Strategic partnerships drive growth
The South Jersey Technology Park is a public/private partnership that has received support from numerous organizations, including the New Jersey Economic Development Authority ($5.8 million), the Delaware River and Bay Authority ($5 million), the New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology ($1.5 million), the Rowan University Foundation ($1 million) and Samuel H. Jones ($1 million). Our partners provide continued support in a growing regional innovation ecosystem.New partners
d research, strategic collaborations, technology licenses, new venture creation and workforce development. Through these partnerships, Rowan helps organizations solve R&D challenges, launch new products and start new business ventures.
Access to capital is critical to the development of our tenant companies. Rowan has recently partnered with two venture capital firms committed to investing in the region’s innovation ecosystem.
- Garden State Venture Partners (GSVP) focuses on strengthening New Jersey’s innovation economy by attracting and retaining high-growth companies and talent. Its mission is to invest in transformative technologies while connecting universities, entrepreneurs and industry partners to drive long-term economic impact. GSVP works closely with Rowan University and serves as the management team for the Rowan Innovation Venture Fund, providing capital, strategic guidance and access to its investment network for startups founded by the Rowan community and regional entrepreneurs. It also works with Rowan’s School of Innovation & Entrepreneurship and Office of Technology Commercialization to advance university research and support innovation and economic growth statewide.
- Plug and Play is a global innovation platform and venture capital firm, connecting startups, corporations, investors and academic institutions to drive technological innovation worldwide. Founded in Silicon Valley, the firm operates accelerators and investment programs across dozens of locations and industries. Its mission is to make innovation open to anyone, anywhere by fostering collaboration and supporting early-stage companies through capital, mentorship and corporate partnerships. Plug and Play partners with Rowan University and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to operate new Strategic Innovation Centers focused on medical technology and maternal health. Through this collaboration, Plug and Play connects Rowan-based research and regional startups with investors, corporate partners and industry expertise, strengthening South Jersey’s medtech ecosystem.
Core investors
- Delaware River Bay Authority
- New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology
- New Jersey Economic Development Authority
- Rowan Foundation
- Samuel H. Jones
About Samuel H. Jones
South Jersey businessman, civic leader, and philanthropist Samuel H. Jones donated $1 million to the Rowan University Foundation, which was used to construct SJTP’s Innovation Center at Rowan University’s West Campus. Mr. Jones, a former Woodstown and Mantua Township resident, had a long relationship with the University and wanted his donation to support attracting entrepreneurs to South Jersey and educating tomorrow’s technology workforce. SJTP “is important for technology and growth in our region,” said Jones. “It will be a place for people with an entrepreneurial spirit to make things happen.”