CSIT Announces Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program

Program Will Connect Emerging Companies with Amenities at NJ Universities & Federal Laboratories

On Mar 8, 2021

The Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) will begin accepting applications next month for its Clean Tech Research and Development (R&D) Voucher Program. The $435,000 program is designed to help early-stage New Jersey clean technology companies more easily access resources such as specialized equipment within the Garden State. CSIT developed the program in coordination with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA). The application opens April 5, 2021 and will be available at https://application.njeda.com/csit.

Through the Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program, eligible applicants will receive vouchers to subsidize the costs associated with one or more of the following services or activities in a participating New Jersey university or federal laboratory facility: use of facility equipment for testing and development, and training in preparation for independent use of the facility. Each eligible applicant can apply for multiple vouchers up to a cap of $15,000 within any 12-month period. An approved voucher will be valid for a period of three months. Specifically, the program will fund work on projects that are developing or testing clean technologies intended to recapture or avoid emissions of greenhouse gases and/or criteria pollutants, or to enable such avoidance or recapture. The following technology areas are eligible under the program: chemicals/advance materials, energy distribution/storage, energy efficiency, energy generation, green buildings, transportation, waste processing, and water and agriculture. A NJ clean tech asset map listing university and federal laboratory resources in NJ will also be available on the CSIT website.

“New Jersey is known the world over for its high-caliber research universities, and it is incumbent upon us to provide Garden State companies at their earliest stages with access to these invaluable resources,” said CSIT Chairman Gunjan Doshi. “CSIT is proud to work with its partners at the NJEDA and the NJBPU to bring this important and impactful program to fruition.”

CSIT announced the program this week to give applicants adequate time to prepare their applications. The Commission will host an informational webinar on the Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program on March 16 at 10:00 a.m. to offer tips and advice to potential applicants. Registration information can be found here. A recorded version of the webinar and copy of materials presented will be made available on the CSIT webpage following the event. Applications will be accepted beginning April 5 on a rolling basis until the funding is expended.

To be eligible for the Clean Tech R&D Voucher program, applicants must be registered to conduct business in New Jersey and must have no more than 50 full-time employees at the time of application. Additionally, 100% of the project work for which the voucher is being sought must be conducted in New Jersey. Full eligibility requirements can be found at http://www.njeda.com/csit.

“We developed the Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program first and foremost to support the many innovative clean technology companies working to impact the global marketplace,” NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan said. “At the same time, it will increase access to, and awareness and utilization of, the State’s physical clean tech innovation-related amenities. This program will be a terrific tool for attracting companies to the Garden State, a top priority as we continue to recapture New Jersey’s role as a leader in innovation.”

In early 2020, Gov. Phil Murphy unveiled the state’s Energy Master Plan, which outlines key strategies to reach the Administration’s goal of 100% clean energy by 2050. In May 2018, Governor Murphy’s Executive Order No. 28 directed the NJBPU, in partnership with other state agencies, to develop this statewide clean energy plan and shift away from energy production that contributes to climate change.

“Up and coming New Jersey companies bring fresh ideas to the table and fostering opportunities for them is critical as we continue to shape a clean energy future,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “We want to ensure that these businesses have every resource at their disposal as they develop important clean technologies. Programs like the one announced today are an important step toward fulfilling the Governor’s goal of 100% clean energy by 2050.”

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