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During its December meeting, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) board approved $8.6 million in funding for the development and construction of the Aerospace Innovation Center (AIC) in Atlantic County.

Located in the National Aerospace Research & Technology Park (NARTP) in Egg Harbor Township, the AIC is a Strategic Innovation Center (SIC), which NJBIZ recently reported on. It will establish the fifth SIC in the state – and the first to focus on aviation. The SICs aim to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in differing sectors in the state. They can be accelerators, incubators or research centers.

Atlantic County Improvement Authority (ACIA) will develop the AIC in partnership with NJEDA. In addition to the funding NJEDA approved last month, the ACIA, NARTP and Atlantic County Economic Alliance (ACEA) will provide $10.5 million for construction.

Gov. Phil Murphy announced plans for the AIC in June. The state says the hub 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, co-working and studio spaces, and more.

Key features of the AIC include:

• 40,000-square-foot, two-story facility with offices and studios dedicated to
  • Research and development
  • Innovation
  • Commercialization of emerging aerospace and aviation technologies
• ACIA will manage construction of the facility, NARTP will manage the operations
• Will provide students with hands-on experience and training through partnerships with
  • Rowan University
  • Rutgers University School of Engineering
  • Stockton University
  • Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
  • National Institute of Aerospace

Construction is underway. Completion is expected in October, with the AIC fully operational next January. Officials say the innovation center will lead to hundreds of local, good-paying jobs. Beyond 114 positions during construction, that includes 130 permanent jobs, as well.

Companies grow, students discover

“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,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Strategic Innovation Centers, like the AIC, [are] helping unlock opportunities for innovators to pursue research, testing, and development of cutting-edge technologies.”

“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,” said Murphy. “As our fifth Strategic Innovation Center, it will drive economic growth, create jobs, and continue to attract entrepreneurs to New Jersey.”

ACIA Executive Director Timothy Edmunds said his organization is excited to collaborate with the NARTP, ACEA and NJEDA to launch this AIC.

“This initiative represents a significant step forward in advancing aerospace innovation and research, and it is only possible with the foresight and steadfast financial support of our Atlantic County partners whose vision laid the foundation for the success of the research park,” said Edmunds. “We’re equally appreciative of Gov. Murphy’s leadership and Sen. Vince Polistina’s dedication, both of whom have been instrumental in turning the AIC into a reality. Together, these efforts are shaping a brighter, innovation-driven future for Atlantic County and beyond.”

Polistina, R-2nd District, described the AIC as an incredible addition to the William J. Hughes FAA Technical Center and NARTP. He lauded Murphy and Sullivan for their efforts.

“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,” said Polistina.

“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, Retired Maj. Gen. Mark Loeben, U.S. Air Force.

“This $8.6 million investment is a significant step forward for our state’s burgeoning aerospace industry,” said Michael Viscount, chairman of the ACEA. He also thanked the leaders and stakeholders for turning this vision into reality.

“Together, their support underscores the commitment to positioning New Jersey as a hub for aerospace research, development, and innovation.”