Allison BarnetteThe New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), in partnership with Rowan University and Plug and Play, is launching a Strategic Innovation Center accelerator, focusing on early‑stage medical technology startups in Camden and Mullica Hill.
The center will operate across multiple sites at Camden’s Joint Health Sciences Center and Cooper Medical School as well as Rowan University’s West Campus in Mullica Hill. The goal is to leverage Rowan’s academic resources and Cooper University Health Care’s clinical infrastructure to help establish South Jersey as a hub for medtech innovation.
NJEDA plans to invest a initial total of $9.55 million to the initiative, including a $5.5 million seed and early‑stage fund for participating companies. A newly formed venture capital firm associated with Rowan University will provide an additional $7 million for seed and later stage investment in accelerator companies.
Plug and Play, a consortium of universities, corporations, governments, investors and startups, will manage the accelerator while running two cohorts annually with at least 25 companies in each cohort. Participating startups are expected to focus on medical technology, biotech, diagnostics or healthcare technologies. Companies in the program will gain access to funding from NJEDA and GSVP, dedicated lab space and relationships with academic and clinical experts. Additionally, there will be opportunities for investors or service providers to become part of the stream of partners for young companies.
The program is subject to approval by the NJEDA Board. If approved, head count planning and space readiness will begin. State officials anticipate the first cohort could start in late 2026.
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