Plans for Aerospace Innovation Center Announced

The Aerospace Innovation Center will be the fifth Strategic Innovation Center in the state, and will support state-of-the-art aerospace research and innovation

On Jun 12, 2024

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and the Atlantic County Improvement Authority (ACIA) have launched the Aerospace Innovation Center (AIC), a Strategic Innovation Center (SIC) located in Atlantic County that will focus on the aerospace industry. This will be the fifth SIC in New Jersey and the first with a focus on aerospace innovation.

Located in the National Aerospace Research & Technology Park (NARTP) in Egg Harbor Township, the AIC will provide state-of-the-art aerospace research spaces, high-speed connectivity to the FAA William J. Hughes Center for Advanced Aerospace data systems and laboratories, and co-working and studio spaces that are ideal for collaboration and innovation. The AIC will be the second of seven planned buildings within the aerospace innovation hub. Building One first opened in June 2019 and achieved full occupancy in January 2020.

“Since taking office, it has been my goal to ensure New Jersey is at the forefront of innovation and technology development, including aerospace engineering,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “As the state’s fifth Strategic Innovation Center, the Aerospace Innovation Center will give budding students and entrepreneurs access to state-of-the-art equipment and opportunities to collaborate with experts in the field. This exciting venture solidifies New Jersey as the place to be when it comes to innovation and research.”

The NJEDA and ACIA have signed a non-binding letter of intent to form a two-member limited liability company which will plan, develop, construct, and manage the innovation hub. ACIA, in partnership with the NARTP and Atlantic County Economic Alliance (ACEA), will contribute $10.5 million in funding to construct the innovation center, while the NJEDA will invest $8 million. Construction for the innovation center is underway and is expected to be completed in October 2025. The Center is expected to be fully operational in January 2026. ACIA is managing the construction of the facility and NARTP will manage the AIC’s operations.

The AIC intends to partner with New Jersey institutions of higher education, including Stockton University, Rowan University, and Rutgers School of Engineering. The AIC also intends to partner with world-class aeronautical institutions such as Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the National Institute of Aerospace, offering aerospace students hands-on experiences to train within their field.

NARTP Building One, which opened officially in June 2020 and is fully occupied, has several notable tenants, including General Dynamics Info Tech., Woolpert Engineering, Signature Scientific, and an FAA remote lab. Several companies have also signed letters of interest in locating in the AIC.

SICs are facilities that support research and development, innovation, and entrepreneurship through mentorship, networking opportunities, hands-on training, business support services, and education opportunities. SICs can be accelerators, incubators, or research centers. Having a physical location where entrepreneurs can collaborate will help support new, diverse innovators and help drive long-term economic growth.

“The Aerospace Innovation Center will create new and exciting opportunities for students and entrepreneurs in Atlantic County and across South Jersey,” said NJEDA Chief Transformation Officer Kathleen Coviello. “The AIC’s unique proximity to the Atlantic City International Airport and other aerospace industry leaders will unlock opportunities for innovators to pursue their research, testing, and development of aerospace technologies.”

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