The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) has awarded nearly $750,000 in Clean Tech Seed Grant funding to 10 New Jersey–based clean technology startups, reinforcing the state’s leadership in clean energy innovation, climate technology, and sustainable economic growth. The funding, totaling $748,000, is being distributed through CSIT’s Clean Tech Seed Grant Program, an initiative supported by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) and developed in partnership with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).
Designed to accelerate research and development (R&D) for early-stage clean technology companies, the program strengthens New Jersey’s startup ecosystem by helping founders move promising technologies from concept to commercialization. By providing critical seed capital at the proof-of-concept and prototyping stages, the initiative enables startups to attract private investment, scale operations, and begin generating revenue while keeping innovation rooted in New Jersey.
Accelerating Clean Energy Innovation and Emissions Reduction in New Jersey
Each funded startup is working on next-generation clean technologies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, capturing or avoiding criteria pollutants, or enabling large-scale adoption of low-carbon and energy-efficient solutions. Funding is delivered through the NJBPU Clean Energy Program, aligning the grants directly with statewide clean energy and climate priorities.
“New Jersey’s innovation ecosystem stands at the forefront of the global transformation toward a clean energy future,” said CSIT Executive Director Gunjan Doshi, noting that the Clean Tech Seed Grant Program plays a critical role in helping high-impact technologies reach the global clean technology marketplace.
Clean Tech Startups Receiving CSIT Seed Grant Funding
The selected companies represent a diverse mix of clean energy, climate tech, advanced materials, energy storage, carbon capture, and sustainable manufacturing innovations, with each startup receiving approximately $75,000 in non-dilutive funding.
Among the awardees is Andluca Technologies Inc. of Princeton, a Princeton University spin-out developing solar-powered smart glass technology to improve building energy efficiency. Arbela Laboratories of Randolph is advancing a methanol-fed Pichia biomanufacturing platform designed to lower production costs and increase scalability. Eion NJ Corporation, based in Princeton, is developing a fine-grained mineral solution that rapidly captures and stores carbon dioxide in agricultural soils, supporting climate-smart farming practices.
Also funded is Farm to Flame Energy of Kearny, which provides biomass-based electricity generation systems for underdeveloped communities, and Green Blu of Hamilton, a company working on solar thermal-powered brine separation technology for desalination, agriculture, and industrial water use. NextGen Battery Technologies, LLC of Somerset is developing a high-voltage, non-flammable solid-state electrolyte for safer lithium battery systems, while Princeton NuEnergy of Bordentown is commercializing advanced lithium-ion battery recycling technology for electric vehicles and energy storage devices.
Further awardees include RenewCO2, LLC of Cranford, which is developing an electrochemical process that converts carbon dioxide into plastic precursors and value-added chemicals, and SunRay Scientific, LLC of Eatontown, which is commercializing an advanced material adhesive for electronics and semiconductor packaging. Completing the list is WeSolar CSP Inc. of Princeton, a company designing scalable and modular Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants for utilities, governments, industrial facilities, and community micro-grids.
Inclusive Growth Across Opportunity Zones and University-Driven Innovation
Notably, 70% of the funded startups are either located within Opportunity Zone–eligible census tracts, are minority- or woman-owned businesses, or are commercializing technologies originating from New Jersey research universities. This reflects the state’s emphasis on inclusive innovation, equitable access to capital, and regional economic development.
“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is recapturing its role as a leader in innovation in a diverse, inclusive, and equitable manner,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan, highlighting the program’s role in creating high-paying clean energy and technology jobs while expanding the global footprint of New Jersey-based companies.
Strong Demand Signals Growth of New Jersey’s Clean Technology Economy
According to CSIT Executive Director Judith Sheft, the Commission received nearly two dozen applications during the inaugural funding round, underscoring both the strength of the state’s innovation ecosystem and the continued need for early-stage funding. CSIT expects to launch a second round of Clean Tech Seed Grants later in the year, with funding already approved by the NJBPU.
“The high level of interest we received is indicative of the vibrancy of New Jersey’s clean energy startup community,” Sheft said, emphasizing the value of continued collaboration with NJBPU and NJEDA in supporting very early-stage companies.
Supporting New Jersey’s Goal of 100% Clean Energy by 2050
The Clean Tech Seed Grant Program directly supports New Jersey’s Energy Master Plan, unveiled in January 2020, which outlines the state’s strategy to achieve 100% clean energy by 2050. Developed following Governor Phil Murphy’s Executive Order No. 28, the plan prioritizes reducing reliance on fossil fuels, expanding clean energy workforce training, investing in advanced R&D, and building a globally competitive clean technology economy.
“Building and strengthening New Jersey’s clean energy economy has been a priority throughout this administration,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso, noting that startups play a critical role in delivering the technologies needed to meet long-term climate and energy goals.
Legislative Support for Clean Tech Commercialization
New Jersey State Senator Robert Singer and Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker, both CSIT members, also emphasized the importance of seed capital in helping innovative startups move toward commercialization and compete internationally. Assemblyman Zwicker, who chairs the Assembly’s Science, Innovation & Technology Committee, highlighted the unique impact early funding has on scientific and technology-driven ventures.By connecting these 10 New Jersey clean technology startups with vital seed funding, the CSIT Clean Tech Seed Grant Program continues to position New Jersey as a national and global leader in clean energy innovation, climate solutions, and sustainable economic growth.
Reference Article link: https://njbmagazine.com/njb-news-now/csit-awards-nearly-750000-through-clean-tech-seed-grant-program/
