In a collaboration that reinforces Johnson & Johnson’s longstanding leadership in advancing innovation, entrepreneurship and the life sciences sector in New Jersey, Portal Innovations — in partnership with the New Brunswick Development Corporation and HELIX — will announce Tuesday that the company has secured naming rights for the Johnson & Johnson Exchange at the New Jersey Innovation Hub, powered by Portal Innovations.
Opening in the coming months, the NJIH is a 30,000-square-foot science incubator located within the HELIX in New Brunswick. It aims to provide early-stage, science-driven startups with flexible lab space, curated programming and access to Portal’s global network of capital and industry partners to help accelerate breakthrough ideas from bench to patient.
The Johnson & Johnson Exchange will serve as NJIH’s central convening space, expected to host dozens of events annually, including community gatherings, founder programming and investor discussions aimed at fostering collaboration across academia, startups and industry leaders.
Johnson & Johnson will also sponsor targeted, high-impact innovation initiatives at NJIH, further demonstrating its commitment to strengthening New Brunswick’s entrepreneurial and life sciences landscape.
The collaboration reflects the growing importance of major health care companies engaging directly with early-stage innovation ecosystems.
Johnson & Johnson Chairman and CEO Joaquin Duato applauded the announcement.
“For 140 years, New Jersey has been home to Johnson & Johnson and a launchpad for healthcare innovation that changes lives around the world,” he said. “The Johnson & Johnson Exchange at the New Jersey Innovation Hub reflects our belief that great ideas can come from anywhere, and that when industry, entrepreneurs and academia come together, we can accelerate medical breakthroughs to deliver better outcomes for patients, support job creation and drive economic growth across New Jersey.”
Partnerships with incubators like NJIH allow organizations to gain early insights into novel technologies, identify and nurture future acquisition targets and strengthen ties with entrepreneurs and emerging industry talent. Johnson & Johnson’s collaboration with NJIH also underscores its role in shaping the future of healthcare innovation in New Jersey.
The NJIH is being developed by DEVCO as part of HELIX, the state’s mixed-use innovation district that brings together research, healthcare, education and industry partners in downtown New Brunswick.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill said the move aligns with her administration’s vision for the state.
“My administration is committed to transforming New Jersey into the destination for startups and entrepreneurs to set up shop,” she said. “By expanding resources to support budding enterprises and investing in Strategic Innovation Centers like HELIX, we are driving lifechanging breakthroughs in the health and life sciences sector and cementing our state’s reputation as a thriving innovation hub.
“I am thrilled that HELIX will host this collaboration between Johnson & Johnson, Portal Innovations and DEVCO, which will create jobs and sustain critical economic growth within our region.”
DEVCO President Chris Paladino said the Johnson & Johnson Exchange will be a cornerstone for collaboration and a catalyst for the entrepreneurial activity the district aims to attract and support.
“DEVCO is proud to partner with Portal Innovations and Johnson & Johnson on a project that aligns so closely with New Jersey’s vision for inclusive economic growth and innovation-led development,” he said.
N.J. Economic Development Authority CEO Evan Weiss agreed.
“Johnson & Johnson’s investment in the New Jersey Innovation Hub exemplifies the kind of bold, strategic corporate leadership that fuels our state’s innovation ecosystem and drives lasting impact for New Jersey’s life sciences sector,” he said.
“The NJEDA is proud to have supported HELIX through an Aspire award and a Strategic Innovation Center Investment, and this collaboration among Johnson & Johnson, Portal Innovations and DEVCO further cements New Brunswick’s position as a premier destination for healthcare innovation — transforming scientific breakthroughs into commercial success and creating high-quality jobs for New Jerseyans.”
Portal Innovations, a leading life sciences venture development engine, is helping design the NJIH to address the growing need for high-quality, affordable lab infrastructure and hands-on support for early-stage companies.
The science incubator at NJIH will support startups across therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics and enabling technologies, becoming a central node within the state’s innovation ecosystem and advancing New Jersey’s position as a global life sciences leader.
Upon opening, Portal’s Executive Director Sangeetha Ramsagar will manage day-to-day lab and office operations.
Portal Founder and CEO John Flavin said the partnership sends a strong message.
“Johnson & Johnson is synonymous with healthcare innovation, and their presence at the New Jersey Innovation Hub sends a powerful signal to founders building in this region,” he said. “This partnership reinforces our shared belief that world-class infrastructure, community and corporate partnership are essential to unlocking the full potential of scientific entrepreneurship in New Jersey.”
