The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) has allocated over $500,000 in grants to seven startups as part of the Food and Agriculture Research & Development Pilot Seed Grant Program. This initiative is aimed at developing technologies that address food insecurity in New Jersey by increasing access to nutritious foods and alleviating food deserts.
Judith Sheft, CSIT Executive Director, stated, “CSIT continues to provide robust support to early-stage startups in New Jersey, creating an unrivaled innovation ecosystem that strengthens the state’s economic competitiveness.” She emphasized that the grant recipients are working on technologies that will advance New Jersey's food security initiatives.
Tim Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), highlighted the role of state leadership in fostering innovation. He said, “Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey’s startup companies are developing important technologies that exemplify the state’s position as a national leader in innovation.” Sullivan noted that these efforts complement NJEDA's mission to eradicate food deserts and enhance access to healthy food.
The grant program supports technological development targeting areas such as agricultural innovation and pesticide efficiency. Debbie Hart, CSIT Chair and BioNJ President and CEO, congratulated the awardees saying, “Through initiatives such as the Food and Agriculture Research & Development Pilot Seed Grant Program, CSIT is proud to play a pivotal role in supporting early-stage start-ups in New Jersey.”
Governor Murphy re-established CSIT in August 2018 to promote academic and technological research within the state. The commission includes representatives from public sectors, private sectors, and academia.
