NJ AI Innovation Challenge Demo Day spotlights 10 winning teams

Dawn Furnas//April 7, 2026//

Plug and Play's New Jersey AI Innovation Challenge Demo Day took place March 27, 2026, in New Brunswick. - PROVIDED BY PLUG AND PLAY

Dawn Furnas//April 7, 2026//

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The basics:

10 teams present AI solutions at NJ AI Innovation Challenge Demo Day in New Brunswick
Program supported by NJEDA; 285 applicants vie for spots in AI innovation program
NJEDA allocating up to $3.34M to help advance winning teams’ artificial intelligence solutions

Ten teams showcased their innovations during Plug and Play‘s recent New Jersey AI Innovation Challenge Demo Day.

The event brought together innovators, investors, corporate leaders, ecosystem partners and public-sector stakeholders in New Brunswick March 27.

Supported by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, the initiative is part of the state’s AI Innovation Challenge. The goal is “to accelerate the development of AI-based software solutions that advance social and public good across New Jersey,” according to Plug and Play.

NJEDA approved the program in March 2025 under former Gov. Phil Murphy’s AI Moonshot initiative.

A total of 285 groups applied for the AI Innovation Challenge. Submissions came from New Jersey startups, universities, corporations and independent teams. The 10 winners were chosen following a competitive review process. The groups will receive funding to further develop their solutions toward real-world applications.

The teams’ AI solutions span government services, clinical intelligence, diabetes care, climate resilience, student support, cybersecurity and energy forecasting, according to Plug and Play.

Next steps

Meet the winners

These 10 teams showcased their innovations at Demo Day:

AgentGov – AI-powered fraud detection for state and local government
AIntropy – universal knowledge perception platform enabling AI to understand knowledge beyond language
CardioLink – explainable clinical intelligence for cardiovascular care
DevPlus – AI-agent infrastructure management with embedded compliance
GlucoSync – real-time AI decision support for diabetes treatment
Hydronos Labs (ClimateChain-NJ) — AI digital twins for supply chain disruption risk
ilika Spatial – probabilistic AI energy demand forecasting
NJSecure – enterprise-grade cybersecurity for New Jersey community banks
Prosperi – AI counseling copilot for K–12 student support
Scholera (SkillSignal) — adaptive, predictive learning intelligence platform

The program now moves to the next phase. The participating teams will continue working toward innovation milestones for the opportunity to receive additional support.

NJEDA is allocating up to $3.34 million, administered by Plug and Play, in funding for winning teams and companies.

“Demo Day highlighted both the depth of AI talent in New Jersey and the practical quality of the solutions coming out of this program,” Plug and Play NJ Director Tyler Lange said in an April 6 statement. “These founders are building with real use cases in mind, and our role is to help accelerate that progress by connecting strong teams with the support, visibility, and ecosystem they need to move toward deployment.”

Evan Weiss, president and CEO, Newark Alliance. — Weiss

NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Evan Weiss said these teams demonstrate how AI innovations can “transform industries and contribute to New Jersey’s innovation ecosystem.”

“AI presents significant economic opportunities for New Jersey’s entrepreneurs, businesses, and residents,” Weiss added. “By supporting this emerging industry, the NJEDA is expanding access to high-quality employment opportunities and driving our economy forward.”

Major player

A global innovation platform, Plug and Play has become a major catalyst in New Jersey’s AI industry and startup economy. The Silicon Valley-based firm has also: