UNIVERSITY INNOVATION
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Universities are where research meets real-world impact. Explore how local institutions are turning lab discoveries into startup ventures and breakthrough solutions. From tech transfer to student-led labs, below highlights the academic innovation fuelling regional and national growth.
Research with NJ Portal (CSIT)
Free tool granting entrepreneurs and investors access to 365K+ research outputs and nearly 7,000 researcher profiles across eight NJ universities.
Learn moreRutgers University
Statewide R1 with experienced entrepreneurship and technology transfer professionals. Rutgers features New Jersey’s most extensive network of research laboratories including over 300 research centers and institutes and expends more than $980 mil in R&D funding.
Princeton University
Princeton researchers aim to advance the frontiers of knowledge and improve societal well-being. At PPPL, the new Princeton Plasma Innovation Center (PPIC), a fusion and plasma tech research hub, opens in 2027.
New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
The State’s R1 Polytechnic, NJIT anchors Newark’s deep tech ecosystem with talent and technology – all accessible via NJIT’s innovation hub: the New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII).
Rowan University
Rowan University drives innovation through strategic tech partnerships, collaborating with industry, government and startups through the South Jersey Technology Park and NJ’s strategic innovation centers.
Stevens Institute of Technology
Stevens runs numerous centers—CRAFT (fintech), cybersecurity, maritime, quantum, healthcare, environmental systems, AI labs, plus programs like Launchpad and Innovation Expo promoting research commercialization.
Montclair State University
Montclair drives innovation and research through the Ctr for Environmental and Life Sciences (CELS), the PSEG Institute For Sustainability Studies, the NJ Center for Water Science and Tech & venture programming through the Feliciano Ctr for Entrep. & Innovation.
Fairleigh Dickinson University
FDU’s HealthPath Forward aims to expand health-related programs, form partnerships to foster innovation and collaboration to improve healthcare delivery, strengthen workforce and build models of health and well-being on campus and beyond.
Stockton University
Coastal and environmental strength via the Coastal Research Center, with additional applied innovation at the National Aviation Research & Technology Park and Esports Innovation Center.
The College of New Jersey (TCNJ)
Teacher-scholar model with the Center for Excellence in STEM Education and numerous academic centers supporting design, pedagogy, and outreach.
William Paterson University
Emphasis on ethical venture creation through the Center for Socially Responsible Entrepreneurship & Innovation.
Seton Hall University
Hands-on venture education through the Stillman School’s Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship and schoolwide research centers.
Kean University
Research centers across STEM and education, plus innovation ties through the Institute for Life Science Entrepreneurship on Kean’s campus.
Monmouth University
Signature centers include the Urban Coast Institute, Kislak Real Estate Institute, and a campus Center for Entrepreneurship.
Rider University
Venture training via the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies and policy research at the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics.
New Jersey City University
Entrepreneurship services through the regional SBDC and data-centric inquiry in the Data Science, FinTech & IS Research Lab.
Saint Peter’s University
Entrepreneurship and data-driven innovation through the Ignite Institute and the Data Science Institute
Drew University
Hands-on undergraduate research anchored by the unique RISE—Research Institute for Scientists Emeriti.
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Private med school integrated with HMH’s research enterprise; translational discovery advanced at the Ctr for Discovery & Innovation.
Ramapo College
Business and policy innovation via the Sabrin Center for Free Enterprise and analytics research communities.
Thomas Edison State University
Applied, adult-focused institution with cyber research and outreach at the Cyber Defense Center.
Caldwell University
Applied research and clinical innovation in autism and ABA through the Center for Autism & Applied Behavior Analysis and ABA programs.
Centenary University
Small-business and startup programming via the new Institute of Entrepreneurship serving North-West Jersey communities.
Georgian Court University
Undergraduate research is supported by GCU Research Fellows and the Richey Center for the Humanities & Creative Arts.
Felician University
Emerging innovation spaces like the Lenke Family Center for Innovation and cybersecurity programs with research-thesis options.
Saint Elizabeth University
Community-focused centers (e.g., Center for Human & Social Development) and the new NJ Institute for Community Schools.
