NJ CSIT Catalyst R&D Voucher Pilot Program

NJ CSIT Catalyst R&D Voucher Pilot — Round 2

Supports New Jersey small companies with subsidized laboratory and equipment access.

Eligibility · United States · US-NJ

The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) Catalyst R&D Voucher Pilot Program — Round 2 provides subsidized access to advanced research equipment, facilities, makerspaces, and technician support at participating New Jersey universities, colleges, federal laboratories, and nonprofit research organizations. The program is currently open on a rolling basis with no fixed deadline. Eligible companies can apply for vouchers covering up to $40,000 in aggregate expenditures within any 12-month period, with the voucher valid for 12 months from the execution agreement date and unused amounts returned to the program budget. A one-time three-month extension is available on written request at CSIT's discretion. Applications are submitted through the NJEDA portal at application.njeda.com/csit_intro_catalyst.aspx.

Eligibility is restricted to New Jersey-based for-profit companies that meet all of the following criteria: a current New Jersey tax clearance certificate naming CSIT, between 1 and 50 full-time equivalent workers (defined as 35+ hours per week), at least 50% of cumulative worker hours located in New Jersey, and prior-year sales revenue below $5 million. Nonprofits, universities, and individuals are ineligible. Companies that have already received three vouchers across all program rounds are permanently ineligible to apply again. The program targets industries including advanced manufacturing, advanced transportation and logistics, life sciences, technology, and non-retail food and beverage.

The voucher mechanism is designed to reduce the cost barrier for small companies accessing specialized equipment they cannot afford to purchase or maintain independently. A winning strategy involves identifying a specific piece of equipment or facility at a participating institution before applying, scoping the work precisely to fit within the $40,000 annual ceiling, and confirming the host institution's availability. Contact csitvoucher@njcsit.gov for questions about participating institutions and eligible uses.