Rendering NARTP Building No. 2.
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority in December announced an $8.6 million investment to support the development and construction of the Aerospace Innovation Center, a Strategic Innovation Center to be located at the National Aerospace Research and Technology Park in Egg Harbor Township.
The AIC is being developed in partnership with the Atlantic County Improvement Authority. It will be the fifth innovation center in New Jersey and the first to focus on aviation.
“This investment from the NJEDA builds upon New Jersey’s reputation as a leader in cultivating an innovation economy by expanding opportunities for aerospace research in our state,” Gov. Phil Murphy said in a release. “As our fifth Strategic Innovation Center, it will drive economic growth, create jobs, and continue to attract entrepreneurs to New Jersey.”
The center 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.
“Atlantic County’s deep roots in the aerospace industry makes it a prime location for the Aerospace Innovation Center, where companies can test and further their products, while students and entrepreneurs make discoveries and create new technologies to help move the industry forward,” NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan said. “The NJEDA, under Gov. Murphy’s leadership, has developed programs and initiatives to drive innovation, create jobs, and support sustainable long-term economic growth. Strategic Innovation Centers, like the AIC, is helping unlock opportunities for innovators to pursue research, testing, and development of cutting-edge technologies.”
The AIC will be a 40,000-square-foot, two-story facility containing office and studios dedicated to research and development, innovation, and commercialization of emerging aerospace and aviation technologies. The innovation center will create hundreds of local, good-paying jobs in Atlantic County, including 130 permanent jobs and 114 construction jobs.
“The Aerospace Innovation Center is an incredible addition to the William J. Hughes FAA Technical Center and National Aerospace Research and Technology Park was made possible through the leadership of Gov. Murphy and perseverance of New Jersey Economic Development Authority CEO Tim Sullivan,” Sen. Vince Polistina (R-Atlantic) said. “Atlantic County is finally forging a path where people can be educated here, trained here, and have excellent opportunities for permanent employment in high-paying technical jobs.”
In addition to the NJEDA’s investment, the ACIA, NARTP and the Atlantic County Economic Alliance (ACEA), will contribute $10.5 million dollars in funding to construct the innovation center.
Construction for the innovation center is underway and is expected to be completed in October and fully operational by January 2026. ACIA is managing the construction of the facility and NARTP will manage the AIC’s operations.
ACIA Executive Director Timothy Edmunds said the collaboration is a “significant step forward in advancing aerospace innovation and research.”
“This $8 million investment in the Atlantic County New Jersey Aerospace Center represents a critical step forward for New Jersey’s innovation economy. By fostering research, development, and entrepreneurship within the aerospace industry, we are positioning the Garden State as a national leader in addressing the challenges of integrating advanced technologies, like drones and electric-powered flying taxis, into the National Airspace System,” said NARTP Chairman Major General Mark Loeben, USAF, retired.
Additionally, the AIC will partner with Rowan University, Rutgers University School of Engineering, Stockton University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and the National Institute of Aerospace to provide university students hands-on experience and training.
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. SICs bring together government, Industry Partners, and University Partners around a central innovation focus.
