Rowan University partners with NJEDA to launch multi-location Strategic Innovation Center

Rowan University has been named a key partner in a groundbreaking initiative led by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to establish a multi-location Strategic Innovation Center (SIC) focused on advancing medical technologies and devices.

Along with Cooper University Health Care, Plug and Play, a global innovation platform and startup accelerator, and Garden State Venture Partners, a venture capital firm formed in collaboration with Rowan, the SIC will support research, development and commercialization efforts across three initial locations: Camden, Rowan’s West Campus in Mullica Hill, and the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center in Trenton. Together, these sites will serve as a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth in South Jersey and beyond.

In Camden, the SIC will operate within the Joint Health Sciences Center and the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. On Rowan’s West Campus, it will be housed in the Virtua Health College Research Center, adjacent to the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine. The Trenton site, located at the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center now under construction, will focus on maternal health equity and perinatal innovation.

Operated by Plug and Play, the SIC will host two cohorts of at least 25 companies annually. Cooper University Health Care will serve as the anchor commercial affiliate, providing clinical expertise and engagement with participating startups.

Rowan’s role in the initiative includes leveraging its research capabilities, faculty expertise and medical education infrastructure to support early-stage companies. 

Garden State Venture Partners will provide $7 million in seed and later-stage investments to accelerate commercialization.

Pending board approval, the NJEDA will invest $9.55 million in the SIC, including $5.5 million in funding for startups that choose to grow their operations in New Jersey. At least 20 percent of participating companies will be New Jersey-based, with additional support available for out-of-state firms relocating to the region.

“Nothing like the SIC exists to draw investments of this type to New Jersey,” said Rowan President Ali A. Houshmand. “Governor Murphy’s vision helps health care innovators, entrepreneurs and investors take a giant leap forward in developing novel solutions. The SIC will add value to strong partnerships like those we have throughout the state with health care leaders as a result of our medical education and research excellence. We’re eager to see the SIC and Garden State Venture Partners attract startups that will thrive alongside Cooper, Rowan and our other partners.”