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The new facility aims to drive aviation research, create jobs, and bolster New Jersey’s growing aerospace sector.
1-10-2025 2:57pm
NJ Commits $8.6M for Atlantic County Aerospace Innovation Center
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board has approved an $8.6 million investment to support construction of the Aerospace Innovation Center (AIC) in Atlantic County. Planned as a Strategic Innovation Center (SIC) focused on aviation advancements, the AIC will be the state’s fifth SIC—and its first with a specialty in aerospace research and innovation.
“This investment from the NJEDA builds upon New Jersey’s reputation as a leader in cultivating an innovation economy by expanding opportunities for aerospace research in our state,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “As our fifth Strategic Innovation Center, it will drive economic growth, create jobs, and continue to attract entrepreneurs to New Jersey."
What, Where, and When
Located at the National Aerospace Research & Technology Park (NARTP) in Egg Harbor Township, the two-story, 40,000-square-foot 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.” Construction is already underway, with completion anticipated by October 2025 and a full operational launch set for January 2026.
Developed in partnership with the Atlantic County Improvement Authority (ACIA), this SIC is projected to create significant employment opportunities in Atlantic County. Plans call for 130 permanent jobs and 114 construction jobs, all geared toward advancing “innovation in aviation.” The facility will house offices and studios dedicated to research, development, and commercialization of emerging aerospace and aviation technologies, positioning New Jersey as a key player in a rapidly evolving industry.
“Atlantic County’s deep roots in the aerospace industry makes it a prime location for the Aerospace Innovation Center, where companies can test and further their products, while students and entrepreneurs make discoveries and create new technologies to help move the industry forward,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan.
Funding and Management
Beyond the NJEDA’s $8.6 million investment, the ACIA, NARTP, and the Atlantic County Economic Alliance (ACEA) will contribute an additional $10.5 million to construct the center. The ACIA is responsible for overseeing the building’s construction, while the NARTP will manage the AIC’s operations after completion.
In an effort to cultivate future talent, the AIC will partner with several academic institutions, including Rowan University, Rutgers University School of Engineering, Stockton University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and the National Institute of Aerospace. Students will have hands-on training and practical experience, reinforcing New Jersey’s commitment to growing a robust aerospace workforce.
“This $8 million investment in the Atlantic County New Jersey Aerospace Center represents a critical step forward for New Jersey’s innovation economy. By fostering research, development, and entrepreneurship within the aerospace industry, we are positioning the Garden State as a national leader in addressing the challenges of integrating advanced technologies, like drones and electric-powered flying taxis, into the National Airspace System,” said NARTP Chairman Major General Mark Loeben, USAF, retired.
About Strategic Innovation Centers
According to the NJEDA, SICs are facilities that support research and development, innovation, and entrepreneurship by providing mentorship, networking opportunities, training, and business support services. They can include accelerators, incubators, or specialized research centers—each bringing together government, industry, and academic partners around a central technological or economic focus.
With this latest development, Atlantic County stands to become a leading hub for aviation-related breakthroughs, attracting innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs eager to collaborate on next-generation aerospace solutions.
