It’s easy to see why Judith Sheft, a living legend in the STEM entrepreneurial ecosystem in this state, was presented with the first Catalyst Award last week at Bell Works at the 45th annual Edison Patent Awards, sponsored by the R&D Council of New Jersey.
After all, as the executive director of the New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (which was reestablished six years ago), Sheft has led an organization that has given out 435 awards totaling $27.2 million, helping create 568 jobs while helping companies leverage CSIT funding 15x in terms of additional funding, grants, loans and other support.
This, after a nearly two-decade career at NJIT, which followed a stellar career in the private sector.
Of course, numbers don’t tell the story.
In this case, the audience did. Sheft noted that many of the companies that CSIT has helped, also were being honored that night, including:
- RenewCO2: A Rutgers startup that uses water and electricity to convert greenhouse gas emissions into chemical products;
- Robossis: The first surgical-robotic system designed to repair long-bone fractures that was created at Rowan University;
- EValuate Diagnostics: The first spinoff of Hackensack Meridian Health’s Center for Discovery and innovation;
Companies from Princeton and NJIT have been recognized in the past, she said.
This is why Sheft was being given the inaugural honor.
Sheft has dedicated much of her career to accelerating economic development through science and technology. Her mission is to enhance collaboration between academic institutions and industry, empowering entrepreneurs and innovators across the state.
At CSIT, she has spearheaded initiatives that stimulate academic industrial partnerships, fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem. Her strategic vision has made New Jersey a hub for research and development, driving economic growth and job creation.
“Our work at the New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology is focused on creating a thriving environment for early-stage innovators, building bridges between academia and industry and government and supporting the next generation of startups,” she said. “We want them to grow. We want them to stay. We want them to be here in New Jersey and call New Jersey home.”
Always humble, Sheft those with whom she has collaborated with along the way.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been inspired by incredible researchers, entrepreneurs and business leaders, who push boundaries and turn visionary ideas into transformational solutions,” she said.
That spirit, Sheft said, can be found throughout the state.
“This award is a reflection of the strength and collaborative spirit that defines New Jersey’s entire innovation community, from our top-tier research universities to our cutting-edge startups,” she said. “New Jersey is home to people and institutions that challenge the status quo and push the boundaries for what is possible.
“I’m privileged to work alongside such visionary partners, researchers, educators and business leaders who contribute to making New Jersey a thriving center of innovation. Our work at the commission is focused on creating a thriving environment for early-stage innovators, building these bridges between academia, industry and government, and supporting the next generation of startups.”
A look at the audience showed just how successful it has been.
