About this programme
The Catalyst Seed R&D Grant Program is run by the NJEDA, through the NJ Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT), to help New Jersey-based, early-stage, innovation-based companies accelerate the development of their technologies.
It funds research and development work aimed at moving a discovery from the research stage into a commercially viable product or service. Total funding available in a round is $1,500,000.
The program targets a specific set of industries: Advanced Manufacturing, Advanced Transportation and Logistics, Film and Digital Media, Life Sciences (both therapeutic drug development and other life sciences), Non-Retail Food and Beverage, Professional and Financial Services, and Technology.
How it works
Grants go up to $150,000 for life sciences therapeutics applicants and up to $75,000 for all other applicants, out of a $1,500,000 pool per round.
Applications are only accepted through CSIT's online portal during periodic rounds; the portal is closed outside of an active round. The most recently documented round ran from Monday, December 6, 2021 at 10am to Monday, January 31, 2022 at 5pm.
Who can apply
The applicant must be authorized to do business in New Jersey and hold current tax clearance.
It needs at least one full-time equivalent employee, with at least 50% of that person's time dedicated to the funded project, and at least 50% of the work done by its employees and contractors conducted in New Jersey.
At least 50% of employees or contractors must live in New Jersey or pay NJ withholding taxes.
The company must have less than $2,000,000 in lifetime third-party funding, not counting government grants, and less than $500,000 in the previous year's sales revenue.
The applicant must show proof of concept for the proposed project.
How to apply
- Watch for CSIT to open an application round; the portal only accepts applications during these periodic windows.
- Apply through the online portal at application.njeda.com/CSIT once a round is open.
- Review the Notice of Funding Availability and attend the information session for the round's specific rules.
- Prepare a budget and milestones plan using the program's template.
Documents you’ll typically need
- Budget and milestones template (spreadsheet)
- Proof of concept documentation for the project
- Current NJ tax clearance
Frequently asked
How much can I get from the Catalyst Seed R&D Grant?
Up to $150,000 for life sciences therapeutics projects, or up to $75,000 for all other eligible projects, from a $1,500,000 pool per round.
Is the application open right now?
Applications are only accepted during periodic rounds through CSIT's online portal; the most recently documented round closed January 31, 2022, and the portal is not open outside a round.
What size company can apply?
One with less than $2,000,000 in lifetime third-party funding (excluding government grants) and less than $500,000 in the previous year's sales revenue.
Do I need to already be selling a product?
No, but you need proof of concept for the project, plus at least one full-time equivalent employee with at least half their time on the project.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.