The Aerospace Innovation Center, a state-of-the-art aerospace research space that will include co-working and studio spaces that are ideal for collaboration and innovation, is coming to Egg Harbor Township.
The facility, to be located in the National Aerospace Research & Technology Park and will have high-speed connectivity to the FAA William J. Hughes Center for Advanced Aerospace data systems and laboratories, recently was approved for an $8.6 million investment by the board of the N.J. Economic Development Authority.
In addition to the EDA’s investment, the ACIA, NARTP and the Atlantic County Economic Alliance will contribute $10.5 million dollars in funding to construct the innovation center. 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.
The AIC will be the fifth Strategic Innovation Center in the state – and the first with a focus on innovation in aviation.
“This investment from the NJEDA builds upon New Jersey’s reputation as a leader in cultivating an innovation economy by expanding opportunities for aerospace research in our state,” Gov. Phil Murphy said. “As our fifth Strategic Innovation Center, it will drive economic growth, create jobs, and continue to attract entrepreneurs to New Jersey.”
The AIC will be a 40,000-square-foot, two-story facility containing office and studios dedicated to research and development, innovation, and commercialization of emerging aerospace and aviation technologies. The innovation center will create hundreds of local, good-paying jobs in Atlantic County, including 130 permanent jobs and 114 construction jobs.
EDA CEO Tim Sullivan said its potential impact is huge.
“Atlantic County’s deep roots in the aerospace industry makes it a prime location for the Aerospace Innovation Center, where companies can test and further their products, while students and entrepreneurs make discoveries and create new technologies to help move the industry forward,” he said.
“The NJEDA, under Gov. Murphy’s leadership, has developed programs and initiatives to drive innovation, create jobs, and support sustainable long-term economic growth. Strategic Innovation Centers, like the AIC, is helping unlock opportunities for innovators to pursue research, testing, and development of cutting-edge technologies.”
State Sen. Vince Polistina (R-Egg Harbor Twp.) obviously was thrilled.
“The Aerospace Innovation Center is an incredible addition to the William J. Hughes FAA Technical Center and National Aerospace Research and Technology Park was made possible through the leadership of Gov. Murphy and perseverance of New Jersey Economic Development Authority CEO Tim Sullivan,” he said. “Atlantic County is finally forging a path where people can be educated here, trained here, and have excellent opportunities for permanent employment in high-paying technical jobs.”
