New Jersey’s boosters – yes, they exist – cite a number of characteristics that make the state attractive to businesses, particularly new businesses that trade heavily on intellectual capital. Foremost among those characteristics is a highly educated workforce capable of doing the metaphorical heavy lifting of innovation and disruption. But what does that look like in practice?

Well, it looks a lot like the list of companies NJBIZ presents on these pages. These startups are making a mark on the state in a good way. They are pursuing new and better ways of doing things we all do every day. Or they are discovering things to do that most of us never thought of. Or they are perfecting methods that work better for the environment, make people healthier, or improve efficiency and productivity for businesses.

In short, the companies profiled here represent the future of the state’s economy. They may be small now, but that won’t always be the case. It is entirely likely that some of these enterprises could make other lists years from now. Fortune 500 anyone?

Many of the businesses have already received recognition in the form of venture capital investment, loans, grants or tax credits based on their work and their promise. Others may yet reap those rewards.

And, unfortunately, some may not make it. But all are led by people who dream of something better. A better way to work. A better way to help people. A better way to do business. In that, they evince the sort of ethic that NJBIZ always seeks to recognize – making the state a better place.

Keep that in mind as you read through the profiles. Think of how different the business community will be if – and when – these companies join the ranks of the largest and most iconic corporate citizens. You just might be inspired.

As always, we would welcome your feedback on the choices represented below. For readers’ convenience, the honorees are listed alphabetically.

– Jeffrey Kanige
Email: [email protected]

Methodology

These lists are compiled by the NJBIZ editorial staff based on our reporting throughout the past year with input from experts in a variety of fields and recommendations from our readers.

Meet the honorees below: