Gov. Phil Murphy on Thursday signed a bill establishing the Next New Jersey Program, which will attract new investment into the state’s artificial intelligence industry.
By unlocking access to capital for New Jersey’s innovators and entrepreneurs, the program will create new jobs and economic opportunities. It will also ensure access to the infrastructure necessary to make new, cutting-edge developments, which will position the state as a national leader in the industry.
“AI has already started to revolutionize our everyday lives, and New Jersey is capitalizing on this moment to ensure we establish ourselves as a frontrunner in generative AI innovation,” Murphy said. “The creation of this program will support the growth of AI-related businesses, which could lead to scientific breakthroughs and lifesaving discoveries right in our backyard. AI will be a transformative industry that will change lives and grow our economy and New Jersey is ready to take the lead.”
The Next New Jersey Program will be administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, which will award tax credits to eligible businesses that are engaged in AI work or large-scale AI data centers.
“Under Gov. Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has been making major investments in emerging industries to help create sustainable, long-term economic growth,” NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan said. “The Next New Jersey Program will build upon the Garden State’s longstanding legacy in innovation and drive the state’s prominence in the rapidly growing AI industry and create a strategic advantage for our innovators. AI presents an opportunity for new industry development in the state, good-paying jobs for our residents and a stronger and more diverse economy for the next generation.”
Last December, the Murphy administration and Princeton University announced a partnership to develop an AI Hub, which will advance New Jersey’s leadership in the field and catalyze innovation in AI technologies. The AI Hub is expected to bring together industry leaders, researchers and startup companies to advance research & development in the emerging field. The hub will promote workforce development to support new AI technology development and implementation. Additionally, the AI Hub will house dedicated accelerator space and work to advance the use of ethical AI for positive societal impact.
Last fall, Murphy also established the AI Task Force, charged with studying emerging AI technologies and its societal impacts. The state’s AI initiative draws on New Jersey’s unique strengths in the health, sustainability, financial and technology sectors, which stand to benefit from the application of AI technologies to advance innovative breakthroughs.
The prime sponsors of this bill, A4558/S3432, are Sen. Raj Mukherji (D-Jersey City) and Assemblyman Chris Tully (D-Paramus).
