About this programme
The Clean Tech Research & Development Seed Grant Program is a collaboration between the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), run through the NJ Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology. It funds early-stage New Jersey clean tech companies working to move a technology from applied research toward a commercially viable product.
Eligible sectors are Chemicals and Advanced Materials, Energy Distribution and Storage, Energy Efficiency, Energy Generation, Green Buildings, Transportation, Waste Processing, and Water and Agriculture. The technology must reduce greenhouse gas emissions or capture pollutants.
Money for the grants comes from NJBPU's Clean Energy Program. This is Round 3 of the program, and each round draws from a separate funding pool and application window.
How it works
Awards go up to $75,000 per applicant, drawn from a $1,500,000 pool for this round.
Applicants must show a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 2 (applied research) and 7 (full-scale prototypical system in a relevant environment), using the Department of Energy's TRL definitions.
Who can apply
The company must be authorized to do business in New Jersey and hold a current tax clearance certificate.
50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees at the time of application, with a minimum of one full-time worker, and at least 50% of cumulative worker hours performed in New Jersey.
Prior-year sales revenue of $5,000,000 or less, excluding grant income.
One application per entity. A company already holding two or more active CSIT Seed or Demonstration Grants is not eligible.
How to apply
- Watch the informational webinar (recorded December 7, 2023) covering the program.
- Use the Technology Readiness Level Calculator to confirm your TRL falls in the 2-7 range.
- Review the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) and the sample application.
- Obtain a current NJ tax clearance certificate, following the Tax Clearance Certificate Instructions.
- Complete the milestones and budget template and submit the application through the NJEDA portal during an open round.
Documents you’ll typically need
- Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)
- Milestones and budget template (Excel)
- Technology Readiness Level Calculator (Excel)
- Tax Clearance Certificate Instructions (PDF)
- Sample application (PDF)
Frequently asked
Is the application open right now?
No. The Round 3 application portal is closed and is not currently accepting applications.
How much can my company receive?
Up to $75,000 per applicant, from a total round pool of $1,500,000.
What Technology Readiness Level do I need?
Your technology needs to fall between TRL 2 (applied research) and TRL 7 (full-scale prototypical system in a relevant environment), per the Department of Energy's scale.
Can I apply if I'm already getting NJEDA grant money?
Not if you already hold two or more active CSIT Seed or Demonstration Grants. Also, only one application per entity is allowed.
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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.