NJEDA Board Approves $8.6M to Launch Aerospace Innovation Center in Atlantic County

The Strategic Innovation Center will support state-of-the-art aerospace research and innovation

TRENTON, N.J. (January 10, 2025) - Last month, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved an $8.6 million investment to support the development and construction of the Aerospace Innovation Center (AIC), a Strategic Innovation Center (SIC) located in Atlantic County that will focus on the aerospace industry. The AIC, being developed in partnership with the Atlantic County Improvement Authority (ACIA), will be the fifth SIC in New Jersey 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," said Governor Phil Murphy. "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 located in the National Aerospace Research & Technology Park (NARTP) in Egg Harbor Township. The Center will provide state-of-the-art aerospace research spaces, high-speed connectivity to the FAA William J. Hughes Center for Advanced Aerospace data systems and laboratories, and co-working and studio spaces that are ideal for collaboration and innovation.

"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," said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. "The NJEDA, under Governor 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."

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.

"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 Governor Murphy and perseverance of New Jersey Economic Development Authority CEO Tim Sullivan," said Senator Vince Polistina (R-Atlantic County). "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."

In addition to the NJEDA's investment, the ACIA, NARTP and the Atlantic County Economic Alliance (ACEA), 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.

"At ACIA, we are excited to collaborate with NARTP, ACEA, and NJEDA in the creation of the Aerospace Innovation Center," stated Timothy Edmunds, Executive Director of the Atlantic County Improvement Authority. "This initiative represents a significant step forward in advancing aerospace innovation and research, and it is only be possible with the foresight and steadfast financial support of our Atlantic County partners whose vision laid the foundation for the success of the research park. We're equally appreciative of Governor Murphy's leadership and Senator Vince Polistina's dedication, both of whom have been instrumental in turning the AIC into a reality. Together, these efforts are shaping a brighter, innovation-driven future for Atlantic County and beyond."

"This $8 million investment in the Atlantic County New Jersey Aerospace Center represents a critical step forward for New Jersey's innovation economy. By fostering research, development, and entrepreneurship within the aerospace industry, we are positioning the Garden State as a national leader in addressing the challenges of integrating advanced technologies, like drones and electric-powered flying taxis, into the National Airspace System," said NARTP Chairman Major General Mark Loeben, USAF, retired. "I commend Governor Murphy, Tim Sullivan and the NJEDA, for their support. I especially commend Senator Polistina for his dedicated efforts in advancing the NARTP to the next level. I also thank our Atlantic County partners for their support in establishing and sustaining the NARTP."

"We thank Governor Murphy for his leadership in driving innovation and economic growth in New Jersey. This $8.6million investment is a significant step forward for our state's burgeoning aerospace industry. We also extend our sincere thanks to NJEDA President Tim Sullivan and his team for their dedication to advancing this transformative project," said Michael Viscount, Chairman of the ACEA. "Additionally, we appreciate Senator Polistina's strong advocacy and collaboration, which played an integral role in bringing this innovative vision to reality. Together, their support underscores the commitment to positioning New Jersey as a hub for aerospace research, development, and innovation."

Additionally, the AIC will partner with Rowan University, Rutgers University School of Engineering, Stockton University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and the National Institute of Aerospace to provide university students hands-on experience and training.

SICs are facilities that support research and 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. SICs bring together government, Industry Partners, and University Partners around a central innovation focus.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State's principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey's long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

###

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.