The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has officially announced that applications will open on June 18, 2025, for a brand-new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Cohort under the New Jersey Innovation Fellows Program (NJIF) — a groundbreaking opportunity for international and local entrepreneurs aiming to turn AI-driven startup ideas into real businesses.
This announcement is part of Governor Phil Murphy’s bold vision to establish New Jersey as a national leader in artificial intelligence innovation and entrepreneurship.
What Is the NJIF AI Cohort?
The NJIF AI Cohort is a fully-funded, 24-month entrepreneurship program designed to empower early-stage startup teams working on AI-focused ventures. It provides income replacement grants up to $400,000, enabling selected teams to build their businesses full-time with the financial peace of mind and world-class mentorship support from Princeton University.
In short: No need to quit your job without a safety net — New Jersey has your back.
What’s on Offer?
- Base Grant: $200,000 for qualified AI startup teams
- Bonus Funding (up to $200,000):
- Reside in a New Jersey Opportunity Zone
- Identify as a woman or minority entrepreneur
- Graduate of a New Jersey college or university
This means your team could potentially walk away with $400,000 in total to launch and grow your AI startup.
What Kind of AI Innovations Are Eligible?
The AI cohort will support ventures working in:
- Machine Learning
- Natural Language Processing
- Autonomous Decision-Making
- Computer Vision
- Generative AI
- Data-Driven Insights
Whether you’re revolutionizing healthcare diagnostics, building smarter supply chains, or reshaping education through AI — this is your chance to make it happen with state-level backing.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applications must:
- Consist of a team of at least 3 individuals
- Be committed to launching a New Jersey-based AI-driven business.
Application Timeline
The application window for the NJEDA New Jersey Innovation Fellows AI Cohort will open on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., and will remain open until Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.