$18.5M Aerospace Innovation Center Planned For South Jersey

EGG HARBOR TWP., NJ — An $18.5 million Aerospace Innovation Center is set to be constructed at an Atlantic County technology park that will provide "state-of-the-art" aerospace research spaces and more, Gov. Phil Murphy announced Tuesday.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and the Atlantic County Improvement Authority (ACIA) have launched the Aerospace Innovation Center (AIC), a Strategic Innovation Center (SIC) located in Egg Harbor Township that will focus on the aerospace industry, Murphy said. This will be the fifth SIC in New Jersey and the first with a focus on aerospace innovation.

Located in Egg Harbor Township’s National Aerospace Research & Technology Park (NARTP), the AIC will provide state-of-the-art aerospace research spaces, high-speed connectivity to the FAA William J. Hughes Center for Advanced Aerospace data systems and laboratories, and co-working and studio spaces that are ideal for collaboration and innovation. The AIC will be the second of seven planned buildings within the aerospace innovation hub. Building One first opened in June 2019 and achieved full occupancy in January 2020.

“Since taking office, it has been my goal to ensure New Jersey is at the forefront of innovation and technology development, including aerospace engineering,” Murphy said. “As the state’s fifth Strategic Innovation Center, the Aerospace Innovation Center will give budding students and entrepreneurs access to state-of-the-art equipment and opportunities to collaborate with experts in the field. This exciting venture solidifies New Jersey as the place to be when it comes to innovation and research.”

The NJEDA and ACIA have signed a non-binding letter of intent to form a two-member limited liability company which will plan, develop, construct, and manage the innovation hub. ACIA, in partnership with the NARTP and Atlantic County Economic Alliance (ACEA), will contribute $10.5 million dollars in funding to construct the innovation center, while the NJEDA will invest $8 million. Construction for the innovation center is underway and is expected to be completed in October 2025. The Center is expected to be fully operational in January 2026. ACIA is managing the construction of the facility and NARTP will manage the AIC’s operations.

The AIC will partner with higher education institutions like Stockton University, Rowan University and Rutgers School of Engineering, plus aeronautical institutions such as Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the National Institute of Aerospace, offering aerospace students hands-on experiences to train within their field.

“I want to applaud Governor Murphy, NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan, and all the members of their staff in the Governor’s and the Economic Development Authority office for the launch of this Strategic Innovation Center right here in Atlantic County,” said Sen. Vince Polistina (LD-2). “For years, we have talked about the need to diversify our economy in Atlantic County and this initiative finally brings about opportunities in aerospace and aviation which are needed. I’m excited to continue to work with the administration on these initiatives and I look forward to the increased collaboration and the new jobs immediately being created here, in Atlantic County, following the completion of this agreement.”