Life Sciences

With a history of developing lifesaving medicine for over a century, New Jersey is where discovery happens.

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A Global Leader in Life Sciences Innovation

New Jersey has the highest concentration of scientists and engineers per square mile in the United States, top-tier universities, and leading life-sciences companies. Businesses here can pioneer health breakthroughs in an ecosystem designed for innovation and success.

Research and Talent in Life Sciences

New Jersey’s thriving life sciences ecosystem includes research universities, incubators, accelerators, funding sources, and top-notch talent. Our State is home to eight of the top 10 global biopharmaceutical companies, nine of the top 10 R&D companies, and over 4,500 life sciences establishments. These assets unite to fuel scientific advancement and bring groundbreaking new technologies to market.

Growing Strong

And the best is yet to come! The State’s current 22 million square feet of lab space is set to increase by 27% by 2026, giving your company room to grow. From lab to shelf and concept to care, New Jersey’s diverse and expansive life sciences ecosystem has the resources needed for success.

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Our team offers a range of services and personalized guidance at every stage of establishing and expanding operations in New Jersey.

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CNJ Website Expert RachelCohen

Rachel Cohen

Senior Business Development Officer

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Success Stories

Kenvue

In April, consumer health company Kenvue, the former consumer healthcare division of Johnson & Johnson, established its world headquarters in Summit. Together with the Governor’s office and the NJEDA, we provided Kenvue with information on incentives, taxes, recruitment costs, workforce, educational programs, and diversity. Armed with a wealth of information, Kenvue announced that it will locate its global headquarters in Summit in 2025. Kenvue will retain its 1,000 jobs in New Jersey and plans to create 300 new jobs.

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Success Stories

CMIC

Japanese contract research organization CMIC, which has had its U.S. headquarters in Cranbury, New Jersey, for nearly two decades, has benefited from New Jersey’s talent pool, accessibility, and research and development infrastructure. The area is zoned for industrial-light impact and offers quick access to major highways, including the New Jersey Turnpike. During our economic mission to East Asia in 2023, CMIC announced its intention to double the number of jobs it currently has at its 224,000 sq. ft. facility. In East Asia, CMIC also signed an MOU with Rutgers University, agreeing to establish a Center of Excellence in Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing.

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Success Stories

Enzene Biosciences

Global biotech company Enzene Biosciences, Ltd. will open its state-of-the-art, $50 million biopharmaceutical manufacturing plant on the Princeton West Innovation Campus in Hopewell, New Jersey. Operations in the new facility are expected to begin in June 2024 and generate about 300 new jobs. Choose New Jersey engaged representatives from Enzene during a business attraction mission to India in 2022 and assisted the company by connecting it with in-state partners, including construction firms, business insurance providers, township leadership, and universities.

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#3

State for Employed Biochemists and Biophysicists

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

#1

Concentration of Scientists and Engineers per square-mile

Source: National Science Board

8

of the Top 10 Global Pharmaceutical Companies Located in New Jersey

Source: Fierce Pharma

Access New Jersey’s Talented Workforce

New Jersey Labor & Workforce Report

Industry
Strengths

New Jersey’s life sciences sector shines in industries like pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, earning New Jersey a reputation as one of the strongest life sciences hubs in the United States.

Biopharma Manufacturing

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Biopharma Manufacturing

New Jersey boasts a robust biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry, with eight out of the top 10 pharmaceutical companies in the world having a significant presence in the state. Key players such as Johnson & Johnson, Merck & Co., Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Novartis, and Teva contribute to the state’s prominence in the sector.

Our universities play a pivotal role in advancing biopharmaceutical research, development, and commercialization. Rutgers University is home to the Blanche and Irwin Lerner Center for the Study of Pharmaceutical Management, as well as the Engineering Research Center for Structured Organic Particulate Systems (C-SOPS), a collaborative initiative that brings together experts from diverse fields, including engineers, scientists, and industry leaders.

Life Sciences Accordion Biopharma Manufacturing

Biopharma R&D

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Biopharma R&D

New Jersey stands at the forefront of biopharmaceutical research and development — an impressive nine out of the top 10 R&D companies in the world have a presence in the State. Top biopharma R&D companies in New Jersey include Bristol Myers Squibb, Daiichi Sankyo, Gilead Sciences, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, and Sanofi.

Rutgers University leads the charge with its esteemed Master of Business Administration program tailored for the healthcare, pharma, and biotech industries. Additionally, Rutgers’ Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine (CABM) is dedicated to pioneering biomedical discoveries, fostering technological advancements, and translating these breakthroughs to enhance human health. The New Jersey Institute of Technology’s BioSensor Materials for Advanced Research & Technology (BioSMART Center) serves as a dynamic interdisciplinary laboratory, unraveling the intricacies of chemical information transformation across interfaces. These assets and more cement New Jersey’s status as a hub of biopharmaceutical innovation.

Life Sciences Accordion Biopharma R&D

Medical Devices

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Medical Devices

New Jersey’s medical device sector is strengthened by the presence of eight of the top 10 medical device companies in the United States. New Jersey has approximately 390 medical device manufacturing sites, providing employment opportunities for about 12,000 individuals. Over the past 25 years, medical device manufacturing in New Jersey has nearly doubled, generating an impressive $4 billion in revenue. Major companies here include Abbott Laboratories, BD, Medtronic, Siemens Healthineers, and Stryker.

At the forefront of research and development in this field is Rutgers University’s Laboratory for Biomaterials Research (LBR). The LBR is dedicated to advancing biomaterials science and engineering.

With such robust research initiatives, New Jersey continues to lead the way in shaping the future of medical devices and their applications in healthcare.

Life Sciences Accordion Medical devices

Cell & Gene Therapy

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Cell & Gene Therapy

New Jersey is a leader in cell and gene therapy, with an impressive 40% of all therapies in development taking place within the region. Industry giants with a presence in New Jersey include BioCentriq, Bristol Myers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson, and PTC Therapeutics. Institutions spearheading advancements in this field include:

  • The New Jersey Institute of Technology offers pioneering educational opportunities including a first-of-its-kind professional science master’s degree program and a graduate certificate specifically focused on cell and gene therapy.
  • In a significant boost to workforce development, Raritan Valley Community College received $3 million in federal funding to establish a state-of-the-art clean room as part of its Workforce Training Center program. This investment underscores New Jersey’s commitment to fostering the talent and infrastructure essential for the continued advancement of cell and gene therapies.
Life Sciences Accordion Cell and gene therapy

Incentives that Support Growth

The Emerge Program applies to qualifying projects that invest private capital into the state and create a minimum of 35 full-time jobs. It provides per-job tax credits ranging based on project location, bonuses, and the net benefit to the state. Tax credits may directly offset tax liability or may be transferred or surrendered for 85-90% of their value.  ​

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The New Jobs Investment program supports new or expanded business facilities that create new jobs in New Jersey. The investment must create at least five new full-time jobs employing New Jersey residents.

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The Manufacturing Equipment and Employment Investment Tax Credit applies to corporation business tax liability for investments in certain manufacturing equipment and for certain increased employment.

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The New Jersey Angel Investor Tax Credit Program establishes tax credits against corporation business or gross income taxes based on qualified investment in New Jersey’s emerging technology businesses to stimulate investment. The credits apply to 20% of the qualified investment made in an NJ emerging technology business, with a potential increase to 25% if the business is certified M/WBE or located in an Opportunity Zone or New Market Tax Credit Census Track.

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The New Jersey Innovation Evergreen Fund Program facilitates private sector engagement to raise and invest capital in qualified New Jersey-based companies and promote strategic collaboration in the state’s innovation economy. Proposed Qualified Businesses may access up to $5,000,000 of program investment capital for equity investments, or $6,250,000 for State-certified women or minority businesses, New Jersey university spin-offs, or businesses that utilize intellectual property developed at a New Jersey university that is core to its business model.

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The Net Operating Loss (NOL) Program supports companies in New Jersey with a net operating loss carryover and/or R&D tax credits and have no positive net operating income for the last two years.

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The New Jersey Manufacturing Voucher Program assists manufacturers that intend to purchase equipment that integrates advanced or innovative technologies, processes, and materials. The program provides grants sized at 30% to 50% of the cost of eligible equipment.

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The Catalyst R&D Voucher program is for New Jersey-based early-stage company efforts to accelerate the development and innovation of technologies to transform discoveries from the research stage into commercially viable technologies, leading to industry and investor interest. Eligible applicants can apply for vouchers up to $40,000 to help offset the cost of leveraging R&D resources, facilities, and equipment at the state’s academic universities and colleges, and federal and non-profit laboratories to advance their technology development.

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The Catalyst Seed R&D Grant Program helps New Jersey-based early-stage innovation-based companies accelerate the development of technologies to transform discoveries from the research stage into commercially viable products and services. Applicants developing life sciences therapeutics can apply for grants of up to $150,000, all other Applicants are eligible to apply for grants of up to $75,000.

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Audible’s Newark Business Attraction Grant targets startups with at least ten employees who are at the seed or Series A stage and are looking to expand or relocate to Newark. Startups receive up to $250,000 in non-dilutive grants over two years for fit-out costs or rent/mortgage payments.

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The Workforce 55+ On-the-Job Experience (OJE) Program supports private, non-profit employers who offer eligible job seekers the opportunity to gain work experience and may do so at no cost. OJE participants’ salary is covered for four weeks by a federal grant, providing employers with an opportunity to observe and train the employee before making a permanent hire.

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The On-the-Job Training (OJT) Program is eligible to all New Jersey-based companies who hire full-time positions. Employers are reimbursed 50% of new employee’s wages for a period of up to 26 weeks in exchange for providing training in a specialized skill set.

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The Federal Bonding Program is a unique job placement tool that provides employers with insurance for hiring jobseekers who have poor credit histories, are recovering from substance abuse, are on public assistance, or are justice-involved.

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The Opportunity Partnership for Business is available to all New Jersey-based businesses to support employers design the training program they need to fill a skills gap in their industry.

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The Registered Apprenticeship is an industry-driven training model that combines paid on-the-job learning with classroom instruction. The employer can develop training that aligns cohesively with their business needs.

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