New CSIT Clean Tech Demonstration Program to Support Technology Startups Testing Their Prototypes

Program Will Offer Grants of Up to $250,000 to Offset Costs Associated
with Demonstration & Validation in Real-World Settings

TRENTON, N.J. (November 18, 2022) – The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) today announced plans to launch a competitive $2.5 million program to support New Jersey companies accelerating the commercialization and deployment of innovative clean energy technologies. The Pilot Clean Tech Demonstration Program will provide grants of up to $250,000 each to help startups develop their technologies intended to create a cleaner and greener future for New Jersey. Applications for this program open on December 5, 2022 and will be available at https://www.njeda.gov/pilot-clean-tech-demonstration-grant-program/.

The Pilot Clean Tech Demonstration Program is designed to support clean technology businesses that have an existing prototype of their technologies and are ready to validate them in a real-world setting. Awardees can use the funding for such costs as testing and validating technological performance at customer sites, travel, equipment purchase, licensing, and patent fees. A complete list of acceptable uses will be available at https://www.njeda.gov/pilot-clean-tech-demonstration-grant-program/.

“The majority of our clean technology portfolio companies have some form of prototype, and funding through this program will offset many of the costs associated with demonstration and validation as they work toward commercialization,” said CSIT Executive Director Judith Sheft. “This new program is a complement to our existing Clean Technology Seed Grant and Voucher programs, and we are proud to expand the continuum of support we offer clean technology businesses growing in New Jersey.”

Sheft noted that companies do not have to have participated in a previous CSIT program to be considered for this award.

Examples of some prototypes in the clean energy space include energy management solutions, electric storage devices, biomass powered generators, and wind turbine components.

“In addition to their innovations in the life sciences and technology sectors, New Jersey innovators are creating technologies that are intended to combat climate change and reduce carbon footprints worldwide,” said CSIT Chair Debbie Hart. “By providing resources necessary to support entrepreneurs as they bring their products to the marketplace, we are not only helping early-stage New Jersey companies succeed, but also helping to build the green economy that Governor Phil Murphy champions.”

CSIT will host an informational webinar on the Clean Tech Demonstration Programon November 30, 2022. Registration information can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/pilot-clean-tech-demonstration-grant-program/. A recorded version of the webinar and copy of materials presented will be made available on the CSIT webpage following the event. Please note that applications can be submitted starting on December 5, 2022.  

The Pilot Clean Tech Demonstration Program will fund pilot demonstration projects intended to avoid emissions of, or recapture, greenhouse gases and/or criteria pollutants, or to enable such avoidance or recapture.  The proposed project must be between Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6, ready to beta test the prototype, and TRL 8, in the pre-commercial demonstration. The TRL is a globally-recognized scale that measures and assesses a technology’s maturity. 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.

All applicants must have a minimum of two full-time employees and no more than 50 full-time equivalent employees at the time of application. Additionally, at least 50 percent of the work being performed by employees, including founders and contractors, must be conducted in NJ. Lastly, all pilot demonstration projects must be done in New Jersey. Complete program eligibility can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/pilot-clean-tech-demonstration-grant-program/.

Award scoring will be based on innovation, market opportunity, feasibility, and economic and environmental impact. In keeping with Governor Murphy’s goal of creating the most diverse and inclusive innovation ecosystem in the country, bonus scoring will be awarded to applicants that are New Jersey-certified women-owned, minority-owned, or veteran-owned businesses; or have a primary place of business/research and development located either within an opportunity zone eligible census tract or within Trenton, Paterson, or Atlantic City.

Funding for the Clean Tech Demonstration Program is being provided by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU).

“CSIT has been a tremendous partner in our efforts to get funding to startups that are working to advance our clean energy future,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “The clean tech program announced today is an important step in the State of New Jersey’s ability to reach even more emerging companies as we work to meet Governor Murphy’s goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2050.”

About the New Jersey CSIT

In August 2018, Governor Murphy signed legislation re-establishing the former New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology as the CSIT. Comprised of representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as academia, the Commission is tasked with leading the way in promoting the state as a home for academic and technological research, development, and commercialization.

About NJBPU
 
NJBPU is a state agency and regulatory authority mandated to ensure safe, adequate and proper utility services at reasonable rates for New Jersey customers. Critical services regulated by NJBPU include natural gas, electricity, water, wastewater, telecommunications and cable television. The Board has general oversight and responsibility for monitoring utility service, responding to consumer complaints, and investigating utility accidents. To find out more about NJBPU, visit our website at www.nj.gov/bpu, and follow NJBPU on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.

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