The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation, and Technology (CSIT) on Thursday announced a significant investment in the state’s green economy, awarding approximately $1.3 million in grants to 17 early-stage startups. The funding, delivered through Round 4 of the Clean Tech Research & Development (R&D) Seed Grant Program, aims to accelerate the transition of laboratory discoveries into commercially viable products.
The program is a cornerstone of New Jersey’s strategy to reach 100 percent clean energy by 2035, a target accelerated by Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration. Each startup will receive up to $75,000 to fund critical R&D activities, helping them reach milestones necessary to attract private investment.
The Round 4 cohort highlights New Jersey’s commitment to an equitable innovation economy. According to CSIT data, 58% of the awardees are certified as minority- or women-owned businesses, and 72% are “micro-startups” with five or fewer employees.
This focus on small, diverse firms is intentional. “Cultivating companies within our state during their formative years helps them establish roots in New Jersey,” Judith Sheft, CSIT executive director said.
The economic impact of these grants extends beyond the immediate funding. CSIT Chair Debbie Hart noted that previous awardees have leveraged their initial state funding to secure 15X in follow-on funding from outside investors.
Funding for the program is provided through the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) Clean Energy Program. These investments are aligned with the state’s 2024 Energy Master Plan, which serves as the blueprint for decarbonizing the state’s economy.
Meet the Round 4 awardees
The 17 funded startups represent a broad spectrum of “Clean Tech” verticals, ranging from fusion energy and hydrogen production to advanced recycling and EV infrastructure.
Newark Hub:
- Canyon Magnet Energy Inc. – $75,000 (Focus: Fusion/Magnet tech)
- Cecilia Energy, Inc – $75,000 (Focus: Green hydrogen)
- Metal Light Inc. – $74,370 (Focus: Advanced materials)
Princeton/Lawrence Corridor:
- CarbonDots, LLC – $75,000 (Lawrence Township)
- CURBON LLC – $74,480 (Princeton)
- Zaic Design LLC – $75,000 (Princeton)
Bridgewater/Edison Innovation Hub:
- NanoSepex Inc. – $75,000 (Bridgewater)
- Novtech – $75,000 (Bridgewater)
- EV Buddy Inc. – $75,000 (Edison)
Statewide Visionaries:
- Cero NJ LLC – $75,000 (Edgewater)
- Coherent Photonics LLC – $75,000 (Plainsboro)
- Fundamental Carbon Co – $75,000 (Piscataway)
- Noble Geofurnace – $75,000 (Keyport)
- PFASolve Inc. – $75,000 (Jersey City)
- Queens Carbon, Inc. – $74,999 (Montville)
- SingletO2 Therapeutics LLC – $75,000 (Summit)
- Skyraptor LLC – $74,014 (Moorestown)
