developed in partnership with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), are designed to connect early-stage New Jersey technology companies with access to laboratory facilities and specialized equipment statewide.
Both programs are designed to help startups around the state accelerate development that can lead to transforming research discoveries to commercially viable products and services. Eligible applicants can receive vouchers to defray the costs associated with the use of equipment and technicians for testing and development, and for training in preparation for independent use of the equipment from participating university facilities or government or non-profit labs.
“New Jersey’s universities and colleges are uniquely positioned to assist and support entrepreneurs that are developing innovative technologies,” said CSIT Executive Director Judith Sheft. “By harnessing the resources of these world-class higher education institutions and other facilities statewide, the programs announced today will help accelerate the growth of New Jersey startups and strengthen our innovation ecosystem as we continue to reclaim our status as a leader in innovation.”
CSIT will host an informational webinar on the programs on April 19 at 10:00 a.m. to offer tips and advice to potential applicants. Registration information can be found at http://tinyurl.com/CSIT-May2022.
“New Jersey entrepreneurs are creating truly extraordinary things and developing technologies that will have a lasting impact,” said CSIT Acting Chair Debbie Hart. “The programs announced today will enable some of the best minds to leverage state resources as they continue to make their mark on their communities and the innovation ecosystem as a whole.”
Through the $275,000 in total funds provided by the Catalyst R&D Voucher Program, eligible applicants can apply for vouchers to defray the cost associated with eligible services or activities. The vouchers can also be used to hire technicians for testing and development as well as the use of participating facilities. A startup can apply for multiple vouchers, capped at $25,000, within any 12-month period. An approved voucher will be valid for a period of twelve months, starting from the date of the voucher reservation approval letter.
The following technology areas are eligible under the program: advanced manufacturing, advanced transportation and logistics, film and digital media, life sciences (therapeutic drug development and other), non-retail food and beverage, professional and financial services, and technology.
The Catalyst R&D Voucher Program is a complement to CSIT’s Catalyst R&D Seed Grant Program, which saw a high level of interest from New Jersey’s startup community. That program provided seed funding to approved applicants developing technologies in all industry sectors except clean tech (which has a separate dedicated funding pool).
CSIT also announced today that it will provide vouchers totaling up to $375,000 to eligible startups within the clean technology sector through Round 2 of the Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program. Eligible startups can apply for multiple vouchers up to a cap of $25,000 within any 12-month period. Each approved voucher will be valid for a period of six months, starting from the date of the voucher reservation approval.
The program is open to New Jersey companies with fewer than 25 full-time employees that are developing or testing clean technologies intended to avoid emissions of, or recapture, greenhouse gases and/or criteria pollutants, or to enable such avoidance or recapture in the following target areas: chemicals/advanced materials; energy distribution/storage; energy efficiency; energy generation; green buildings; transportation; waste processing; and water and agriculture. Complete eligibility criteria and usage of funds can be found at https://www.njeda.com/cleantechvoucher/.
