CAMDEN, N.J. — The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced Monday a partnership with Rowan University to launch a Strategic Innovation Center (SIC) with locations in Camden and Mullica Hill, aimed at accelerating development in the medical technology sector.
Operated by global accelerator Plug and Play, the SIC will support research, development, and commercialization of new medical devices and technologies. The facility is designed to anchor South Jersey’s emerging medtech ecosystem and serve as a hub for early-stage companies.
The initiative includes lab space at the Joint Health Sciences Center and the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University in Camden, as well as future expansion at Rowan’s West Campus in Mullica Hill. The SIC will also align with Rowan’s Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine and the Virtua Health College Research Center when those facilities open.
“Due to the ingenuity of its entrepreneurs and its breadth of state resources to promote startup growth, New Jersey has long been a hub for innovation in medical technology,” said Governor Phil Murphy.
Pending final board approval, NJEDA will invest $9.55 million in the project. That figure includes $5.5 million earmarked for a seed and early-stage investment fund for SIC companies and medtech startups that move to New Jersey. At least 20 percent of SIC participants must be from within the state.
Cooper University Health Care will serve as the SIC’s anchor commercial affiliate, and Garden State Venture Partners will invest in select companies within the accelerator program. NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan noted the state’s commitment to leveraging partnerships that strengthen economic competitiveness and innovation.
The SIC is expected to help retain local talent, attract out-of-state firms, and provide critical infrastructure for startups that might otherwise seek lab space elsewhere.
Rowan University, which operates three medical schools, is among the top 100 research universities in the U.S. and will supply faculty, research capabilities, and academic collaboration to support the center’s activities.
The state-backed innovation hub will advance medical technology development while positioning South Jersey as a national player in healthcare innovation.
