South Jersey will be getting a new innovation center with a specific focus on aerospace innovation. Gov. Phil Murphy on Tuesday announced that the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and the Atlantic County Improvement Authority have launched the Aerospace Innovation Center, a Strategic Innovation Center located in the National Aerospace Research & Technology Park in Egg Harbor Township in Atlantic County.
This will be the fifth SIC in New Jersey and the first with a focus on aerospace innovation. The second of seven planned buildings within the aerospace innovation hub, the AIC will offer research spaces, high-speed connectivity and coworking and studio spaces that are ideal for collaboration and innovation.
The AIC intends to partner with New Jersey institutions of higher education, including Stockton University, Rowan University and Rutgers School of Engineering. It also will partner with aeronautical institutions such as Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the National Institute of Aerospace, offering aerospace students hands-on experiences to train within their field.
“Since taking office, it has been my goal to ensure New Jersey is at the forefront of innovation and technology development, including aerospace engineering,” Murphy said. “As the state’s fifth Strategic Innovation Center, the Aerospace Innovation Center will give budding students and entrepreneurs access to state-of-the-art equipment and opportunities to collaborate with experts in the field. This exciting venture solidifies New Jersey as the place to be when it comes to innovation and research.”
The NJEDA and ACIA have signed a nonbinding letter of intent to form a two-member limited liability company, which will plan, develop, construct and manage the innovation hub.
ACIA, in partnership with the NARTP and Atlantic County Economic Alliance, will contribute $10.5 million in funding to construct the innovation center, while the NJEDA will invest $8 million. Construction for the innovation center is underway and is expected to be completed in October 2025. The center is expected to be fully operational in January 2026. ACIA is managing the construction of the facility and NARTP will manage the AIC’s operations.
“Gov. Murphy is committed to growing New Jersey’s innovation economy by investing in diverse industries and providing entrepreneurs with access to the resources needed to grow and scale their business,” NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan said. “Powered by NJEDA’s Strategic Innovation Center program, and paired with Atlantic County’s deeps roots in aerospace, the Aerospace Innovation Center will drive the creation of new technologies that in turn will create jobs and support long-term, sustainable economic growth across the state.”
SICs are facilities that support research & development, innovation and entrepreneurship through mentorship, networking opportunities, hands-on training, business support services and education opportunities. SICs can be accelerators, incubators or research centers. Having a physical location where entrepreneurs can collaborate will help support new, diverse innovators and help drive long-term economic growth.
