The Newark-based startup development program for pre-seed hard tech companies is one of five participating in the initiative.

The tranche of awards was announced by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority at its first board meeting of the new year on Wednesday.

University City Science Center’s Launch Lane has already helped 35 technology and digital health companies get off the ground since its founding in 2014, according to the NJEDA—four of which are based in New Jersey.

There are currently three participants in New Jersey: Cleantech Open Northeast, Morgan Stanley Multicultural Innovation Lab and now VentureWell’s Aspire Program.