About this programme
NJII Venture Studio is a startup launch initiative that converts breakthrough innovations into new companies. It is backed by an $11.6 million fund and based at the Profeta Center in Newark, run as a joint initiative between the New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII) and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).
NJII is a 501(c)(3) organization owned by the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), with about 120 staff. The Venture Studio's job is to commercialize intellectual property from universities, corporations, and independent researchers in AI/ML, human health, and advanced manufacturing, building 2 to 3 ventures a year from a pipeline of more than 100 ideas.
Rather than investing in companies that already exist, the Studio describes itself as creating its own high-growth companies as vehicles for NJIT assets. That model grew out of a decade of NJII's experience in new venture investment and acceleration. Viraj Mane, PhD, a nine-time patent holder and co-founder and former Chief Scientific Officer of the biotech company Lactiga, directs the Venture Studio. A Fellow, Danna Sanchez Hernandez, an NJIT PhD student, supports technical evaluation and venture development.
How it works
NJII invests up to $1 million per venture and forms a new C-Corp for each company it builds.
Ventures get an 18-month build phase of support after incorporation.
The process runs in six steps: source ideas from universities, corporations, and inventors; engage corporate partners as co-builders and customers; run business planning and market validation; incorporate and fund the company; place an experienced operator as founding CEO; and provide back-office infrastructure and hands-on support.
Selection looks at whether the venture has real IP, fits NJII's focus areas, has a corporate partner to help de-risk it, and can reach a major milestone within 18 months.
Alongside the Studio, NJII runs Acceleration Services for other entrepreneurship-track companies: a structured framework of mentorship, resources, and networking that surrounds founders with seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, and technical advisors.
Who can apply
You need valid intellectual property, or a pre-incorporation idea, in AI/ML, human health, or advanced manufacturing.
A New Jersey base is preferred, and the venture needs a clear path to commercialization.
How to apply
- Fill out the online submission form on the NJII Venture Studio page, choosing a path (new venture or joint venture).
- Provide contact information and a LinkedIn profile.
- Describe the technology and its development stage, IP status and patent details, target industry, funding history, strategic partnerships, and any regulatory requirements.
- Include a 3-5 sentence layperson description of the technology (the pitch) and a link to supporting materials such as a deck, demo, or one-pager.
- NJII reviews submissions and reaches out if it is a good fit.
Documents you’ll typically need
- 3-5 sentence layperson technology pitch
- Supporting materials (pitch deck, demo, or one-pager)
Frequently asked
How much does NJII Venture Studio invest per company?
Up to $1 million per venture, from an $11.6 million fund.
What kind of IP does NJII look for?
IP from universities, corporations, or independent researchers, in AI/ML, human health, or advanced manufacturing, with a credible path to a major milestone within 18 months.
Do I need an existing company to apply?
No. The Studio can start from a pre-incorporation idea and forms a new C-Corp as part of building the venture.
How many companies does the Studio build each year?
2 to 3 ventures a year, selected from a pipeline of more than 100 ideas.
Who runs the Venture Studio day to day?
Viraj Mane, PhD, directs it, with support from Fellow Danna Sanchez Hernandez, an NJIT PhD student, on technical evaluation and venture development.
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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.