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NJBIZ has exclusively learned the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and the Coriell Institute for Medical Research are bringing the Garden State’s latest Strategic Innovation Center (SIC) to Camden.

NJBIZ has reported extensively on the Murphy administration’s SIC initiative, aimed at supporting research and development, innovation and entrepreneurship.

This news comes on the heels of an SIC announced last week between the NJEDA and Nokia Bell Labs slated for the HELIX in New Brunswick. The Lewis L. Coriell Medical Research Center – near the headquarters of The Campbell’s Co. and Subaru of America – will house the new Camden SIC.

Officials say the innovation center will leverage the world-class assets available at Coriell, such as its international reputation in biobanking and cutting-edge biomedical research, to support innovative startup companies.

Coriell is a leader in biomedical innovation. It is also home to some of the most famous biobank repositories, including the National Institutes of Health premier collections representing thousands of human diseases.

Key details about the facility and the effort include:

• Will encompass approximately 45,000 square feet at the Lewis L. Coriell Medical Research Center – fully equipped with state-of-the-art incubator and laboratory spaces for emerging biotech companies
• Pending board approval, the NJEDA intends to invest $20 million to support the NJ Biomedical SIC
• Coriell Institute will invest more than $21 million to construct the innovation center
• Will host emerging biotech companies with a focus on cancer research, epigenetics, stem cells and drug development
• Will also cooperate with Rutgers University, Rowan University and other higher education institutions in the Garden State to promote academic collaboration
• Projected to create more than 100 new jobs, while also establishing Camden as a leader in life sciences innovation

‘A pivotal hub’

“Through the NJEDA’s Strategic Innovation Center initiative, Camden will serve as a pivotal hub for cutting edge biomedical research, advancing lifesaving technologies in cancer treatment, stem cell applications, epigenetics, and drug development,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “By partnering with leading corporations and academic institutions, the NJ Biomedical Strategic Innovation Center will leverage the state’s brightest minds to create companies of the future, generating high-quality jobs – and growing New Jersey’s economy.”

“Coriell is thrilled to partner with Gov. [Phil] Murphy and the NJEDA to expand the life sciences ecosystem in southern New Jersey,” said Dr. Jean Pierre-Issa, president and CEO of the Coriell Institute. “Boasting attractive advantages including the opportunity to collaborate with Coriell Institute’s world-class scientist, having immediate access to Coriell’s world renowned biobanks, and operating in a more affordable locale, will make the CoLabs incubators a highly desirable destination for emerging biotech companies.”

The announcement marks more momentum in Camden – following last month’s groundbreaking for the $3 billion Cooper Health expansion project.

And on the heels of the New Brunswick SIC and other recent ones, the news reflects the Murphy administration’s continued push in the innovation space.

“Since taking office, my Administration has been laser-focused on advancing New Jersey’s innovation economy through targeted investments in our most crucial industries and sectors,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “The NJ Biomedical Strategic Innovation Center is set to redefine biomedical research and development by uniting private companies, premier academic institutions, and leading entrepreneurs to pave the way for groundbreaking biomedical technologies, further cementing New Jersey’s legacy of leadership in innovation and life sciences.”

Sullivan added, “Under Gov. Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has made historic investments in its innovation ecosystem, empowering entrepreneurs with the resources they need to thrive, further solidifying the state’s position as a global leader in innovation.”

More reaction from around NJ

Sen. Nilsa Cruz-Perez and Assemblymembers William Moen and William Spearman – all Democrats representing the 5^th District – shared a joint statement about the new SIC.

“The creation of the Strategic Innovation Center is a monumental step in strengthening Camden City’s position as a center for innovation in life sciences,” the legislators said. “With the partnership between the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and the world renowned Coriell Institute of Medical Research, we are not only driving cutting-edge biomedical research but also fostering an environment where groundbreaking discovery and progress can thrive. This center will play a critical role in advancing healthcare solutions while solidifying Camden as a leading force in the global life sciences market.”

“Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation—it thrives in places where ideas collide, where mentorship meets ambition, and where the next generation of pioneers has the tools to turn bold ideas into reality,” said Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald, D-6th District. “Through this historic collaboration between the NJEDA and Camden, we are not just investing in a facility—we are investing in the future of this city as a powerhouse for biomedical discovery and economic growth. The future is being built right here in Camden, and I’m proud to be part of it.”

“The formation of the NJ Biomedical Strategic Innovation Center in Camden marks a transformative step in our commitment to fostering scientific advancement and economic growth in South Jersey,” added Assemblywoman Melinda Kane, D-6th District. “Thanks to the partnership between NJEDA and Coriell Institute, New Jersey remains at the forefront of life sciences and technology, driving innovation in cancer treatment, stem cell applications, and drug development.”

Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen noted the new facility “will result in the creation of over 100 new jobs, the creation of a new state of the art facility, and retention of the world’s best scientists.”

“I commend Gov. Murphy and NJEDA for working with the leadership of Coriell Institute for Medical Research on this exciting expansion,” Carstarphen added. “Camden is the proud home to the growing Eds and Med’s community. Coriell is a longtime partner here in Camden and we are pleased to build upon that relationship to ensure Camden leads the way in life sciences innovation.”

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 10:13 a.m. ET Feb. 24, 2025, to include a statement from Gov. Phil Murphy. It was later updated at 6:36 p.m. ET to include further reaction from additional elected officials.