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The basics:

• BioNJ named foundational member of NJ Innovation Hub
• Hub located at HELIX in New Brunswick to launch in July
• Portal to manage 30K SF of lab, startup incubation space
• Partnership strengthens life sciences collaboration statewide

BioNJ is joining the New Jersey Innovation Hub, Powered by Portal, as a foundational member. The move aims to strengthen collaboration across the state’s life sciences ecosystem and accelerate the path from scientific discovery to commercialization.

NJIH is slated to launch in July at the Health & Life Science Exchange in New Brunswick. The hub is part of the broader 1.6 million-square-foot HELIX NJ innovation district designed to bring together research, industry and capital in one place.

The NJIH is a key component of HELIX’s first building. Portal Innovations will manage roughly 30,000 square feet of incubation space at H-1. That facility will provide startups access to fully equipped wet and dry labs, coworking areas, private offices, specialized equipment, as well as early-stage capital.

The initiative will also connect entrepreneurs with investors, pharmaceutical partners and research institutions such as Rutgers University, Princeton University and New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Bridging gaps

Portal focuses on helping early-stage companies scale faster within a curated ecosystem that bridges gaps along that path. The addition of BioNJ deepens that network, linking more than 400 life sciences organizations.

The life sciences trade association for New Jersey will convene industry stakeholders at HELIX to support collaboration among startups, established companies and academic partners from the space. Additionally, it will now offer direct access to the BioNJ team both in New Brunswick space as well as from its current office in Trenton.

The partnership reflects a two-way relationship. Portal also recently joined BioNJ, extending the group’s resources and programming to companies within the hub.

Strengthening NJ’s life sciences ecosystem

In a press release, BioNJ President and CEO Debbie Hart said that joining the NJIH reflects the organization’s commitment to strengthening the local life sciences ecosystem and supporting innovation.

“We are excited to collaborate with Portal Innovations and other ecosystem partners to help entrepreneurs build and scale companies in New Jersey … and ultimately bring new innovations to patients,” said Hart.

Portal CEO John Flavin described BioNJ’s participation as a meaningful endorsement of what the NJIH is building in New Jersey. “Their long-standing leadership across the life sciences community will help deepen connections between startups, industry and research institutions, and ultimately accelerate company formation in the state,” said Flavin.

The NJIH is expected to serve as a central engine for early-stage company growth within the HELIX district. The project reinforces the state’s long-standing leadership in life sciences.

It also positions it for the next wave of biotech and biopharma innovation.

Excitement continues to build as H-1 prepares to open in the coming weeks.

Ahead of NJIH’s July launch, the also effort signals a broader push to create a more connected, scalable and competitive innovation pipeline in New Jersey. One designed to translate research into real-world therapies, technologies and economic impact — right in downtown New Brunswick.