Listen to this article

The basics:

• Johnson & Johnson secures naming rights at HELIX
• Incubator will support life sciences startups in NJ
• Portal Innovations, DEVCO partnered on the project
• New Jersey Innovation Hub set to open this spring

Johnson & Johnson has secured naming rights to the central convening space inside the New Jersey Innovation Hub at HELIX in New Brunswick. The move further ties the Hub City-based healthcare giant to one of the state’s most ambitious life sciences and startup initiatives.

The Johnson & Johnson Exchange will anchor the New Jersey Innovation Hub, a 30,000-square-foot science incubator. Portal Innovations powers the hub, developed in partnership with New Brunswick Development Corp. as part of the broader HELIX innovation district.

The incubator anticipates opening later this spring. It will offer flexible lab space, programming and access to investors and industry partners. The space will support early-stage startups in therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics and related technologies.

“My administration is committed to transforming New Jersey into the destination for startups and entrepreneurs to set up shop,” said Gov. Mikie Sherrill. “By expanding resources to support budding enterprises and investing in Strategic Innovation Centers like HELIX, we are driving life-changing breakthroughs in the health and life sciences sector and cementing our state’s reputation as a thriving innovation hub.

“I am thrilled that HELIX will host this collaboration between Johnson & Johnson, Portal Innovations, and DEVCO, which will create jobs and sustain critical economic growth within our region.”

The Johnson & Johnson Exchange

The Johnson & Johnson Exchange will host community gatherings, founder programming, investor discussions and other events. The activity aims to connect startups, academia and industry leaders within New Jersey’s growing biotech ecosystem.

“For 140 years, New Jersey has been home to Johnson & Johnson and a launchpad for healthcare innovation that changes lives around the world,” said Joaquin Duato, chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson. “The Johnson & Johnson Exchange at the New Jersey Innovation Hub reflects our belief that great ideas can come from anywhere, and that when industry, entrepreneurs, and academia come together, we can accelerate medical breakthroughs to deliver better outcomes for patients, support job creation and drive economic growth across New Jersey.”

“DEVCO is proud to partner with Portal Innovations and Johnson & Johnson on a project that aligns so closely with New Jersey’s vision for inclusive economic growth and innovation-led development,” said Chris Paladino, president of DEVCO. He said the Exchange will serve as “a cornerstone for collaboration and a catalyst for the entrepreneurial activity we aim to attract and support.”

“Johnson & Johnson’s investment in the New Jersey Innovation Hub exemplifies the kind of bold, strategic corporate leadership that fuels our state’s innovation ecosystem and drives lasting impact for New Jersey’s life sciences sector,” said Evan Weiss, CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.

He noted the NJEDA supported HELIX through an Aspire award as well as Strategic Innovation Center investment.

“This collaboration … further cements New Brunswick’s position as a premier destination for healthcare innovation—transforming scientific breakthroughs into commercial success and creating high-quality jobs for New Jerseyans.
—Evan Weiss, CEO, NJEDA

“This collaboration among Johnson & Johnson, Portal Innovations, and DEVCO further cements New Brunswick’s position as a premier destination for healthcare innovation—transforming scientific breakthroughs into commercial success and creating high-quality jobs for New Jerseyans,” he added.

‘New Jersey is the easy button’

“Johnson & Johnson is synonymous with healthcare innovation, and their presence at the New Jersey Innovation Hub sends a powerful signal to founders building in this region,” said John Flavin, founder and CEO of Portal Innovations. “This partnership reinforces our shared belief that world-class infrastructure, community, and corporate partnership are essential to unlocking the full potential of scientific entrepreneurship in New Jersey.”

As NJBIZ previously reported, leaders across New Jersey’s life sciences sector gathered in April at HELIX. The event highlighted the innovation district as well as the New Jersey Innovation Hub. During that discussion, executives emphasized the state’s ability to compete with established biotech hubs. They emphasized building better connections among research institutions, capital networks, startup ecosystem and corporate leadership.

At the event, Flavin described New Jersey’s ecosystem as unusually cohesive for entrepreneurs trying to launch companies.

“Every state isn’t like this,” Flavin said during the fireside chat. “That is organized, cohesive, and thinking about it from the perspective of how does an entrepreneur or a company hit the easy button. New Jersey is the easy button.”