On September 16, JumpStart NJ Angel Network members and guests gathered in the MetLife Stadium visiting locker room for an informative meeting after touring the impressive facility. The session featured a deep dive into New Jersey’s rapidly expanding network of Strategic Innovation Centers (SICs), a robust initiative of the NJ Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).
The program opened with remarks from Steve Dyer, JumpStart Chair, followed by an NJEDA overview led by Tim Rollender, Senior Advisor, Strategic Innovation Initiatives. He outlined how SICs are designed to accelerate innovation, entrepreneurship, and venture activity across key sectors throughout the state.
Attendees then heard presentations from leaders of several SICs, including Howard Kyle (NARTP), Mike Chen (Nokia/Bell Labs Venture Studio), Justin Murray (NJ Fast Plug and Play), Bob Bullard (Rowan University/Medtech SIC), Ji Ke (HAX), Hannah Katz (SciTech Scity), and Michael van Ter Sluis (NJ Innovation Institute). Each shared how their center is fostering startups, attracting investment, and building industry-academic partnerships.
The meeting also welcomed new potential members, angel investors, and partners, underscoring JumpStart’s role as a vital connector in the region’s innovation ecosystem. The evening closed with networking and a strong sense of momentum for the months ahead.
